Message Board
Post any thoughts you have on public education, education reform, the President's education policies, or what you would like to see change in education.
Tiffany
July 25, 2010 2:44 PM
I totally agree w/ u Kate- when I watched the preview 4 this movie I was horrified. I work @ an NYC pub school that shares a building w/ a charter school. I know 4 a fact that parents are dying to get their kids into these schools that are no better than any reg public school. Yes, there are a select FEW excellent charter schools but there are excellent pub schools too- and they get no mention.
RDE
August 10, 2010 1:02 PM
Thank you Kate! I wonder if the people who made this work for the Waltons, the Broads, the Gates, the Friedmans, who seem to be the only ones finding success with privatized-based "reform". Educators on the other hand, have found the opposite, but lack the money by comparison to let people know the truth. I cited some sources about performance and exorbitant CEO salaries in another post.
DA
June 28, 2010 3:54 PM
Great interview on C-span. The director is super however, she was asked about Obama's view on charter schools. I urge her to look at what he did in Washington DC. where he sided with the union and limited the choices of parents in the public school system, denying choice for many families. It was very sad that he put politics of his union friends over the education of (mostly minority) children.
Teri
June 28, 2010 6:12 PM
I agree the director was wonderful! And, she should, we all should WATCH President Obama's moves on Charter schools. While campaigning, he promised to bring ALL charters into the unions.
June 28, 2010 3:04 PM
Excellent interview and I believe movie too. I feel I learned something new about how public schools need to be shaken up in order to grow. So teachers are being paid thousands and thousands of dollars....most people today aren't really being paid top dollar either it is just a fact of the day. It seems like the concern should be about educating and not getting rich.
Great film!
Great film!
Charles
June 28, 2010 2:31 PM
Terrific interview on C-SPAN. I commend Madeleine Sackler on her documentary, and for her ability to handle difficult questions with grace and intelligence.
bhughes
June 28, 2010 12:24 PM
I watched the extensive interview on CNN last night. I have to admit that I was aware of the issue, but wanted to comment on how impressed I was with the director. I compliment you on your commitment and professionalism. With so much 'trash'tv out there, you were a breath of fresh air. thanks for making great films. I hope to see it.
David
June 28, 2010 2:06 AM
I suggest reading Diane Ravitch. She helped pioneer the ideas of choice and accountability. Now, after looking at some of the results, she has changed her opinion. She is the most highly respected educational historian working today. She is risking her lifelong career by admiting her mistakes in education reform. Read recent articles written by her...
BH
June 28, 2010 3:34 AM
Diane Ravitch changed her opinion about alternative schools, but has not changed her mind about reforming the system to have a broad / content rich curriculum rather than the "child centered" weak curriculum, low expectations programs in our public schools today. Most charter schools today use the same failed programs as the public schools...the reason for similar results. Change the program.
David
June 28, 2010 10:27 AM
Exactly. Only her opinions on choice and accountability changed. The curriculum needs to change. There are no quick fixes in education. Everyone want to find the "microwave oven/cell phones" of learning. There just isn't any...
mr w
June 28, 2010 1:35 AM
Charters will destroy education as profession, which is it's goal. Without unions teachers will not be paid over $ 40,000 per year and will have no protection to think differently than the principal. No freedom of thought! Teachers will become low paid workers that are constantly replaced with entry level teachers. Lets pay out profits to owners of charters, with public money! Big mistake!!!!
Charles
June 28, 2010 2:21 PM
I've seen it from every angle: student, teacher, administrator, college professor. Unions are not about instructional "free thinking" or innovation, they are about money, period. They have lost credibility because they support the weakest links in the chain: those teachers who never should have been hired, and who cannot now be easily fired.
Charles
June 28, 2010 2:26 PM
If we want to change things, we must have more stringent educational requirements for teachers; greater supervision, and removal of substandard teachers; and, salaries commensurate with training and performance. I believe there should be tenure, possibly after eight years, but with periodic review of competence thereafter and the possibility of removal. We also need professional school boards.
Teri
June 28, 2010 6:06 PM
Mr. W-
In my state and in the interview the director clearly stated that charters are public schools owned by the state! At my child's charter school, several teachers are paid above $40K-based on performance. Free from unions, charters can fire the weak and compensate the competent. If you are concerned about freedom of thought-I'd suggest you try some. You are reciting nonsense.
In my state and in the interview the director clearly stated that charters are public schools owned by the state! At my child's charter school, several teachers are paid above $40K-based on performance. Free from unions, charters can fire the weak and compensate the competent. If you are concerned about freedom of thought-I'd suggest you try some. You are reciting nonsense.
David
July 12, 2010 3:03 AM
I disagreed with you. There are many good teachers in charter schools and many of them are from public schools. We have to set side our emotions and take a hard look at what went wrong with our education in America. I am a public school teacher and never taught in charter school. However, I support reform; something must change in schools to make it better for all kids.
