A Longer Rant . . .

I'm still a student at CSU and work for the student paper as a columnist. Recently, I've had the urge to write fewer politically minded pieces and focus more on education (though the two can go hand-in-hand). If you're interested in something timely that's a bit longer than my posts (or as I like to think, you just can't get enough of Ben Bleckley: the Man, the Myth, the Legend), here's my naive column on bringing equality between urban and suburban schools that ran today in the Collegain: Three Steps Toward Equal Schools.

I Admit It . . . I Watch Oprah

Depending on the episode, she can be such a great journalist.

In fact, just this week, Oprah Winfrey did a two-show special report on American schools.

Her thesis, along with Bill and Melinda Gates and former NBA star Kevin Johnson, among others, is that our schools are in a state a crisis. Time magazine this week is running a cover story, "Dropout Nation." While suburban schools are largely succeeding, urban and rural schools are by and large failing.

The show looks at some interesting new ideas in schooling (although I'm surprised blogging and podcasting didn't make the cut). You might want to check it out.

Also, take a look at the grassroots campaign to reform education.

The Long Anticipated Episode Two

Since I haven't posted in over a month, I figure I'd better make it up to my loyal readers . . . all two of you. The long awaited Pedagogy in Practice Podcast - Episode Two.