Mike Matthews, the president of Delaware’s teachers union (DSEA), resigned this week after racist and sexist comments he made on his defunct blog —Down With Absolutes— were revealed by WHYY. After the story broke, the teachers union moved quickly to convene an executive meeting and Matthews resigned from his role as chief advocate for Delaware’s … Continue reading Why Delaware’s Teachers Union President’s Resignation is Not Enough
What we don’t talk about on Labor Day
While we're thanking unions for our present working conditions and rights on Labor Day let's also think about the savagely stolen labor that fueled prosperity, privilege, and position in America. Let's think about how slavery, peonage, sharecropping, and convict leasing gave some Americans wealth and advantage to pass down that is now passed off as … Continue reading What we don’t talk about on Labor Day
Want to make an impact? Do the little things.
In my Sunday School class at church yesterday morning we discussed the verse: "If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won't be honest with greater responsibilities" (Luke 16:10). In August every year, I always reflect about how TeenSHARP (www.teensharp.org) … Continue reading Want to make an impact? Do the little things.
I tried to follow the money in Delaware education—this is what happened
A few months ago, I set out to answer a few questions that should have been simple: how much money do Delaware’s lowest-performing schools get from the state and federal governments, and how do they use their resources to ensure their students' success? Instead, my attempt to follow the money—$1.4 billion altogether—took me down a … Continue reading I tried to follow the money in Delaware education—this is what happened
Are there #OptionsinDE for young professionals?
By Atnre Alleyne, Michael Dejos, Aiste Foreman, Faith Meisinger-Petit, Kate Rudolph, David Skoranski, and Stephenie Tatman Delaware leaders recently submitted their pitch to attract Amazon’s new headquarters. While the details of the 103-page pitch are largely undisclosed, the accompanying pitch video offers a simple message: “There are #OptionsinDE.” Yet, in a state that is attracting retirees and losing millennials at high … Continue reading Are there #OptionsinDE for young professionals?
Rich folks aren’t preparing their kids for construction jobs
The News Journal editorial board recently called for making Delaware a place where every student “has a fair shot at higher education.” Delaware’s elites responded with a call for more vocational education and many more construction workers. But in their demand for a focus on trades, are they really creating a system with different postsecondary … Continue reading Rich folks aren’t preparing their kids for construction jobs
Delaware is lying to its babies and toddlers
A few weeks ago, I celebrated my birthday and my two-and-a-half-year-old daughter sang “Happy Birthday” to me...in English and then in Spanish. As she belted out “cumpleaños feliz,” I was reminded that one of my greatest gifts is the opportunity to watch her learn and grow. It is a gift to see and support her … Continue reading Delaware is lying to its babies and toddlers
When public meetings are super secret
Much to my wife’s disappointment, everything that bears an organic label in the grocery store is not really organic. Likewise, much to the disappointment of everyday Delawareans who want a say in the education policy process, everything called “public” isn't really public. For example, we have “public” schools and districts governed by board members elected … Continue reading When public meetings are super secret
Carney’s first veto will make headlines. Kids need headway.
Last week, I called for conviction from Carney’s administration. Today, Governor Carney acted upon his convictions and vetoed legislation (HS 1 for HB 85) that removed Delaware public charter schools’ ability to give preference to families within a five-mile radius. This will no doubt elevate the fierce debate around this legislation to a new level … Continue reading Carney’s first veto will make headlines. Kids need headway.
Delaware’s kids need conviction not compromise from Carney’s administration
The picture of Governor Carney proudly parading a signed budget bill accompanied by applauding legislators from both parties will be one of the lasting images of Carney’s first legislative session. The smiles and the across the aisle high-fives were the climax of a contentious negotiation process that required overtime to pass a $4 billion budget … Continue reading Delaware’s kids need conviction not compromise from Carney’s administration
Urgency of Now 