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February 01, 2011 09:03 AM UTC

Attend an evening with Diane Ravitch, champion of public schools

  • 54 Comments
  • by: DefenseDenver

Plan to attend An Evening With Diane Ravitch, moderated By Eli Stokols of Fox31 News, on February 17, 2011.  You will not want to miss the chance to hear the author of  “The Death and Life of the Great American School System:  How Testing and Choice are Undermining Education.”

In her latest book, distinguished education scholar and former proponent of the federal No Child Left Behind Act Diane Ravitch raises concerns over testing mania and school choice. In the process, she is reframing the national debate over the best ways to improve our nation’s public schools.

From 1991 to 1993, she was Assistant Secretary of Education and Counselor to Secretary of Education Lamar Alexander in the administration of President George H.W. Bush. She was responsible for the Office of Educational Research and Improvement in the U.S. Department of Education. As Assistant Secretary, she led the federal effort to promote the creation of voluntary state and national academic standards.

From 1997 to 2004, she was a member of the National Assessment Governing Board, which oversees the National Assessment of Educational Progress, the federal testing program. She was appointed by the Clinton administration’s Secretary of Education Richard Riley in 1997 and reappointed by him in 2001. From 1995 until 2005, she held the Brown Chair in Education Studies at the Brookings Institution and edited Brookings Papers on Education Policy. Before entering government service, she was Adjunct Professor of History and Education at Teachers College, Columbia University.

Here’s some footage of a talk she gave last fall in Los Angeles with the local teacher’s union…

Out of a shared commitment to Colorado’s public school children, the following hosts are pleased to bring you the opportunity to share an evening with Dr. Ravitch:

University of Colorado at Denver, Denver Classroom Teachers Association (DCTA), Uniting 4 Kids, Democrats for Excellent Neighborhood School Education (DeFENSE), Jeanne Slavin Kaplan, Northeast Community Congress on Education (NCCE), Black Education Advisory Committee (BEAC)

Sponsors:University of Northern Colorado – College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, Piton Foundation,  Every Child Matters, Connect Us, Friends of the Open Schools (FOTOS), Progress Now, University of Northern Colorado – Center for Urban Education, Community College of Denver, Metro State College

The sponsoring groups do not want anyone to be deterred from attending because of cost.  Therefore, if ticket cost is an issue, please contact dcta@coloradoea.org or call 303-831-0590 for scholarship information.

DETAILS:

Where:

Universitiy of Colorado at Denver

Tivoli Student Union

900 Auraria Pkwy.

Turnhalle Event Room

2nd Fl. Rm 250

Denver, CO

When:

Thursday February 17, 2011 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM MST

Reception, Book Signing and Preferred Seating:  

$50.00

6:00 pm to 7:30 pm    

Speech and Q & A (Prior to Event):  $10.00

7:30 pm to 9:00 pm

Speech and Q&A Only:

(Day of Event)

$15.00

7:30 pm to 9:00 pm

Event to support Friends of Education

To register for event, click here.

For more information, send an email to dcta@coloradoea.org or call 303-831-0590.  We hope you can join us!

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54 thoughts on “Attend an evening with Diane Ravitch, champion of public schools”

    1. and, if I follow DD’s allies correctly, they’re the nefarious power behind the Colorado Pols throne and therefore must be a sworn enemy of theirs. Or something.

      I’d like to go but I don’t pay to see lectures. Progress Now isn’t kicking in enough money.

      1. Event to support Friends of Education

        Anyone know who they are?

        Because I certainly recognize the hosts:

        University of Colorado at Denver, Denver Classroom Teachers Association (DCTA), Uniting 4 Kids, Democrats for Excellent Neighborhood School Education (DeFENSE), Jeanne Slavin Kaplan, Northeast Community Congress on Education (NCCE), Black Education Advisory Committee (BEAC)

        1. about calling them if cost is an issue. I’m seriously considering it, but I asked Fong over at squarestate to spring for me, so I’ll see what she says.

