Small Schools Talk

Bidding wars

30 L.A. public schools have been put up for bid. School elections will decide whether educators or outside management companies will run the schools. The fate of 40,000 students hangs in the balance.

One of the most complex ballots is the one for the soon-to-open Esteban Torres High School complex, where five small schools will operate. There are 10 bids for the site -- five from groups of teachers and five from charter schools. (L.A. Now)

Berkeley High

Rick Ayers sorts through the issues involving small schools and science labs at Berkeley High.

While the development of a handful of committed, integrated small schools are the one reform that has occurred and thus they are a target, being perceived as a threat to privilege.

"Ultimately," writes Ayers, "we have to take a deep look at what we think education is for. Why do we have schools? What are they about? In the broadest sense, they are to develop the adults who will lead our society in the next generation." (Oakland Tribune)

Why Isn't the 'Mother of Small Schools' Feeling Smug?

Yes, I am still a sort-of supporter of small schools—within the right context, blogs Deb Meier. I'm frequently introduced as "the mother/grandmother of small schools." So, why aren't I feeling smug and successful? There are more urban small schools than ever before—even though small often now means 600, not 300.

When and how might "small schools" and "choice" become a favorite of teachers and parents and kids rather than, as in NYC these days, a heavy-handed intruder? (Bridging Differences)