There is a continuing conservative direction expressed by the federal administration that feels to us to be exclusive while at the same time public schools struggle to be inclusive. Questioning beliefs is a good thing. Reexamining past practice helps to update, modernize, refine some things and abandon others. However, beginning with accusation and fear is not a productive path. As we've shared before, we believe what is happening in the world outside of schools will arrive within its walls, in invisible ways if leaders do not pay particular attention and make preparations in thought, in dialogue, and in planning. As public schools struggle to balance the treatment of students, leveling the playing field, making sure access to quality teaching and high standards exist for all students, we note an action by the federal government that will provoke bias in the public and evoke fear.   Read more...