Category Archives: Education

Bait and Switch: Reform Reverts to Mo’ Money

Some years back, I ran into a friend, a Virginia Education Association unit chair, outside the General Assembly building, there to lobby on behalf of a state-wide teacher salary increase. The real problem, I noted, was that across-the-board salary increases … Continue reading

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Other States Have Updated How Schools Are Funded: Why Can’t Virginia?

In an August 1 commentary published in The Richmond Times-Dispatch, Thomas Jefferson Institute Senior Advisor and former President Chris Braunlich looks at the recent education funding report issued by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission. He examines more closely … Continue reading

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Welcome, Dr. Coons! Let’s Talk Math

In K-12 education, can Virginia lead the nation?  If that’s the goal, in my view as a career educator, Dr. Lisa Coons is the best possible choice as our new state Superintendent. As Chief Academic Officer in Tennessee, the programs … Continue reading

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Virginia’s Math SOLs: Science-Based — or Common Core?

Parents depend on schools to prepare their children with the skills needed in the global economy. In Virginia public schools, K-12 instruction is governed the Standards of Learning (SOLs). Between 1995 and 2015, our math SOLs were based on “best … Continue reading

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Let Them Eat Cake

On being told that peasants were starving for lack of bread, Marie Antionette is reputed to have said “Let them eat cake.” Marie Antionette had nothing on Delegate Suhas Subramanyam. At a House subcommittee meeting on Wednesday, Delegate Subramanyam was … Continue reading

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