Having shouldered the heretofore nonexistent education beat at the Mercury, I’m learning more than I’d ever thought I’d know about public-education bureaucracy. And you know what? It’s pretty interesting. What’s also interesting is wondering whether our twee hipster readership can toughen up and admit that they’ll be popping out babies in a few years.

The big story around town is a proposed redesign of Portland’s high schools. In the run-up to the decision there’s been a lot of anxiety about closures. I also helped organize a “Brewhaha” event with the Bus Project, where six panelists fought tooth and nail about the future of high schools. The audio I recorded there sucks, but highlights include a district official using some statistical jiu-jitsu to smack down a group of teenagers.

Portland Public Schools Chief Academic Officer Xavier Botana, a group of Lincoln High School Students, and Mercury News Editor Matt Davis.

A student was arguing with Chief Academic Officer Xavier Botana’s statement that research shows small class sizes don’t matter, “except for the lower grades and African-American students.” Xavier interrupted the kid mid-sentence.

“What’s your first period class?”
“Constitution.
“And how many kids are in that class?”
“I guess 35.”
“What’s your second period class?”
“Spanish.”
“And how many kids are in that class?”
“Around 20.”
“What’s your third period class?”
“English.”
“How many kids are in that class?”
“I think 27.”
“What are your grades in each of those classes?”
“A’s.”

At which point Xavier spun on his heel and smugly walked back to the table, to much applause. The disturbing fact remains: a bunch of kids, products of the district, “got served” by one of its most highly paid officials—if you accept the premise that success equals good grades. He was on the clock, too.

I did some poking around afterwards on the study he was referencing: the Tennesee STAR project. And I think it’s a little misleading to say it shows that small class sizes benefit only early grades and African-Americans. Most articles about the study say it means small class sizes have measurable benefits, and the study only focused on grades K-3. Erm?

I’m looking to scare up some new stories over the coming week. Tips, people!! I need tips!!