Originally posted on gadflyonthewallblog: It’s been more than 50 years since Harper Lee published her Pulitzer Prize winning novel “To Kill a Mockingbird.” In that time, a lot has changed and nothing has changed. Our schools are still highly segregated and unequal – but we justify that with standardized test scores. Our prisons are still… Read more

Originally posted on Crazy Normal – the Classroom Exposé: “Principal known as Emanuel critic reprimanded by mayor’s school board.” – Chicago Tribune, August 29, 2015 http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/politics/ct-troy-laraviere-principal-warning-vote-met-0828-20150827-story.html Troy LaRaviere’s Blog: A place to discuss a better school system for all Chicagoans http://troylaraviere.net/ Troy LaRaviere: My Statement on CPS’ “Warning Resolution” CONTEXT AND BACKGROUND I’ve been asked… Read more

Originally posted on Allison Maruska: I watched The Hunger Games last night. I read the book before the movie came out, and I’ve seen the movie a few times. So I obviously knew what would happen. Still, a certain scene got me. By that, I mean it made me weepy. I’m not usually a weepy… Read more

Originally posted on Diane Ravitch's blog: Ashana Bigard is a parent advocate. She wrote this article for “The Progressive.” She is aware that politicians are promoting New Orleans as a national model. She warns that the “reforms” are a fraud. She says, talk to the parents, not the hucksters. “As a New Orleans parent and… Read more

Originally posted on The Soulful Veteran's Blog: Every Thursday afternoon I drive to a local VA medical clinic and join a veteran writers group. One of the regular members, who never served in combat, seems obsessed with the glory of war. He can’t seem to hear enough stories from us combat vets. To listen to… Read more