          1. a brand spanking new 527 organized for the purposes of the following:

            TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC CONCERNING ISSUES RAISED BY OFFICIALS AND CANDIDATES WHO SEEK TO AFFECT EDUCATION POLICY IN COLORADO

              1. the term has come to refer to a new form of political organization operating in a gray area of the law. These groups actively influence elections and policy debates at all levels of government, but do not advocate explicitly for election or defeat of candidates.

                Or Wikipedia:

                A 527 group is created primarily to influence the nomination, election, appointment or defeat of candidates for public office.

                  1. FOE. That’s pretty good. Makes me think of the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

                    Anyway, over at squarestate, they keep asking about Progress Now and how they fund Pols, or something weird. I really didn’t pay much attention to the Bennet vs Romanoff screechfests, so can someone confirm for me that PN came out for Bennet? I just want to know why they’re so obsessed about that.

                    2. They just didn’t come out against him.

                      Usually the rumor that PN, Pols, and Bennet sleep together in a small bed is followed by Bennet sleeping with a woman (not his wife) in a real bed (size unknown).

                      It’s like reading the cover of The Sun and being pissed. Grocery stores don’t respect marriage anymore?!? Boycott Safeway!

                    4. I wonder if he has anything to say about this little complication of his dumbass conspiracy theory?

                      All I know is, I want to know who Whatshisname supports for Dem chair, so I can vote against them! They make Be the Change look like Pravda.

                    5. You mean the “dumbass conspiracy theory” that there’s a close connection between ColoPols and ProgressNow? Do you really want to talk about that “dumbass conspiracy theory”? Do you?

                    6. I mentioned the whole she-bang in my comment.

                      This is a deflection, much like the Grand Conspiracy theory. Just don’t do it.

                    8. And they are all me.

                      We are all ProgressNow and Triguardian.

                      You’ve answered several questions that were not directed to you at all. Specifically not directed to you in fact. You’ve also continued to answer for DD even though you’ve said specifically that you do not speak for them.

                      I was trying to help you. Do you see the whole comment now?

                    9. Usually the rumor that PN, Pols, and Bennet sleep together in a small bed is followed by Bennet sleeping with a woman (not his wife) in a real bed (size unknown).

                      If so, what rumor are you talking about? One thing I’ll say in Bennet’s favor is that I’ve never heard one single allegation of him “sleeping with a woman (not his wife).”  Have you ever heard such a rumor? If so, where and from whom? Or are you just trying to start the rumor right here and now?

                    10. No, I’m not trying to start a rumor about Bennet’s marriage. I honestly have seen it on pages that report the rumor we are actually talking about.

                      See the other words up there? Care to try again?

                    11. “See the other words up there? Care to try again?”

                      No, wait. I don’t care what that cryptic statement means.

                      But I do care that you’re spreading reckless unsubstantiated rumors about a guy’s personal life, regardless of the fact that he’s a public official whom I do not happen to support politically. I was actually trying to give you a chance to do the right thing and withdraw the remark. It was not my intention for you to reaffirm it like that. In hindsight, I probably should not have drawn added attention to it. I thought it was just some thoughtless hypothetical tangent you were making up.

                    12. I used the accusation to demonstrate how the Bennet support isn’t quite legitimate. Those were them pesky other words.

                      You can do all this crap you want, but it’s still not helping.

                      Just admit that you’re an idiot with reading problems and be on your way.

                    14. I followed your link. I’d never seen that site before, and at a glance don’t see a reference to the alleged rumor you’re propagating — not even under “Rumors & Tips” — nor do I want to see such a rumor anyway.

                    15. Reading – Don’t hurt yourself!

                      I love how now you’re so sensitive, jackass, with so much respect for people you don’t like.

                      These are the types of rumors your little group spreads around. Why don’t you like your friends?!?

                    17. And notice when they’re saying it took place. I can’t imagine who would want a rumor like that!

                      Bottom right hand corner pretty well seals the deal for me. It’s the first site that pops up when I Googled progressnow bennet and the only on the first page about support. Go figure.

