New York Talks a Big Game on Gifted and Talented Educational Opportunities, But Illinois Is Doing Equity Better

New York Talks a Big Game on Gifted and Talented Educational Opportunities, But Illinois Is Doing Equity Better

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

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

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The 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

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Black and Brown Students Can Learn, But You Have to Want to Teach Them

Black 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

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Yes, 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

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Families Are the 'Sleeping Giant' That Will Redefine Education

Families 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

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Here’s Why We Must Open Schools to Authentic Parent Partnership

Here’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

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Don't Forget, Not Every Student Had Opportunities for Enrichment This Summer

Don’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

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Chicago Teachers Union: Focus On Students and Teachers, Not Venezuela

Chicago 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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