Funders: You Don't Know Broad

Check out this new Scholastic Administrator profile of philanthropist Eli Broad (Impatient Philanthropist) in which you will learn that Broad says he doesn't want to privatize public education and read some of the ways that Broad's approach differs from the Gates Foundation on several key issues (the parent trigger, Michelle Rhee, and TFA, among other things).  

Hate philanthropist reformers on sight?  It won't make any difference to you.  Curious about how they differ and what makes them tick?  You might be interested.  

Other articles worth clicking from Administrator (which sponsors this blog) include The Homeschool Twist: Districts experiment with partial homeschooling for gifted students. Kentucky: The First Domino?  Early Common Core results show a steep drop. Is your state next?  Interview With Terry Grier: A plainspoken leader takes Houston ISD in innovative directions—and holds all parties accountable, Sell Your Schools: Figuring out your schools’ return on investment can be a big selling point when it comes to board and public buy-in.

Comments

[CarolineSF]

The snide implication that Broad's critics "hate philanthropist reformers on sight" isn't fair or valid. It implies an ill-informed, unfair prejudgment, an implication that is not borne out by reality.

The most visible leader of reform "critics" is Diane Ravitch, who was a "reformer" herself before she looked at the results and realized that the "reform" policies were doing harm, not good. Obviously she gave the philanthropist reformers a lengthy, fair chance before becoming a critic. That's entirely the opposite of hating them on sight.

[coopmike48]

Alexander, I am confused by the article. You say Mr. Broad isn't for privatization yet supports charter schools. That kind of flies in the face of the reality of current education reform efforts that are "seemingly" supported and promote by Broad Academy and the Broad Superintendent cohort. some of my concerns haven't been addressed by Mr. Broad's approach to "fixing" public education which continues produced more and more charter schools. I would like to hear Mr. Broads explanation for the lack of accountability, the lack of democratic control of charter schools and the re-segregation of public education caused by charter schools. But my biggest complaint about Mr. Broad's approach is that there is no authentic parent engagement strategies. As a parent I am pissed off and offended by this top down approach. That being said Mr. Broad has been very effective in creating changes in public education: some good, some not so good. I think Mr. Broad would find more success for his ideas if he would simply talk to parents and listen to their concerns. There is common ground.

[Doug Little]

Reformers need to butt out and pay their taxes.