Indiana Charter Students Showing Achievement Gains
For release Jan. 21 and thereafter (675 words)Note to editors: The author’s next column, for Feb. 4 release, will focus on Gary’s KIPP LEAD College Prep Charter (mentioned in graf 8).At first glance, two new studies of Indiana charter schools appear to have reached contradictory conclusions. Not really. A thorough reading of the data makes Read the full article…
The Year of the Narcissist (or Why We Can’t Dance)
For release Jan. 9 and thereafter (689 words). “Several psychologists interviewed one day after (Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s) arrest agreed that he might be suffering from an affliction known as Narcissistic Personality Disorder.” (Dec. 11, Chicago Sun-Times)A few of us will sit out the inauguration festivities. We’ve seen and heard enough. There’s no fun in pretending Read the full article…
Finding Ways to Drive Dollars into Indiana Classrooms
For release Dec. 31 and thereafter (700 words) When Tony Bennett lobbies state legislators on behalf of Indiana public school students, it won’t be with hands outstretched. “I am not a person who thinks we need more money infused in the system,” said Bennett, who takes office Jan. 12 as Superintendent of Public Instruction. Indiana Read the full article…
ISTEP Scores: It Depends on How you Look at Them
For release Dec. 24 and thereafter (600 words) “(School District) Sees ISTEP Slide,” “No Improvement on ISTEP+ Science Test,” ISTEP+ Scores Drop at (School District),” “Little Good News in District’s ISTEP+ Scores,” “Scores Drop Across State,” “Fewer Pass Tests This Year at (School District,” “State and Local ISTEP Scores Down.” — Headlines in Indiana newspapers Read the full article…
Let’s Stop Throwing Good Education Money After Bad
For release Dec. 17 and thereafter (652 words) On Dec. 4, the Indiana Department of Education released the latest ISTEP (Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress) results for Indiana students. They were stagnant. Despite higher academic standards and more spending by taxpayers, scores showed no improvement from the previous year. The next day, in an Read the full article…
Markets and Gas Prices? He Told You So — $1.80 Ago
For release noon Tuesday Dec. 9 (556 words)I love saying I told you so. But setting aside my sinful pride, I hope the turmoil in the retail gasoline market does teach all of us in Indiana at least one simple yet profound lesson: Gasoline prices follow oil prices.Eighteen months ago retail gasoline prices surged to Read the full article…
