Jerry's death is a stunning loss for all of us who advocate not only for better assessment but for schools that truly meet the needs of all children and an education system that meets the needs of the people, not just the dominant forces in the economy and politics. My, and FairTest's, sadness and condolences go to Jerry's family. Like too many, he is gone too early, too young, still too vibrant and engagement in this world of the living. I cannot think of anything better to say than Mother Jones' famous call: "Pray for the dead and fight like hell for the living." We shall do both.
Monty
Alfie Kohn: "Alas, Jerry Bracey has just died. Spirited crusader for accuracy, integrity; denounced false claims, misuse of stats; made the right enemies." Alfie urges us to read Bracey’s blog posts (http://bit.ly/73rrG) and his books – e.g., http://bit.ly/4iAb2u & http://bit.ly/9jpHf.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
RIP Gerald Bracey
News is starting to trickle in on the sad passing of Gerald Bracey. Here's a note we received this morning from Monty Neill at FairTest:
This is terribly sad. He was the voice of reason, and we need that voice more than ever now.
ReplyDeleteThis is an enormous loss. Jerry was an extraordinarily clear and independent thinker.
ReplyDeleteHis brand new book, "Education Hell: Rhetoric vs. Reality" is something the modern education reform establishment desperately needs to read.
Sacrifice 30 bucks for the cause, and buy a copy to send to your favorite ed reformer-type today!
Start with:
- Arne Duncan and his entire staff at the DoE
- Democrats for Education Reform (Joe Williams, Whitney Tilson, Newt Gingrich, Al Sharpton, etc.)
- Joel Klein and Michael Bloomberg
- Bill Gates and his entire staff at the Gates Foundation
- Eli Broad and his entire staff and the Broad Foundation
- Any Broad-trained superintendents or residents in your local school district
- Jay Green and his staff at the U. of Arkansas Department of Education Reform
- etc.