Recommendations for the Louisiana TOPS Commission

On February 7, 2018, Michael Dannenberg, Director of Strategic Initiatives for Policy testified to the Louisiana TOPS Commission as they considered changes to their state financial aid program. His opening statement is included below, and you can read the full testimony here.                   “Chairman Morrish, Representative Carter, and

Trickle-Down Cuts to Education

Washington, D.C. — With the stage set for tax reform following passage of the Congressional Republican budget, the Center for American Progress and Education Reform Now have prepared a joint issue brief outlining the cumulative damage proposed spending cuts and tax breaks for the wealthy portend for students, families, and schools nationwide. Analyzed and discussed are:

New Colleges of Education-A Path for Going from Concept to Reality

by Michael Dannenberg There are at least two phenomena on which most progressive education reformers and teacher union leaders agree: our school system is inadequately and inequitably funded and our system of teacher education and training does not adequately prepare new and continuing teachers for the emerging demands of an increasingly modern and diverse classroom.

Teacher Education Reform Now

by Michael Dannenberg There are at least two phenomena on which most progressive education reformers and teacher union leaders agree: our school system is inadequately and inequitably funded and our system of teacher education and training does not adequately prepare new and continuing teachers for the emerging demands of an increasingly modern and diverse classroom.

Shavar Jeffries on Empowering Parents and Strengthening Black Communities

The following op-ed by DFER President originally appeared on The Root  Some reform critics seek a policy regime in which their opinions about school options trump the decisions of individual black parents. That is the opposite of black empowerment.     In a piece entitled, “Democratic Political Infighting Over Education Harms Black Families,” which was published on The

Where Does Bernie Sanders Stand on Public Charter Schools?

By Marianne Lombardo   Where does Bernie Sanders stand on public charter schools? While he’s typically a straight-talker, it’s a little hard to figure out. On Tuesday’s Tom Joyner Morning Show, Roland Martin asked Sanders: What do you think about charters and vouchers, which Black parents are extremely supportive of – almost 80%?” Sanders responded: “If they