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"the tension between ideology and evidence in the education reform debate." This tension really lies at the heart of what we'll be discussing in the coming weeks. 

Ahhh, social justice material; technology topics are dandy, but now that is the stuff. It is interesting that the article begins with a comment that the ideology is more effective then the evidence-based position. In line with Ch. 1 of Willingham's text I would say. I was always a "pull yourself up by the boot straps" kind of thinker until I really thought about it. While I am focusing on the education aspect of change and believe that every child can learn and that effective teachers make that happen, I have also seen the evidence that there are wider factors at play in poverty and ignoring them won't change the data or the wealth disparities. As educators who are dug-in and close to the issues sometimes there is a fine line between ignoring that data, being aware of it as we form decisions or using it as excuses. I can appreciate that the ideology side doesn't want to waiver from their noble stance because they don't want to make any excuses; maybe that is why the author calls it more effective, because of the emotion attached. Is it really a problem to have such a positive, unrelenting drive toward success within that specific context of change? I mean if you are a teacher in a rural, 98% free and reduced lunch school while you might not have the skills to bring healthcare to that community you sure as heck can lead your class. I often think what the outcome would be if everyone were crazy in a way they are able to suspend what the see around them to create a new reality so the negativity cannot seep in. The survey research that is cited got me to think maybe it isn't crazy but rather logically suspending our notions for the facts and then addressing them. I think there is a place for both sides I just wish the evidence would be acknowledged so those who are passionate about other aspects can get to work. It is a network with many cogs that will cause change but if the perceptions cannot be influenced by the data then even the best teacher or commun