Category Archives: School Reform

Growing Resistance Says No to Betsy DeVos

It’s going to be a long night for Senate Democrats. Responding to a growing number of Americans upset at Trump’s pick for education secretary, Democrats are holding the Senate floor throughout the night and into the morning, as they try … Continue reading

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Post Buries Scandals of Rhee and Henderson

When it comes to covering education the Washington Post is nothing if not consistent. For nearly a decade, as Michelle Rhee and then her close friend Kaya Henderson headed up D.C. Public Schools, the Post was their cheerleader. And now, … Continue reading

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See Ya, Kaya: The IMPACT on Teachers

This is the third of a three–part series on Kaya Henderson.[Part 1, Part 2] Kaya Henderson stepped down Friday as head of D.C. Public Schools, after serving longer than all but one of her predecessors. Prior to her six years as … Continue reading

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See Ya, Kaya: The Achievement Gap

This is Part 2 of a 3-part series on Kaya Henderson’s leadership of DCPS. [Part 1] After six years as head of D.C. Public Schools, Kaya Henderson steps down Friday, claiming she’s turned around a troubled school system. “DCPS has … Continue reading

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See Ya, Kaya: ‘Legacy of Progress’?

This is the first in a three-part series on Kaya Henderson’s time atop DCPS. After six years as head of D.C. Public Schools, Kaya Henderson is calling it quits Friday. According to the Washington Post, her biggest booster, Henderson is … Continue reading

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Post Downplays Potential Pay-To-Play

A potential “pay-to-play” involving a city leader asking for a large donation from a contractor accused of stealing millions and serving kids spoiled food. That’s about as juicy a local story as they come, unless you’re the Washington Post. The … Continue reading

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Voices of the 99% Radio examines local D.C. politics and news coverage

Listen to Bullet Points with Navid Nasr on Voices of 99%: [Audio clip: view full post to listen] TheFightBack’s Pete Tucker joined Bullet Points with Navid Nasr on Voices of the 99% for a discussion on the Washington Post’s selective scrutinizing of politicians, … Continue reading

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School’s Out? D.C. and NYC Teachers Talk School Closures

Listen to educators Candi Peterson, Nils DeVito and James Boutin on Voice of Russia Radio [Audio clip: view full post to listen] Interview by Pete Tucker, written report by Chris Lewis (@Chris_Lewis_) Washingtonians and New Yorkers, be warned. If the … Continue reading

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DC Officials Insist On Improving Schools By Closing Them

Listen to TheFightBack question Mayor Gray and Chancellor Henderson: [Audio clip: view full post to listen] “We are going to have to consolidate the number of schools that we educate our children in,” Mayor Vincent Gray said Wednesday at a … Continue reading

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School Closure Expert Robert Bobb Is Back in Town

Listen to TheFightBack question Bobb: [Audio clip: view full post to listen] Former City Administrator and D.C. School Board president Robert Bobb is back in town. Actually, he never left. “I just commuted back and forth for two years. I … Continue reading

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