Diane Ravitch - Reign of Error

Diane Ravitch, a historian of education, discusses her shift from supporting market-based education reforms to criticizing them. She highlights the negative impact of high-stakes testing and the privatization of education through charter schools and vouchers. Ravitch advocates for public education, emphasizing the importance of community support and the role of teachers. She warns against replacing teachers with technology and stresses the need for reducing inequality to improve education.

What shift in perspective does Diane Ravitch discuss in her introduction?

• From supporting public education to supporting private education

• From being a historian to a politician

• From advocating for choice and testing to criticizing them

• From opposing high-stakes testing to supporting it

What is the main concern Ravitch expresses about the influence of wealthy groups?

• They are supporting public education initiatives

• They are reducing the number of public schools

• They are promoting free-market solutions like charter schools

• They are increasing taxes for public schools

According to Ravitch, what is the effect of public funds flowing to religious institutions?

• It strengthens the separation of church and state

• It reduces the number of charter schools

• It blurs the line between public and religious education

• It increases public school funding

What does Ravitch believe is necessary for a strong public school system?

• Community support and reduced interference

• More charter schools

• A focus on consumer choice

• Increased standardized testing

What does Ravitch argue is the negative effect of consumer choice in education?

• It encourages thinking as citizens

• It promotes a vibrant public school system

• It encourages thinking as consumers

• It increases public school funding

What does Ravitch suggest is crucial for improving education?

• Increasing the number of charter schools

• Eliminating arts from the curriculum

• Reducing the role of high-stakes testing

• Increasing class sizes

What does Ravitch believe is the source of low test scores?

• High teacher salaries

• Property and income inequality

• Lack of technology in classrooms

• Excessive standardized testing