The landscape of American school policy is no longer shaped only behind closed doors. It’s debated in town halls, on social media, and through public protests. At the heart of this evolving conversation, a few names keep coming up—McGrath and Kaminsky. These two have become symbols of a larger shift in school governance: one where … Read more
Carol Burris and the Washington Post Spotlight on Common Core Resistance
Round the Inkwell
In today’s battleground of U.S. education policy, a few names keep coming up—not as part of the establishment enforcing top-down mandates, but as those challenging the very core of it. One of those names is Carol Burris, whose sharp critiques in the Washington Post have made waves in the ongoing debate over standardized education. As … Read more
Why Starpoint Middle School Teacher Brian Lasher Became a Public Flashpoint
Round the Inkwell
In today’s education system, teachers are no longer just educators—they’re public figures navigating accountability, policy, and perception. Few cases illustrate this better than that of Starpoint Middle School teacher Brian Lasher, whose name has recently become a magnet for controversy in upstate New York. His story intersects with larger trends in American public schools, including … Read more
The Awful Effects of NY’s Proposed APPR Regulations: What Every Teacher and Parent Should Know
On Monday, the New York State Board of Regents will vote on proposed changes to the Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR). If you thought APPR was bad before, it’s about to become much worse. The heart of the problem? Under the new plan, 50% of a teacher’s evaluation will depend on student performance.For teachers of grades … Read more
The Every Child Achieves Act: A Step Toward Restoring Local Control in Education
The Every Child Achieves Act (ECAA), a bipartisan bill currently under debate in the U.S. Senate, marks a significant turning point in federal education policy. While far from perfect, the legislation presents an opportunity to undo years of top-down mandates imposed by No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and Race to the Top (RTTT). If passed, ECAA … Read more
Parents Speak Out After Cancellation of New York Education Forums
The recent cancellation of state-sponsored PTA town hall forums by New York State Education Commissioner John B. King, Jr. has sparked a wave of frustration among parents and community members. Among those responding are Keith and Michelle Gamache, parents from Long Island known for their respectful and thoughtful engagement in educational matters. In an open … Read more