Columns

Column: Grading Charter Schools Isn’t as Easy as It Would Appear

Thursday, May 23, 2013

On June 4, 1991, Minnesota Gov. Arne Carlson signed into law a bill that set in motion one of the most significant — and controversial — education reform movements in modern history. Minnesota’s charter school law allowed educators and other concerned individuals to apply to the state for permission to operate a government-funded school outside of the public education system. To obtain and keep their licenses, these new schools needed …

Willem Lange: A Lifetime of Fishing Has Landed Trophy Memories, Friendships

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

East Montpelier I know just when this annual spring passion was born — not the date, but the situation. Great-Gramma Lange had taken my sister and me on our weekly walk to Washington Park, just two blocks from our home in Albany, N.Y. What marvels there were there! — a giant bronze statue of Moses smiting the rock on Mount Horeb to get …

Column: Criminalizing National Security Journalism

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

The Obama Justice Department’s crusade against leakers just took a quantum leap — and it’s extremely worrisome. It’s one thing to go after officials who leak classified information to the press. The Obama administration has gone after more of them than all previous administrations combined. Nonetheless, officials with security clearances sign a contract pledging not to share material with the outside world — …