The same thing over and over

In this article Frederick Hess critiques what he calls "self-impressed "reformers"" or "self described innovators" and the "defenders of traditional schooling." He brings in some good historical perspectives to help illustrate his point that all the reform happening is more a reactionary frenzy than a practical and well thought out plan for improving our education. He describes the different initiatives as a "mismatch of ends and means." Handing over mayoral control of the schools and charter schools as well as many other measures or potential measures will not be the answer to the problem. And the problem as he points out is not that out of place with history. For instance, over the last 75 years our expectations have skyrocketed, insinuating that our presents ideals are probably not very grounded. His solutions are as he puts it frustrating and simple. We need to rethink the way schools need to operate in the 21st century. We need to be inventive in our approach to education and in our understanding of evaluations. Beyond this however he is not very specific.