While Checker dispenses with the United Educators of San Francisco on one coast, a more worthy opponent has emerged much closer to home.? Ulrich Boser, senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, and Diana Epstein posted a sharply worded critique of the Fordham Institute's recent and widely commented on report, Do High Flyers Maintain Their Altitude? Performance Trends of Top Students. The article questions both the methodology and interpretation of the study, concluding that perhaps the Fordham Gadfly is best characterized as ?someone who overstates the evidence in order to advance an erroneous theory.?
Challenge accepted.? The Gadfly will seek satisfaction at Monday's panel discussion, ?The Other Achievement Gap,? where Boser will be able to repeat his charges in person.? He will be joined by High Flyers author John Cronin, Rick Hess of the American Enterprise Institute, and Josh McGee, co-author of the recent Global Report Card study.? Checker will moderate what now promises to be an even more spirited conversation.? Those interested can still register to attend the discussion?at the Fordham Institute offices from 4 to 5:30 p.m. EST?or stream the entire event from the Fordham website.
-The Education Gadfly