The Backpack / May 2011 Edition

In this issue:

• Rally Against Arne Duncan’s ‘Reforms,’ For Public Schools on May 26
• Annual Meeting Honors Rothstein, Activists for Public Schools
• MCAS Reform Bill Gets a True ‘Hearing’
• Sen. Pat Jehlen: An Open Letter to CPS Members
• John Cummings: ‘It’s a Shadow Over Their Lives’
  

Welcome to the May 2011 edition of the Backpack, beginning with an interview with Nancy Carlsson-Paige,  who will be speaking with other educators and activists at a rally May 26 in Harvard Square. Come to “The Pit” at 10 a.m. on May 26 and hear Nancy, Deborah Meier, Alfie Kohn and others as we challenge U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan to make his actions match his words. We also include a report and Larry Aaronson’s beautiful photographs of the CPS annual meeting, which honored Richard Rothstein, author of Class and Schools, and other Activists for Public Schools, including a special honor for the late Sumner Z. Kaplan, our dear former friend and colleague.

This issue also includes a report on an unprecedented hearing on MCAS bills at the State House, an open letter from Sen. Patricia Jehlen, and a tribute by Ann O’Halloran to the late John Cummings, who epitomized the passion, commitment and caring that truly great teachers have for their students.

As always, we welcome feedback and ideas from our readers. And don’t forget to pass the Backpack along to your friends and family.

Note: Unless otherwise noted, all articles represent the opinion of the authors and not necessarily that of the organization.

____________________________________

Lisa Guisbond and Jacqueline King are co-editors of The Backpack and CPS Board Members. Thanks to the outstanding contributions of Backpack editorial committee–Paul Dunphy, Jonathan King, and Ann O’Halloran.