Your editor did not plan on becoming a playing field for this contest, but Brian Gill - who led RAND's study of contract schools in Philadephia, has provided the thnk tank's response to Paul Peterson's critique.   more »

The voucher debate noted in the article is an example of how today's debates in education research too often resemble a wild clash of tribal shamans wielding magic talismans around an ancient campfire instead of the rational presentation of evidence to a finder of fact, followed by cross-examination, in the calm of a 21st century courtroom. For this reason alone, the school improvement industry should neither hestitate to join the conversation nor feel itself unqualified to participate in discussion.   more »

There is a potentially serious flaw in RAND's approach. School improvement program providers need to stop and think about whether the direction evaluation is taking is setting them up for mediocrity - or even asking the right question.   more »

All good points, all worth thinking about.   more »

Our Industry’s Interests in NCLB II: (IV) A Closer Look at School Improvement   more »