BUSHOCIALISM FILES

Failing Schools Need Courses in Readin', Writin' and Accountability (Ronald Brownstein, July 21, 2003, LA Times)

Joel I. Klein, the accomplished attorney who was Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg's unconventional choice as schools chancellor last year, understands he can effectively educate the 1.1 million students in his care only if he shatters the cozy arrangements that have kept the New York City school system focused more on providing jobs for adults than on opportunities for kids. After 11 months on the job, Klein has the scars to prove his commitment to that cause.

But he also recognizes that decisions in Washington can tip the odds for or against success.

Mostly, Klein's a fan of the education reform bill that President Bush signed into law last year. The law provides a powerful tool for local reformers, like Klein, by requiring states to more precisely measure student performance and then intervene in schools that fail to improve it. That should pressure the entire system to demand results.

Hard to believe a stupid socialist like George W. Bush disguised this lever of reform--which leads directly to vouchers--so well that neither his critics on the Right nor the Left have figured out how monumental a change the Left Behind Act may effect on public education. Posted by Orrin Judd at July 25, 2003 1:02 PM