With Joel Klein’s resignation as New York City schools chief, close on the heels of Michelle Rhee’s departure from Washington, DC, there is no shortage of controversy in today’s education community. Disagreements abound over everything from teacher accountability to Waiting for “Superman” to funding of hot lunch programs.
But amidst all this rancor, I find myself oddly encouraged by the passion and intensity of this public conversation. Acrimony aside, we’re at least fighting about solutions. However, one obvious and significant perspective that is missing from the conversation is the voices of students themselves.