Stefan K's Open Salon Blog

Digging Into Schools

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 19:03:38 -0500

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!!

The Week’s Stories

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:02:50 -0500

In print, a rundown on the teachers’ contract impasse. On the blog, the Board of Higher Education gets a PR-savvy new member. Other than that? A couple projects are in the works, I’m producing two days at KBOO this week, and enjoying the weather.

The Guantánamo “Suicides”

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 13:02:37 -0500

I received the latest issue of Harper’s in the mail on Friday, and settled in to read it last night. If you still need proof that the magazine provides some of the best investigative reporting out there—and that our military governance is seriously frightening—you must read Scott Horton’s article on Guantánamo.

It provides a constant string of those “how-did-I-miss-this” moments that are the keystone of memorable reporting. Horton only bites when he’s sure he’ll get something good, and his restraint and lack of embellishment is almost as mesmerizing as the risk he takes in stating the simple facts.

The Week’s Stories

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:02:56 -0500

Week five at the Mercury already! In print, there was a story about chicken slaughter and one about evil corporate overlords taking over education (well, sorta). Then City Council was all, “F You Dirty Duck!” Portland State students and their well-mannered Dutch president addressed those corporate overlords again. Then some parents were like, “yo Superintendent, you better not close our schools and pay for nebulous studies!” Then a military indoctrination science learning contract disappeared from a board meeting… stay tuned.

The Most Brilliant Thing I’ve Ever Made

Tue, 9 Feb 2010 23:02:09 -0500

et cetera.