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“Republicans” may be an even better label than “idealocrats.”

If the ideas are good ones, why does it matter if they are shared by or even developed by Republicans?

Loren, I might not know when “the Republicans come up with any good education ideas”, because I don’t equate ideas with one of two political tribes. I am more interested in the ideas than the tribes. When we get too caught up with the tribes, we often end up with overheated, extreme statements. Re-read your comment for an example.

Ken, Angea, I believe Obama has shown the type of reformer he is by appointing Linda Darling-Hammond to a leadership-consultative position. Reform should be based on educational, not corporate research. As a science teacher I spend a lot of time providing opportunities for my students to use and improve their critical thinking skills. I often wonder why any time I use my own critical thinking skills I am labeled as overheated and extreme. While the views I express are my own opinions, they have been formed and continuously adjusted by a rational and logical scientific process. The errant decisions made by our current political administration here in NYC and at the Federal level have not improved education, and in many cases have made it difficult to effect positive reform at the local level. Truth speaking to power is the patriotic and professional duty of parents and teachers, the 2 groups whose voices have only been paid lip service for the last 8 years. As a scientist and a teacher I have been villified by my elected leaders and their appointees. I didn’t make this personal, so don’t criticize me for finally standing up for myself and those like me.

Student outcome of what? Educational research results in models that can be applied to the classroom. Student outcome is just data, which means nothing if you didn’t start with a measurable objective.