Carney's Commentary

Straight A’s (Alliance for Excellent Education, www.all4ed.org Vol.5, No.2, Jan.31)
In this issue: State of the State speeches from Governors of Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Massachusetts, Mississippi, North Dakota, Oregon, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. The key component in their speeches: “High school reform and college preparation.”

Susan Frost, former President of the Alliance for Excellent Education has started a new ed policy and advocacy consulting firm and may be reached at Education Priorities, 800 25th St., NW Suite 1004, Washington, DC (frost@edpriorities.net)

Phi Delta Kappan – February 2005 (Vol.86, No.6)
Issue’s themes: Does Research Based Mean Value Neutral? A special section on Reading Research and A Learner’s Bill of Rights.

p.424, Does ‘Research Based’ Mean ‘Value Neutral’? David Ferrero of the Gates Foundation urges us to distinguish the normative from the empirical if we truly want to improve schooling for children. He further urges us to acknowledge our beliefs as the first step toward fulfilling our broader objectives for schooling in a democratic society. He states that there are three categories of attendees in workshops: acolytes, those who may go through the motions, and the resistors!

p.433, What Can You Say When Research and Policy Collide? Andrew R. Brulle is unhappy with the direction U.S. education is taking and encourages others to join him in speaking out against NCLB. Wheaton College history is shared. The reason for his article is that he believes that “scientifically based education policy is the newest oxymoron to enter the lexicon.” Political policies masquerade as sincere efforts for the benefit of children. However, he does offer suggestions in four areas.

p.444, Is In-School Free reading Good for Children? Why the National Reading Panel Report Is (Still) Wrong. Stephen Krashen revisits his criticisms of the National Reading Panel report. This is a they said/I really said article. Conclusion: Free reading in school is a very good idea. (Next article, rebuttal continues)