A fairly new organization the, Institute for Democratic Education in America identifies critical areas for learning that “equip every human being to participate fully in a healthy democracy.” Their website urges reinventing education strategically, collaboratively, and sustainably. It offers examples, links, definitions, invitations to become involved and a host of resources. Clearly, an up-and-coming organization bound to have an impact on public education.
Posted on December 19, 2011 at 8:54 pm under Alternatives, Choices, Democratic schools, Policy, Reform |
The Brown Center on Education at Brookings published a system for ranking school districts on how much choice of educational programs is afforded children. They argue that options are necessary and valuable in an article and short video. Their rank of 25 large cities on 13 criteria ranges from grades B to D. Their booklet Expanding Choice in Elementary and Secondary Education argues that the government should as a matter of policy provide choices for every child.
IALA espouses this policy as its core mission.
Posted on December 19, 2011 at 8:02 pm under Alternatives, Choices, Competition, IALA, Parents, Policy, Reform, Reports |
Harold Berlak, an experienced educator writes: “Dozens of professional educational associations corporate lobbies, think tanks, have offered proposals for reauthorizing ESEA/ NCLB. I summarize and offer commentary on key proposals of three prominent organizations….” They are The Forum on Educational Accountability, Broader Bolder Approach to Education (an offshoot of Economic Policy Institute), Forum for Education and Democracy. All three issued their reports prior to Obama’s election and were “written with an eye to how Congress should go about reauthorizing NCLB, and repairing or undoing the educational disaster inflicted by ESEA 2001, aka No Child Left Behind.” Berlak’s brief readable critique offers sensible and politically feasible suggestions for Congress that on its present course is unlikely to yield much in the area of accountability and testing. His paper can be requested from hberlak@yahoo.com.
Posted on October 19, 2011 at 11:26 am under Assessment, Policy, Reports, Research |
Mark your calendar for any of the following conferences about alternatives of interest to you or colleagues.
The first annual School Choice and Reform Academic Conference will be held January 14-17, 2012 at Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The Texas Association for Alternative Education will hold its 22nd annual conference February 2-3, 2012o the in Austin.
The National Alternative Education Association will hold its annual conference February 8-10, 2012 in Nashville.
The Minnesota Association of Alternative Programs will hold its 29th annual conference Feb. 15-17, 2012 in Rochester, MN.
The National At-Risk Education Network will hold its annual conference Feb. 21-23, 2012 in Panama City, FL.
The International Democratic Education Conference will hold its 20th annual conference March 24-28, 2012 in Caguas, Puerto Rico.
The California Continuation Education Association will hold its annual conference April 26-29, 2012 in North Hollywood.
The Magnet Schools of America will hold its 30th annual conference May 18-21, 2012 in Dallas.
The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools will hold its annual conference June 19-22, 2012: in Minneapolis.
The Alternative Education Resource Organization AERO will hold its annual conference August 1-5, 2012 in Portland, OR.
