Privatizing our public schools makes as much sense as privatizing the fire department or or the police department
Diane RavitchAmerican education has been littered with failed fads and foolish ideas for the past century.
Diane RavitchThe ladder was there, from the gutter to the university, and for those stalwart enough to ascend it, the schools were a boon and a path out of poverty.
Diane RavitchI support charters, but the right kind of charters. I support charters that support kids who have the highest needs. A charter should be targeting students who are in serious trouble. It should serve students who didn't succeed in public schools when it can help them. Or, at least, charters should agree to accept similar proportions of the kids with the highest needs.
Diane RavitchGoing to school is not the same as going shopping. Parents should not be burdened with locating a suitable school for their child. They should be able to take their child to the neighborhood public school as a matter of course and expect that it has well-educated teachers and a sound educational program.
Diane Ravitch