                      I always have to wonder; to what end? Oh well, someday when I’m a random lunatic I’ll know.

                    18. OK, I’m looking at the “Top right hand corner” on that page, and I still don’t see anything about an extramarital affair, and I still don’t think it’s any of our business anyway, and I still think it’s inappropriate for you to be propagating a rumor to that effect. Nor would I have any reason to attach any credence to such a rumor, because I think the guy is a decent man at heart and genuinely loves his wife and kids a lot.

                    19. Are you about finished? Maybe you should be using this time to learn how to read.

                      The world will be waiting when you’re done, voyageur sucks donkey ass.

                    20. Apparently the text in that box is randomly rotated.  OK, that’s a disgustingly unfair smear for that site to have posted.

                      So why did you bring it up anyway? What did it have to do with this discussion?

                    21. Go back to the first comment. I was pointing out that the great conspiracy about PN supporting Bennet, and CoPols being in on it, is only repeated by jack wipes.

                      Got it? Rumors=bad. Again, these are your cohorts apparently. Maybe take a moment before blindly backing people next time.

                      I see a defense for DeFENSE coming out of you and I don’t know why. Care to explain? Their plans are half assed at best and whoever speaks for them here is clearly a 9 year old. Why the love? Because this kind of crap (like the linked website) is the kind of crap they pull. THAT’S why they keep secret.

                    22. And I’m glad you’re condemning this, because it’s the very definition of Rovian.

                    23. pointed out that it moves.

                      It’s always been on my right! I thought, “oh no, insanity.” Wouldn’t I be sad then?

                    1. But if it’s aligned with the message, I gotta wonder.

                      Opposition to whom? what?

                      Enemy or just opponent?

                      I enjoyed Ali v.Foreman.

                      I enjoyed the recent Bears v. Packers (sort of).

                      See if thay are the friends of education, their enemies must be the enemies of education. Sort of a fire breathing dragon: mythical, but terrifying.

                      Maybe it’s just a coincidence. Maybe “Friends of Really Excellent Education” just didn’t fit on the biz cards.

        2. and so far no real discussion of the speaker

          From the Wall Street Journal:

          http://online.wsj.com/article/…

          NCLB received overwhelming bipartisan support when it was signed into law by President Bush in 2002. The law requires that schools test all students every year in grades three through eight, and report their scores separately by race, ethnicity, low-income status, disability status and limited-English proficiency. NCLB mandated that 100% of students would reach proficiency in reading and math by 2014, as measured by tests given in each state.

          Although this target was generally recognized as utopian, schools faced draconian penalties-eventually including closure or privatization-if every group in the school did not make adequate yearly progress. By 2008, 35% of the nation’s public schools were labeled “failing schools,” and that number seems sure to grow each year as the deadline nears.

          What’s that thing that Republicans like to do to successful publicly funded government entities like Social Security, Medicare, and Public Education?

          Oh that’s right, figure out some way to privatize them.

          And, true to yourselves Democratic readers, you’ll notice that the latent or on purpose side effect of all of these reforms is the following:

          1. Schools that are mainly in less wealthy areas are being closed and in their place – with funds going into private and charter schools.

          2. Neil Bush is directly getting rich from the tests mandated under NCLB and now Race to the top.

          http://www.businessweek.com/ma…

          (thanks Lil’ brother)

          Those that can afford it, go to private schools – those left out might get into charter schools. Who does that leave?

          Charter evaluations frequently note that as compared to neighboring public schools, charters enroll smaller proportions of students whose English is limited and students with disabilities. The students who are hardest to educate are left to regular public schools, which makes comparisons between the two sectors unfair. The higher graduation rate posted by charters often reflects the fact that they are able to “counsel out” the lowest performing students; many charters have very high attrition rates (in some, 50%-60% of those who start fall away). Those who survive do well, but this is not a model for public education, which must educate all children.

          As we are on a blog that requires reading and comprehension, I’ll assume that everyone here has perfect comprehension.

