Joe Enge
Lessons from Texas
Recognition is beginning to grow across the country that end-of-course exams are a superior alternative to proficiency tests as a requirement for high school graduation.
Right then, and right now
Next month will mark one year since the death of Nobel laureate and 20th Century intellectual giant Milton Friedman, who contributed so much to the cause of freedom and whose legacy is sure to grow even more with the passage of time.
Talking to the hand
Nevada’s Open Meeting Law was designed to generate public discourse and debate. Yet school boards have, ironically, used it instead as a means of avoiding frank discussion with the public — thus turning the law on its head.
Who works for whom?
Chancellor Jim Rogers’ response to a recent evaluation from Regent Ron Knecht suggests a continuing confusion over an important issue: whether the chancellor works for the Nevada System of Higher Education Board of Regents, or whether it works for him.
United against choice
While recognition is growing that greater school choice is badly needed in Nevada and across the country, the National Education Association, at its annual meeting in Philadelphia this summer, hardened its position against charter schools and school choice.
Back to school
What choices are available to parents and students in Nevada who are considering the charter school option? What can you do if you don’t like the menu at the geographically mandated government educational cafeteria? Unfortunately, Nevadans have few alternatives.
A success in any language
Trying to be everything to everybody is a sure recipe for failure. Yet, to maintain its education monopoly, that’s what the Nevada public school system attempts to do.
A crack at real choice in education
Choice for education in Nevada has long been greatly lacking. A small number of charter schools have existed, but they have been constantly and purposefully exposed and limited — for the best interests of the establishment, not the students.
Educational feudalism
Teachers often bemoan the fact that they are neither seen nor treated as true professionals. It is true that teachers are not held in nearly as high a regard in American culture as they are in many others. Having taught in Estonia, I’ve experienced the difference in treatment that teachers receive there as compared to here in the United States. In fact, students don’t refer to their teachers by name in Estonia, instead using the term “teacher” as a respectful way to address educators.