Michelle Rhee's group gets to brag that Howard Dean, Elizabeth Warren are on their side.

[madfloridian]

Now that really hurts in my gut.

Elizabeth Warren, Howard Dean, and the progressive case for Education Reform.

There is even a video of Dean speaking out for charters school and denigrating public schools without considering all the in-depth causes for problems.

During a recent event at Castleton State College, Governor Dean described visiting a struggling high school in New Orleans where his son, a Teach for America Corps Member, taught. Dean was appalled by the poor education that many of the students were receiving, and realized that we need to do whatever was necessary to improve outcomes for those kids. And great public charter schools, he explained, should be part of the solution.

Opponents of education reform frequently try to frame the issue as part of Republican ideology. It’s a convenient political maneuver, for sure.

But it’s not true. Reforming the structures that systematically deny poor kids a quality education is—and ought to be—a bipartisan priority.

Unsurprisingly, many progressive Democrats—headlined by President Barack Obama and Senator Cory Booker—have joined GOP leaders like Governors Bill Haslam and Jeb Bush as outspoken education reformers. And based on recent statements, you can add Senator Elizabeth Warren and Governor Howard Dean to that list.


Her solution? Instead of a ZIP code-based system that exacerbates inequality, students should receive vouchers to attend a public school of their choice. This would give all kids—regardless of where they live—a shot at a great education. And while that would be a radical change, we shouldn’t hold back:

“An all-voucher system would be a shock to the educational system, but the shakeout might be just what the system needs.”

A shock? Oh yeah, a really big shock. Huge amounts of money and resources taken away from public education in one big move. A big shock indeed.

Public schools are for everyone. Charter schools are not. They need high test scores, so don't produce....you're out.

[djean111]

1. This seems to promote PUBLIC schools?

"Her solution? Instead of a ZIP code-based system that exacerbates inequality, students should receive vouchers to attend a public school of their choice."

[madfloridian]

8. Ravitch was concerned, went to visit Warren.

http://dianeravitch.net/2014/04/16/elizabeth-warren-and-i/

I have recently read that Senator Elizabeth Warren is a supporter of school vouchers. This made people who despise public schools, like certain hedge fund managers, tingle with joy. At last, a progressive who is as contemptuous of public education as they are! At last, someone who will support their efforts to dismantle our nation’s precious democratic institution whose doors are open to all.

About a month ago, I visited Senator Warren in her office in Washington, and she said without reservation that this was untrue.

She told me that she was, like me, a graduate of public schools. Without public education, she said, she would not be where she is today.

I gave her a copy of “Reign of Error,” which she promised to read.

She says she "hopes to hear from her again. More on this when I do. " Keeping tabs, good.

I am looking up more about it. Also I hear Al Franken is with the reformers now. So researching that as well.

[octoberlib]

2. What in the hell are " public "charter schools?

By calling them public are they trying to deflect attention from the fact that they're corporate owned? This is disturbing.

[madfloridian]

4. Many charters have declared themselves "private" to avoid regulation.

Public schools are accountable, charter schools usually make their own rules.

There are public charters run by school systems, but the corporations that run charter schools have taken advantage of the system. They get public money, but they don't have to answer to local people.

[Starry Messenger]

3. k&r

[Smarmie Doofus]

5. Dr. Dean is notoriously quick w. his judgments....

... and his analysis... such as it is ( he was in a NOLA classroom for "two minutes"; Oy. )....kind of smells of this.

It's hard to believe ( correct me if I'm wrong) that he's had any personal experience w. public education. ( I dunno... I just get that vibe.)

Profoundly superficial stuff. Boilerplate, really.

Warren, otoh , ( actually from a working class,public school background) has at least an interesting idea:

>>>Warren has challenged the myth that the traditional public school system is truly “public.” In fact, as she has pointed out, real estate prices in neighborhoods with great schools exclude poor families from a quality education:

"Schools in middle-class neighborhoods may be labeled 'public,' but parents have paid for tuition by purchasing a $175,000 home within a carefully selected school district."

Her solution? Instead of a ZIP code-based system that exacerbates inequality, students should receive vouchers to attend a public school of their choice. This would give all kids—regardless of where they live—a shot at a great education. And while that would be a radical change, we shouldn’t hold back:

“An all-voucher system would be a shock to the educational system, but the shakeout might be just what the system needs.”>>>


But wouldn't everyone want to go to the same schools? Do we put all the NYC area schools in Scarsdale? I don't see how it would work.

Usually she doesn't open her mouth unless she knows what she's talking about. In any case, it's good to have her in on the discussion.

[dwilso40641]

6. To shock the system

All that is needed is to properly fund them. But how could the Vultures make money off of it if it's not privatized.

[sabrina 1]

7. Shame on Dean for this, and on Warren also if she is supporting it.

So used to being disappointed now in our so-called representatives, nothing surprises me anymore.

Thanks for keeping us informed on who we and cannot trust regarding this major issues, MF.