Taking Note by John Merrow

Your Last Standardized Test Ever

John Merrow — Thu, 23 May 2013 11:09:36 PDT

Are you upset about all the tests—State tests, the new Common Core tests, the SAT and the ACT and on and on? Well, if you answer every question on this test correctly, this will be the last standardized test you will ever have to take in your life.

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Michelle Rhee and the Washington Post

John Merrow — Wed, 15 May 2013 09:33:00 PDT

Why is Washington in denial? Fear of Michelle Rhee’s wrath? An unwavering commitment to 2007’s great narrative about the fearless young reformer who "challenged failing schools and incompetent teachers”? I wish I knew the answer.

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Subtracting to Add

John Merrow — Wed, 08 May 2013 13:29:24 PDT

States are cutting preschool spending now, but they don’t have to--if they are willing to think outside the box. They could take a great leap forward, provide free, high quality, universal preschool for all of our 4-year-olds, and rescue our 12th graders from boredom at the same time.

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Arne Duncan’s Moment of Truth

John Merrow — Wed, 01 May 2013 11:07:39 PDT

As two powerful forces collide at this moment in educational history, Secretary of Education Arne Duncan has an opportunity to make a mid-course correction that could save public education.

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Penetrating the Smokescreen

John Merrow — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 15:00:38 PDT

A great deal has happened since “Michelle Rhee’s Reign of Error” appeared in this space two weeks ago.

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