In the quest for neighborhood educational equality, I’ve posted two blog entries – one on Diversity (January 18) and one on What is good at Jefferson HS (January 20). I’m working on a third, but in researching the origins of the main reason we are in the crappy position where we are (the PPS Transfer Policy) I came across a few endlessly useful and informative sources. So informative in fact, that I recommend that anyone with an interest in their kids education living in North Portland, read these.
The now terminated PPS Equity blog reigns supreme. Steve Rawley spent two years educating the rest of us. The commentary is also extremely informative and often provides historically relevant input that helps in trying to piece together and understand the extent of this incredible mess.
Finally, he realized that nothing around here would improve soon enough to benefit his children’s education, so they moved out of Portland. The effort he put in before he and his family came to the conclusion to do so, is nothing short of heroic. This is the place to go when looking for information on what PPS is doing (or not doing) for our neighborhood. For all of us who still live here – thank you, Steve. And thanks also for maintaining the Archives for our benefit. All your hard work makes it a lot easier for us relative newcomers to understand what we have to deal with.
I found the other three blogs while on PPS Equity. If I understand it correctly they were contributing writers to PPS Equity, in addition to working independently. All have some very interesting posts and are well worth a read. You can check them out here:
http://belongingmatters.blogspot.com/
I haven’t had time to really delve into all their respective postings, but found the one below very interesting – comments and all:
http://cheatinginclass.com/2011/01/pps-priorities/
For those looking for information on the current state of inequities in regards to Special Ed, Belonging Matters is a good resource.
The Creative Flux 
Hey Anna
Belonging Matters is mine. Suppose I should add something to it if it is getting plugged 🙂 I have given up commenting on blogs since around Novemberish I think because it started to feel like an addiction to check and recheck to see what people thought of my opinions. I have been trying to replace blogging time with direct service instead and have been volunteering more at Ockley Green. Perhaps I can find a balance where it doesn’t consume my soul but my opinions run pretty honest and I am also a hopeless optimist/diplomat which seems to annoy people.
Hi Stephanie,
Whether you spend your time spreading worthwhile information, or volunteering in the classroom, you’re doing a good thing, as far as I’m concerned! I can totally see that blogging can get addictive. If you ever decide to add to your blog, I’ll definitely read it, but don’t feel like you have to hurry – I still haven’t managed to plow through more than a fraction of what’s featured on those blogs. I do, however, appreciate all the good work! Keep it up – whether in person or on-line!