Somewhat Annoying Latecomers Try New School Reform Strategy: Campaign Giving

Long-time rabble-rouser Mike Klonsky goes all class warfare in this post about a newish group called Democrats For Education Reform. Klonsky mocks its founders as arrivistes with little more than money, MBA-born ideas, and slick opinions. Though he would never use that word. To be sure, the May 31 New York Sun article (here) that set Klonksy off is a little uncritical. And the "new" reform folks can seem annoyingly clubby and frighteningly like dot-commers the first time around. In fact, some of them probably were. But what I really wonder is why reformers of other stripes (groups, think tanks, foundations, etc.) don't try the political/legislative approach DFER is exploring, rather than always leaving that inside game to the unions, associations, and industry lobbyists? Marches, petitions, reports, and panels just don't get it done, folks. Give DFER credit for getting themselves into the fray, even if it's a game you don't like and a goal you don't agree with. And ask yourself why you're not in there with them. Previous posts: Who The Hell Is Whitney Tilson?, The Sundance Of School Reform, and Joe Williams Joins Newish Pro-Charter Group.

Comments

[Clyde]

What is the "it" that we're supposed to "get done" Russo? And what exactly does "getting into the fray" mean? Aren't you running out of cliches? How about, "roll up yer sleeves and get under the ol'hood"?

[Alexander]

sorry about the cliches, but "it" means any or all of the things that educators clamor for -- more money, more flexibility, better working conditions, smarter policies -- almost all of which are determined by elected officials in a legislative process.