The Backpack / Winter 2011 Edition

In this issue:

* School Committee Vote Draws Outrage, Grief

* Ravitch Electrifies Crowd, Counters Bill Gates at BC

* Petition to Stop History MCAS: Sign Today and You’ll Be in Good Company!

* Gambling Away Our Children’s Future

Welcome to the Winter 2010-11 edition of the Backpack. Our top story is about a crisis for parents, students and teacher in Boston Public Schools, and the passionate response of the community to plans to the so-called “Redesign and Reinvestment Proposal,” one of a series of proposals put forward by Superintendent Carol Johnson. The article by Jacqueline King and Ann O’Halloran is just the beginning of our coverage, with links to a whole section on Boston Public Schools, including statements from parent, students and teachers, a photo gallery and more.

We are also happy to include coverage of a talk by Diane  Ravitch at Boston College Law School. CPS was proud to have co-sponsored Diane’s talk with Boston College’s Lynch School of Education and happy to be able to include photographs from two excellent photographers, Larry Aaronson and George Abbott White.

An update on the petition to stop the history MCAS follows, with some of the thoughtful and moving comments left by our illustrious group of signers. It’s not too late to join them.

And finally, we include a powerful letter from an informed and articulate CPS member on the all-important context surrounding the recent controversy over Boston school closings.

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.