Last Week's Resources

Dufour, R. (2005). On common ground: the power of professional learning communities. Bloomington: The Solution Tree.
Lists and addresses challenges, benefits and characteristics of successful professional learning communities.

http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2007/10/10/07pratt.h27.html?print=1
Article on the lack of science in the elementary classroom due to NCLB, including a rebuttal to the belief that students can "catch up" on science in middle and high school.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071010/ap_pm_go_su_co/scotus_special_education
Article describes a ruling by the Supreme Court that will allow a family to be reimbursed for special education services provided by a private school.

http://louisville.edu/journal/workplace/issue5p2/singerpezone.html
Article questions the assumptions that our schools are failing and our society is sound, and suggests that schools reflect the values of the society in which they exist.

Dillon, S. (September, 17, 2007). Alabama plan brings out cry of segregation. New York Times.
Alabama residents forced from their homes in rezoning plan, and students forced out of high-performing school and into low-performing school. Educational and civil rights discussed.

Paolo Freire Freedom School in Tuscon, AZ
Public school bases its curriculum on the core standards of the Arizona Educational Standards, and its pedagogy on learning through authentic and relevant experiences.