How to tell if your School District is Infected by the Broad Virus - & how to fight it...

[Hannah Bell]

1. Schools in your district are suddenly closed. Even top-performing schools, alternative schools, schools for the gifted, are inexplicably and suddenly targeted for closure or mergers.

2. Repetition of the phrases “the achievement gap” and “closing the achievement gap” in district documents and public statements. Repeated use of the terms “excellence” and “best practices” and “data-driven decisions.” (Coupled with a noted absence of any of the above.) The production of “data” that is false or cherry-picked, and then used to justify reforms.

3. Power is centralized. Decision-making is top down. Local autonomy of schools is taken away. Principals are treated like pawns by the superintendent, relocated, rewarded and punished at will. Culture of fear of reprisal develops in which teachers, principals, staff, even parents feel afraid to speak up against the policies of the district or the superintendent.

4. Ballooning of the central office at the same time superintendent makes painful cuts to schools and classrooms. Sudden increase in number of paid outside consultants...

http://seattleducation2010.wordpress.com/2011/04/19/how-to-tell-if-your-school-district-is-infected-by-the-broad-virus/

[Recursion]

1. Signe Wilkinson tooned it well