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We all write from the perspective of what we know. Too many supporters of NCLB-type accountabilty took their 90s versions of data-driven accountability and applied it to education, a field that they barely knew. Worse, they look at "best practices" that work for effective schools, but unfortunately they rarely considered the toughest schools. To improve the toughest schools, we must focus on the problems of the toughest schools and design policies for them.

I know that NCLB or Rhee or Klein have done good things in some places. But I have no personal expereinces with their successes. I see the harm done by the unintended effects of their approach. Perhaps data-informed accountablity, which I support, would not be enough to get the attention of D.C. I wouldn't stick my nose into Rhee's business if she wasn't trying to influence instruction outside of D.C.

I'd never take the immodest approach of forcing teachers who teach to the test to change to my approach. (after all, there are all types of tests including IB and AP). But they shouldn't be so "cocksure" as to stick their nose into my classroom.

Thanks for the comment, John.

It is definitely dangerous to be too prescriptive. Petrilli and Hess just wrote an article arguing that the Obama administration risks repeating all the missteps of the Bush administration. Prescribing very specific reforms on a super-fast timetable, giving them insufficient time to work well, and then inviting serious backlash. This might not be the best prescription for reform.

On the other hand, the Department and schools are under substantial pressure to show results fairly quickly. There seems to be real concern that, without prescriptions or detail, districts and schools will not do much to change their work.

No problem--

Here it is: http://www.edexcellence.net/gadfly/index.cfm?issue=508&edition=N#a5372

Demanding humility is definitely what is needed. Everyone wants to be the person who "saved the public school system." Yet, there are those like you who really do care and should be taken more seriously. Casino en ligne

Thanks for your kind note, Felix.

I believe pretty much everybody in education really does care, even if they lack humility or overstate their confidence in reform strategies that still require development. We need passion and courage to move forward decisively and humility to keep us honest about what's required for success.

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