History, Hubris and Humility

Updated 3 months, 3 weeks ago

Source: http://blog.coreknowledge.org/

Over at Fordham’s Flypaper, Andy Smarick posts a remarkable piece that should be tacked to the bulletin boards of would-be ed reformers everywhere.  It’s a brief reflection on Diane Ravitch’s 2000 book, Left Back. 

If you’re not in the market for a dose of humility, this probably isn’t your bag. If read with an open mind, it’s [...]

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This post was mentioned on Twitter by DianeRav: The best thing I read today: http://tinyurl.com/yl8htrh…

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Ben F 3 months, 3 weeks ago on Wordpress

One of the things I got out of Left Back is the understanding that so much of what’s ostensibly new is actually very old; that many of the popular new reforms are warmed-over versions of what Teacher’s College was preaching in the 30’s. Also, the disturbing understanding that the dumbing down of our schools, teachers, and citizens began almost one hundred years ago. A lot of cultural ... See all content

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Diana Senechal 3 months, 3 weeks ago on Wordpress

I keep learning from Left Back. I reach for it often. The book made sense to me when so little else did–when ed school jargon, district mandates, and fad after fad seemed loud around me. In this book I learned about some who had stood outside the movements of their time, people of wisdom, experience, and wit.

I agree with Claus–there is not enough value placed on wisdom. And there ... See all content

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Dan Willingham 3 months, 3 weeks ago on Wordpress

*Everyone* interested in K-12 education should read this book. It’s fantastically interesting and informative. It was probably the single most influential thing I read that made me shutter my lab and turn all my attention to K-12 education.

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Claus 3 months, 3 weeks ago on Wordpress

The current reform community places a great deal of emphasis on youth and novelty–whether they admit it or not. Inspiration beats experience. Novel ideas that have not been fully tested win out over older ideas that have been poorly implemented. Eager young college grads with a fire in their belly grab the spotlight from longer-term veterans.

I’m all for youthful energy and inspiration ... See all content

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DianeRav 3 months, 3 weeks ago on Twitter

The best thing I read today: http://tinyurl.com/yl8htrh

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