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"For every charter school that has opened in New York in the past decade, a parochial school has closed, Lackman states in the report that will be published next month in the Albany Law Review." I find charter schools particularly interesting from a political perspective. There's been a lot of research on charter schools. Here's an article about one more study.

Page 3 of this article has a great summary of the challenges school systems of facing in terms of integrating technology into schools. (FYI-you may have to create a free account on eClassroom News to read the full article)

"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

This article brings light to a new push for online textbooks. It highlights some challenges such as limited bandwidth and cost effectiveness, but explains how other districts have implemented them with success. It really is relevant to my school system now as we are looking to adopt a new science book this year. Talks of pursuing online textbooks are frequent at our meetings. I am still looking for an article that can provide some substantial data to show the effectiveness of one over the other however I think the idea is still so fresh that what is out there is minimal.

This is an interesting perpective on Ebooks from a school library point of view. I particularly was interested in the statement "students having devices does not necessarily mean students using them well". Another indication of the importance of professional development for faculty and administrators. 

KATHLEEN P. FULTON (kathleenpfulton{at}gmail.com ) is an independent consultant in Tacoma Park, Md., and is recently retired as director of Reinventing Schools for the 21st Century for the National Commission on Teaching and America's Future. Abstract A small school in southern Minnesota, strapped for funds and needing new math books and a fresh curriculum, flipped its classrooms and raised achievement and student engagement.

A new report shows that 17 percent-or 5.8 million-of all Americans between the ages of 16 and 24 are neither working nor in school. The report, "One in Seven: Ranking Youth Disconnection in the 25 Largest Metro Areas," was released this week by Measure of America, an initiative of the Social Science Research Council.

KIPP Empower embraces blended learning to pursue its mission in tough budget times The original blueprint for the KIPP Empower Academy read something like this: five teachers per grade; 100 students per grade; very few classroom computers.

Mostly sharing this to test if Diigo is working again... That said, any article that cites the Hart & Risley study is worth sharing...

"Matthews cited three studies, none of which shows the relationship he alleges, or purports to."

Does this Mathews character carry any weight. It seems he is more interested in self promotion and recognition as an educational reformist than actually improving our schools. I hope I'm in the "ballpark" with other educators' reactions/ point of view. It's is frustrating when folks mislead the public about policies that are meant to support teachers. Granted not all policies are flawless, but they often seem to be the ones getting attacked the most.

Tyler, Matthews writes for The Washington Post. That give him a huge audience and, therefore, immense power to persuade. And, as you know, with great power comes great responsibility. So, yeah...