The Backpack / Spring 2011 Edition

In this issue:

* CPS to Honor Richard Rothstein at Annual Meeting in April

* Standing Up for Wisconsin Teachers, Workers

* Charter School Costs Hit Small Towns Hard

* Student Test Scores are a Dangerous Way to Judge Teachers

* New Legislators, Friends Hosted at CPS Breakfast

* A Little Good News from Across the Nation

Welcome to the Spring 2011 edition of the Backpack, beginning with the exciting news that our honoree at this year’s annual meeting April 14 will be the incomparable Richard Rothstein, author of Class and Schools and many other fine books and articles. Save the date and watch for details on the location and time.

This issue includes coverage of the rally in support of Wisconsin teachers and workers,  a report on the charter school struggle in Western Massachusetts by Suzanne Mann, analysis of “value-added measures” of teachers by FairTest’s Monty Neill, news from our legislative breakfast, with photos by Larry Aaronson, as well as some good news from around the nation.

As always, we welcome feedback and ideas from our readers. And don’t forget to pass the Backpack along to your friends and family.

Note: Unless otherwise noted, all articles represent the opinion of the authors and not necessarily that of the organization.

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Lisa Guisbond and Jacqueline King are co-editors of The Backpack and CPS Board Members. Thanks to the outstanding contributions of Backpack editorial committee–Paul Dunphy, Jonathan King, and Ann O’Halloran.