Many legislators are resistant to the Markell-given power of the Delaware Department of Education, but State Rep. Sean Matthews truly gets it. I have watched Rep. Matthews, in less than a year, become one of the leading voices against corporate education reform. He speaks truth! He recognized the reform movement is an illusionary power and the true power exists in the hearts and voices of our educators, students and parents. It is past time we yield that power as a force for change!
One of my co-teachers was recycling some old papers today. We found a school calendar from several years before Race to the Top, DCAS, testing-mania, etc came into effect. It was interesting to see how few days were spent on state testing as compared to our current State-mandated testing requirements. Are we better off for all these new days, hours and efforts spent on more standardized testing? Are kids learning more? Is our “reform” test/punish/test/punish cycle working? Recent NAEP data would say no. We have think-tanks and “reformers” with scant teaching experience driving the education agenda. Teachers/parents/students, take back your power!
The Season Of Myths 