Charter schools and the attack on public education

According to U.S. Census data, well over $800 billion is spent on education, public and private, at all levels in the United States each year.20 This makes it roughly the same size as the U.S. trade deficit with China. The private sector wants to get its hands on this money. Along with politicians, it is determined to break the power of the teachers’ unions and to attack one of the last bastions of decently paid American workers. The budget problems resulting from the current recession will provide them cover in doing this.

Educational Reformers Celebrate “The Bell Curve”

It is interesting to note, therefore, that the so-called “educational reformers” who have the most direct influence over schools and school systems which serve minority children, really seem to like the American Enterprise Institute:

Michelle Rhee, Chancellor of DC Public Schools, a system which serves mostly minority children, has been a frequent speaker at AEI.

Courtesy of NPR

**see Xan's post below:

From this morning's NPR's Weekend Edition - Saturday:

Donald Hall was named the United States' 14th poet laureate Wednesday, but he's not the only game in town. Later this month, James Monroe High School in the Bronx will honor its first ever poet laureate, Tiffany Otero.

The laureateship was made possible by alumni Peter Levitt, who graduated from James Monroe in 1964 and wants to encourage kids in his old neighborhood.

You need to listen to Tiffany read her own poems and you need to read her poetry online at NPR.

Why need?

She speaks volumes about public education, the democratic nature of talent, and the value of arts education.

Below the fold you'll find a little marvel, as yet untitled.