Attacks against private school options are frequent and fervent, but what happens when public school opportunities become the point of confliction? You may
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I’m a Public School Parent and I Have Every Right to Complain
When someone speaks poorly of public institutions there is probably a story there. To that point, if you read the millions of words I’ve written about edu
Read MoreThe First Weeks of School Matter for Your Child. Here’s How to Get It Right.
The back to school season is now in full swing. This time of year often causes a jumble of excitement and nerves for both students and their parents. Stude
Read MoreBlack and Brown Students Can Learn, But You Have to Want to Teach Them
We complain about what’s wrong with the public education system all the time. Admittedly, I’m probably on the long list of tough critics. Some of our comp
Read MoreYes, You Can Have a Great First Year of Teaching, Just Ask Chicago’s Asia-Ana Williams
Last year, rookie English teacher Asia-Ana Williams became the poster child for Opportunity Schools, a Chicago Public Schools (CPS) effort to match teacher
Read MoreFamilies Are the ‘Sleeping Giant’ That Will Redefine Education
It’s no surprise that I work in education. It’s in my blood. My grandmother Alberta, a proud Chicana, lived in the projects in downtown Denver and was in a
Read MoreHere’s Why We Must Open Schools to Authentic Parent Partnership
When I taught first grade on the Navajo Nation, I’ll never forget when one of my fellow teachers—now my wife—wanted to host an event that welcomed our fami
Read MoreDon’t Forget, Not Every Student Had Opportunities for Enrichment This Summer
This summer, my students and I learned that blue crabs are really feisty, but mosquitos are even feistier. For two weeks in June, I chaperoned a student f
Read MoreChicago Teachers Union: Focus On Students and Teachers, Not Venezuela
In a few short weeks, my classroom will be squirming with anxious excitement from a group of new first graders. But they aren’t the only anxious ones—after
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