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Q & A with Diane Ravitch
Written by Nancy Mitchell on May 1st, 2010. | Copyright © EdNewsColorado.org
I hope the senator and others had the sense to truly listen to the wisdom and not just defend positions. There is certainly some good in the proposed law and some good in the strong statements in opposition to it. Some advice to our governor and the lawmakers is to stop for a moment and listen to a few others, as well. Listen. Listen to our teachers and principals who have concern, who actually do the work, and might be able to help you come up with an even better idea of what needs to be done. We need change, true. Let’s make it change based on wise and informed decisions.
First, I am not a teacher. My roots are corporate America. After having read Dr. Ravitch’s most recent book and listening to these clips you provided (Thank you for that!), I’ve concluded a few things.
Dr, Ravitch earned the right to be heard-not just with 40+yrs experience in researching education but in first hand experience investigating educational policies as former Ass’t Secretary of Education and as Appointee to the National Governing Board. It never seeks to amaze me that if Joe the Plumber has an opinion on education, then an article should lend as much credence to his off the cuff opinion than to someone who possesses the expertise, credentials and dedicated their life to the topic. (Note: I am not comparing Sen Johnston with Joe the Plumber by any means. I realize he has a very brief time in education at a charter school where children are selected to attend.)
Next, Dr. Ravitch bases her opinion on facts and evidence gathered over the last decade. NCLB failed our children and our states and nation. Now, Duncan’s plan merely accelerates the demise. Yes, the words she used (‘ruination’) were not to be scoffed at as this reporter seemed to do.
No evidence was presented by Senator Johnston. Rather, I heard corporate vision and political doublespeak . He attempted to draw similarities in concepts between Dr. Ravitch and his Bill. Yet I did not hear specifics with regards to the actual legislation which I am familiar with. (eg, ‘This bill is like Diane’s book.” Or, “We cannot accept mediocrity.” I don’t recall reading Dr. Ravitch being a strong proponent of mediocrity nor of punitive legislation.)
No concrete information was provided as to specifically how this Bill will impact Colorado’s teachers, how many schools will close, teachers laid off, economic hits, or how it will affect Colorado’s taxes.
This audience was not treated to a financial analysis of what these measures will cost taxpayers while jockeying for RTTT funds which will vanish in 2-3 years–then what? How is this micromanaged mega structure of assessments, evaluations, salaries tied to tests then paid for? How will Colorado sustain the program? How will Colorado afford to pay now for all the assessments which must be written?
Who will educate the children that this Bill abandons? Those who are not yet proficient in English, autistic children, poverty stricken children, disabled or differently abled children? Teachers cannot afford to take that chance and teach in areas where the population is replete with hard to teach children. And, they won’t.
After discussing Dr. Ravitch’s book with many of my corporate friends and parents around the country, I conclude we all need to get on those railroad tracks and stand with Diane Ravitch.
Majority rules in this country and if that majority is not well educated, our entire nation suffers. Teaching to a Reading test and a Math test replete with bubble filled answers is not education.
Duncan’s plan must be revamped or it will destroy public education.
In eight minutes and thirty-four seconds, Michael Johnston said absolutely nothing that supported the major premise of his bill, SB 191, that fifty percent of a teacher’s evaluation should be based on student test scores. He simply repeated cliches and platitudes most educators share. Mr. Johnston would be well advised to seek the counsel of State Reps. Mike Merrifield and Judy Solano for sound, progressive ideas on teacher evaluation. Abandon the tradition of scapegoating teachers for the problems that plague our nation’s schools and, for once, scientifically examine the state’s educational infrastructure.