Teaching & Learning Blog

Living in Dialogue

Anthony Cody spent 24 years working in Oakland schools, 18 of them as a science teacher at a high-needs middle school. A National Board-certified teacher, he now leads workshops with teachers on Project Based Learning. He is the co-founder of the Network for Public Education. With education at a crossroads, in this blog he invited you to join him in a dialogue on education reform and teaching for change and deep learning. This blog is no longer being updated, but you can continue to explore these issues on edweek.org by visiting our related topic pages: education reform.

Families & the Community Opinion An Indiana Parent Writes to NBC's Education Nation: Why Only Present One Side of a Public Debate?
I would like to know how you went about selecting these particular guests. I notice that almost all of the people are those who agree about corporate "reform" of public schools.
Anthony Cody, September 22, 2013
•
4 min read
School Choice & Charters Opinion Paul Horton: The Chicago Tribune's School Voucher Campaign: The Road to Gatopia III"
In the last week, the Tribune has rolled out three pieces on its editorial pages in support of Louisiana governor Bobby Jindal and vouchers.
Anthony Cody, September 21, 2013
•
5 min read
Federal Opinion John Thompson: GAO and Elaine Weiss Converge on Harsh Appraisal of Race to the Top
how can educators attempt to comply with distractions like the RttT and still find the time and money necessary to implement more promising reforms?
Anthony Cody, September 20, 2013
•
7 min read
Standards & Accountability Opinion Three Questions, Two Answers from the Department of Education
Secretary Duncan, you have a successful career. Would you be willing to take the Common Core Tests as they become available and share your score?
Anthony Cody, September 19, 2013
•
2 min read
Equity & Diversity Opinion Chicago Teacher: Inhumane Working Conditions are Inhumane Learning Conditions
At my large elementary school on Chicago's southwest side, the mercury on the thermometer soars to a scorching 90 degrees. Sweat drips down the students' little round faces,
Anthony Cody, September 16, 2013
•
6 min read
School Choice & Charters Opinion "Reign of Error" Reviewed: Ravitch Rises
Diane Ravitch has emerged as an iconic figure on America's political landscape. What Daniel Ellsberg was to the Vietnam War, Ravitch has become to the battle raging over public education
Anthony Cody, September 15, 2013
•
4 min read
Ed-Tech Policy Opinion John Thompson Reviews "Confessions of a Bad Teacher"
When Bill Gates or Arne Duncan tour a high-performing school that supposedly serves the "same" kids as failing neighborhood schools and proclaim, "Amazing!," do they really believe it?
Anthony Cody, September 14, 2013
•
4 min read
Families & the Community Opinion Indiana Grassroots Groups Not Ready to Exonerate Tony Bennett in School Grading Scandal
it turned out that his own rules, which he wouldn't have even considered modifying for other schools, could be rearranged at the last minute in the special case of a donor's charter school
Anthony Cody, September 10, 2013
•
6 min read
Assessment Opinion Tony Mullen, Teacher of the Year, Offers Core Knowledge for Teaching
Sadly, America's teachers and parents and students had little input developing a common core of national standards, but they will be held accountable for the results of this latest federal education initiative.
Anthony Cody, September 8, 2013
•
2 min read
Ed-Tech Policy Opinion Paul Horton: The New American Amnesia: Trouble in Gatopia II
Corporate Reform and teaching to the test for exit exams and AP courses have so atomized our national historical narrative that it no longer exists.
Anthony Cody, September 6, 2013
•
5 min read
Equity & Diversity Opinion John Thompson: First Class; Education at DC's Dunbar High School
First Class also tells the tragic story of the elite institution becoming collateral damage due to the ham-handed way that America's schools were desegregated
Anthony Cody, September 5, 2013
•
5 min read
Families & the Community Opinion Education Nation, 2013: Will NBC News Use the Gates Foundation's Facts Again? Or Can We Get a Real Dialogue Going?
If Education Nation is to deliver on its promise of a thoughtful, well-informed dialogue, it should feature both sides of the debate raging over the central issues in education
Anthony Cody, September 4, 2013
•
6 min read
Federal Opinion Mr. Van Roekel: Common Core Standards Mean Standardization, Not an End to One-Size-Fits-All
Mr. Van Roekel seems to want us to inhabit some alternative universe where teachers can teach according broad guidelines, and high stakes tests are on hold
Anthony Cody, September 3, 2013
•
4 min read
Ed-Tech Policy Opinion Lawmakers Begin to Connect the Dots Between Gates and Common Core
This is the first time I have seen legislators calling attention to the blatant conflict of interest inherent in "think tanks" posing as neutral experts on issues like Common Core,
Anthony Cody, August 30, 2013
•
5 min read
Load More ▼