David Brooks recent praise of the "Harlem Miracle" is drawing some criticism. Apparently, some think the success of Geoffery Canada's Harlem Children's Zone and Promise Academy is not as impressive as Brooks claims, or at least the scores on standardized tests aren't. Joanne's site has some critical comments like this one from Aaron Pallas on the Gotham School:
http://gothamschools.org/2009/05/08/just-how-gullible-is-david-brooks/
There is also some excellent, and extensive analysis and comments from Corey at Thoughts on Education Policy:
http://www.edpolicythoughts.com/2009/05/sunday-commentary-sale-on-snake-oil-at.html#links
My feelings on charters generally fall in the "whatever works" category, though it appears the judgment of that is equally complex. If Brooks' piece manages to generate some discussion, and it can move at the policy level beyond the soundbites accurately criticized by Corey, then we may be getting somewhere.
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