Delaware school boards have been in the news recently for all the wrong reasons. But the most alarming school board controversy is getting no attention. Several articles have been written about offensive comments made during Odyssey Charter School board meetings and the corresponding backlash. Christina school board member Fred Polaski’s “take ‘em away from mom” … Continue reading The Delaware school board controversy nobody is talking about
‘Tis the season for a big gift we don’t want from education insiders
It's that special time of year again. While some of us are sound asleep, things are being packaged and wrapped up neatly with a bow for us. But during this season of giving, what if the surprise package that awaits is unwanted or is not beneficial for us? As someone who works to empower everyday … Continue reading ‘Tis the season for a big gift we don’t want from education insiders
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
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
How a low-income Delaware student found the “cheat code” to top college admissions
What does a kid do when her elite college dreams are being suffocated by a school system best suited to stifle mobility? How does she erase the seemingly indelible signs of inequitable schooling and resources from her record and etch her name on the registries of colleges meant for the affluent? She cheats. But she … Continue reading How a low-income Delaware student found the “cheat code” to top college admissions
What we don’t know about school boards can hurt us
On Tuesday, May 9th, with minimal vetting and less than 2% of eligible voters casting a ballot, Delaware's slate of school board members will be elected and granted the right to make decisions affecting students and families across the state. With the right smile, slogan, and signs a well-intentioned but eminently unqualified person could assume … Continue reading What we don’t know about school boards can hurt us
Why Carney’s administration should stay the course on school report cards
Governor Carney and Delaware’s Department of Education are about to make it easier for Delaware families to know how their schools are performing. But only if groups such as Delaware’s teachers’ union (DSEA) are not able to impose their will behind the scenes. The Delaware Department of Education recently sided with parents in its final draft … Continue reading Why Carney’s administration should stay the course on school report cards
Urgency of Now 