1. Big picture MA put itself in a good position to win (even if it's during Round 2) with the charters-turnarounds-innovation school law.  Without that law, we're probably about 15th to 20th most competitive state.   2. Our Gov He … [Read more...]

March Madness is again upon us.  Let's name the BMG Sweet 16! Apologies in advance for misclassifications, errors, and omissions.  Off top of my head.   Criteria: Quality 70%, Quantity 30% (else we wouldn't have much to … [Read more...]

The White House is pushing a change where states would "opt into" some common standards and assessments.  This would require some MCAS updates no matter what.   So there's a policy window to open up a few other questions. … [Read more...]

One charter critic even argued here for more charters, because he hopes it will result in charter kids failing academically (thereby "exposing the fraud").   * * * The Gov I've never met the Governor.  No original insights. … [Read more...]

1. How many votes will be cast? In the D Primary of Clinton v. Obama: 1.2 million votes were cast. In the Niki Tsongas special election, about 53,000 votes in that one Congressional district were cast.   2. What percentage does each … [Read more...]

Actually, I stayed on my couch.  I just looked at these amazing photos by photographer David Guttenfelder. Check 'em out.  10 minutes.  Provocative.  Even fascinating.   … [Read more...]

A Waltham principal worries it'll be an unfunded mandate."To put another burden on local communities and towns without funding is unfair," Graceffa said. "How can we add new programs? Let's be realistic." In today's Globe, Yvonne Abraham … [Read more...]

You know, I have to admit, I was on the fence on the torture issue.  One hand, I'm all for prisoner rights and stuff.  And that shrill Liz Cheney sure can get on one's nerves. On the other hand, it's easy to be all sanctimonious, … [Read more...]

Okay, now I'm below the thingie.  I count 16 different types of public schools in MA.  You could actually create a couple more subcategories, which folks can do in the comments.   Here they are: 1. Traditional public school. … [Read more...]