          But even if that were so, I am sure that each of us knows someone who does not speak English, or even more to the heart of the matter, knows someone who has dyslexia or cerebral palsy, or some other type of slight or even severe handicap who would be ‘counseled out’ of a charter school.

          Actually, they don’t even have to do that.

          The office of the Charter school will tell you upfront

          “we don’t have the staff for special needs”

          They are not saying you can’t come to their great school because of your problem, you can’t come because they aren’t equipped for anything less than someone already geared for success.

          It’s like your breaking up with George Constanza.

          “It’s not you, it’s me”

          Soon and very soon, the Public schools are going to be over burdened with the hard to educate students – thus burdening their deficits and at the same time making them more likely to fail under these measures.

          The result will be a return to the not so great society – where we had children that were behavior issues or mildly handicapped sent to institutions or left home.

          Could the real democrats here quit nit picking over domain names, rumors and who is behind this event and address the merit of how this is going to affect our future as a nation?

          1. Arguably the most important issues we face.

            DeFENSE isn’t the group to do it, or even talk about it. Phony recalls and shady dealings aren’t helping. They aren’t succeeding in their most basic task. DPS doesn’t come close to “educating every child.” I laughed out loud when I read that bit.

            So what I gather from your post is that you agree that the poster of the diary should get back to thinking about kids. Petty people with distractions need not participate.

            Great. You’ve posted the regulation problems; let’s move to solutions.

            1. it’s a systemic problem, and our kids are suffering for it. Saying that the problem doesn’t exist IS laughable, droll. It makes me sick to my stomach.

              For too long it’s been about people’s egos clashing. It should be about the kids. We simply cannot afford to let emotional, knee-jerk, reactionary politics define the education debate. If more of the people on Wade and my side could see that, it would help us all tremendously.

              3. I haven’t heard anyway say there’s not a problem with our public schools. What I have heard is disagreement over what the problems are, what caused them, and what the best remedies would be. Actually, some of the biggest problems undermining our schools right not are the egregiously false solutions that have been implemented in the name of “reform.”

                2. said that public education exists to educate all children. Right now, DPS, along with scores of other districts, are failing in that task. I’m not talking about failure determined by CSAP scores and NCLB, I’m talking about kids not learning to read.

                  I’m all for the teachers having a right to organize and defend their jobs, I’m also 100% behind more teacher autonomy and less reliance on standardized tests that tend to favor the kids who aren’t on free and reduced lunch.

                  What I’m against is the people who are against changing the status quo. Because the status quo, sadly, is completely fucked up.

          2. I honestly don’t care if they’re public or private as long as they do a good job, which they simply aren’t at this point.

            Groups like DeFENSE, acting as shadily and dishonestly as they have been, are a blessing to my side.  It makes it very easy to point to a tangible example of the corruption and of the dichotomy that puts political power and money far out front of the supposed mission of the union, which is supposed to be to educate the kids.

            DeFENSE is using unscrupulous methods to try to return to the status quo, which is failure.  

            Keep it up, please (DeFENSE, not you personally, Wade), and continue to focus on trying to out your enemies, intimidate them, and lie about who you are and your real purpose.  It’s going to make it that much easier to enact real reforms.

            1. We’re over here coming up with alternate reform plans (http://defensedenver.com/2010/10/fne-coalition-alternate-presentation/) and holding electeds accountable, yet you perceive a different purpose.

              Read this: http://www.squarestate.net/dia…

              Then read this comment, also on Pols: http://coloradopols.com/showCo…

              After all that, what would you divine our “real purpose” to be?

              We get it.  You’re just intimidated by the mere suggestions of union and Democrats.  Hey, that’s America.

  3. Now that you have your own diary, you might tell me why an anonymous domain registry was used to register defensedenver.com, since it costs more and all.

    You probably missed the question in the other thread.  I’m sure you’ll want to answer it.

  4. I just got the most wonderful invitation to this event from…Progress Now! Very nicely worded with a link right to y’all’s RSVP page.

    I think I should reply with a link to this page and the user page of whatshisname up above, just to make sure they know how their support is being rewarded. I think I would tell you guys to fuck off.

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