What happens in the classroom when a state begins to evaluate all teachers, at every grade level, based on how well they "grow" their students' test scores? Colorado is about to find out. Ramon Gonzalez’s middle school is a model for how an empowered principal can transform a troubled school, but the forces of reform are now working against him. Sixty-five years ago, the federal school lunch program was created to make American schoolchildren healthier; today, it’s helping to make them fatter — will a new law change the diets of millions of kids raised on French fries and chicken nuggets? Tests for pupils, but the grades go to teachers: New York City officials are developing tests whose main purpose is to grade teachers, not students who take them. Do American students study too hard? A new documentary argues that kids these days memorize too many facts — go figure. The platinum standard: Academy take note — the International Baccalaureate offers the best preparation for higher study. Death to high school English: College students don't understand commas, far less how to write an essay — is it time to rethink how we teach? The Tea Party wants to teach your kids about the Constitution: Stephanie Mencimer on the controversial curriculum conservative activists are trying to foist on public schools. The service of democratic education: With the nation's public education system under siege, the need for qualified teachers who are committed to creating exciting and empowering schools is more urgent than ever. Why we should make it easier for high school grads to take a "gap year". Steven Pearlstein on the Khan Academy and educational technology. A report confirms a trend that anecdotal evidence has suggested for some time: private schools for children from pre-K through high school are declining in popularity.
