It's packed this week and quite a read. First up, discover Checker's thoughts on Obama as First Role Model. We know he's commander-in-chief, world leader, international negotiator... but what about First Parent? Should his recent overseas comments be parsed for their patriotism, influence on civics curricula, and example set for American parents? Checker thinks so--find out why, here. Then, Mike evaluates the recent decisions made around the DC Opportunity Scholarship Program. After all the media attention this tiny voucher program has garnered, is it turning into Vietnam--small and strategically insignificant but sending both sides to the mat for fear of a spreading Voucher Curtain? And furthermore, Obama and Duncan have yet to pick a fight with Congress on education. When IES turned up positive results (with a gold-standard metric, no less) for the OSP, should that have been their cue? Find out here.
Then, fill up on news and research with stories about charter changes in RI, axing principals to save dough, and how to cure being "snake-bitten" (don't try this at home!). Next, Checker gives the 411 on the new Chubb and Moe book on technology, Amber tells us about the updates to the Calder TFA study in North Carolina, Christina informs us on Hess and Fullerton's new data paper, and Ben explains the relationship of school choice and house prices??in Milwaukee. Don't forget to listen to the podcast, which features guest co-host (and Flypaper blogger) Andy Smarick. And of course, RSVP for our two upcoming events: international lessons for national standards and the next Great Debate on the GOP future in education. Email Christina at [email protected].