Comments on: The Global Search for Education: More from Canada

By: Leonie

Leonie — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 03:09:28 +0000

Through a viarety of examples, such as redlining maps, racially restrictive covenants in property deeds, block-busting, racial steering, and more, this chapter portrays real estate agents in the Hartford area in an extremely negative light. In its description of block-busting, for instance, the chapter criticizes real estate agents for using a sales technique [that] played on White racial fears to make a quick profit. (OntheLine Preview Chapter 2) In this example, the author places the blame for block-busting on the real estate agent. However, the author could have named other entities, or a combination of entities, as responsible for the discriminatory practice, such as the white homeowners that held fears of black families entering their neighborhoods, or the political climate of the 50s and 60s that created opportunities for real estate agents to make money off of discriminatory practices. Pointing to these factors enables a more comprehensive view of block-busting, and sees real estate agents as agents of larger cultural and structural issues, rather than independent culprits. In light of this, the author is overly narrow in assigning significant blame to real estate agents for the discriminatory nature of American suburbanization.

By: Carmina

Carmina — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 15:51:50 +0000

I love what Rubin and othres in this movement are doing. It’s definitely making a difference! Their activism has spurred conversations about the junk our kids get at schools and resulted in some schools changing for the better. Thanks for sharing!

By: Doug

Doug — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 23:09:20 +0000

Due to his support of standardized testing, Ben Levin is not seen as part of the progressive camp in Canada.

The litmus test of progressivism is opposition to testing. The rest is window dressing.

By: Teddy P (learningbuzz.org)

Teddy P (learningbuzz.org) — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 06:21:29 +0000

Standardized tests alone lead to no learning. Studying for the test does not lead to learning.

By: Studying and teaching for the test: Students’ and Teachers’ worst nightmare | LearningBuzz

Sun, 02 Oct 2011 06:19:26 +0000

[...] found this excellent interview with Dr. Ben Levin, University of Toronto on the value of standardized tests and the differences between the US and [...]

By: Doug

Doug — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 01:52:39 +0000

To we Canadians, the USA seems to be chasing its tail in a panic instead of drawing a breath and saying, what do all the more successful countries, not just Canada, do that we don’t. There is almost zero interest in charters and vouchers in Canada. We look to Finland, if anywhere, for improvement models. Most Canadians don’t much care which university you went to. They all charge much the same tuition at the undergraduate level. The “Community Colleges” in Ontario 44% of Canada are respected for non-degree post secondary programs. Many canadians go to university first and then community college.

Canadians are not driven to be rich, just “comfortable”. Our poor are much less poor than the USA but our rich are also less rich.

By: Carol A.

Carol A. — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 05:11:07 +0000

The fact is, whether the parents are good or bad, their impact is enormous. This has to figure into any plan to improve the public school system in the US and the UK.

By: Carol A.

Carol A. — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 05:08:06 +0000

While this gives everyone a chance at a good education, it does not offer the exceptional education that the top universities and colleges in the US provide.

By: John Mark

John Mark — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 05:05:26 +0000

This provides opportunities for virtually all secondary school graduates to get an outstanding college education.

By: John Mark

John Mark — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 05:03:37 +0000

Canada, like some of the other countries that are recognized for their educational success, has adopted a philosophy of balanced education. This vision seems to be present in the curriculum, the testing, and the quality of their colleges. The US should take a comprehensive look at a system not far away that performs far better in their public secondary schools.