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Truth Matters: A look at the “Tilson Tirade” on Online Learning, Part II

Subject: Dear Whitney – Are we having fun yet?

Monday night, 9/30/13

Dear Whitney:

It’s late. I’m home bound on a train from Philly from an extraordinary set of discussions about saving Catholic schools as one of the important options that should remain available to our kids, the least advantaged among them, especially. But I just had to write you.

Before reading your second tirade on online learning, I read the following Facebook post from my oldest son, a TFA educator in Boston. He wrote:

“I was told by one of my students today that she couldn’t do her homework over the weekend because she was kicked out of her house. She then asked me where I lived and if I would be willing to take custody of her because of how rough things are at home. So much going on at home with all these kids I’m glad I can be there in the classroom to help them work toward college and beyond.”

That’s what it’s about, isn’t it? Who has time for these tirades against a method of learning or one group??!

I think you probably need to read my piece again, Whitney. You seem to confuse my words and interest in talking about real issues with waging a discussion about one company.

It is neither my job nor my interest to work on rebutting your claims. It’s not my mission nor is it a fruitful use of my time. Why do you have so much of it, I wonder?

I raised issues about truth and validity of your assertions, as making unsubstantiated claims about online learning is simply irresponsible.

No, it’s not because I or the Center seeks or receives contributions from such organizations, though after 20 years of work I find the suggestion amusing that you’d assert that any funder actually dictates what I say or do.

In fact, K12 and Connections are among dozens of education organizations who fund major education events – like those held by groups on whose boards you’ve served! I’m grateful to them and the other funders who are helping us celebrate our 20 years! (Reminder to all reading this – it’s next Wednesday, Oct 9th, www.edreform.com more info!)

Their generosity has made it possible for us to fund the participation of 30 outstanding and pioneering advocates whose contributions are responsible for the substance of this very debate.

I had hoped you’d join us but alas, you’ve answered none of our appeals to attend, or to support our event next Wednesday. But I would gladly take your money too, even if you are wrong about stuff. As my good friend Howard Fuller has often pointed out when people attack funding sources of his good works, if their funds help him get the job done he’s more than happy to accept.

Alas some of us who do non-profit work have to sing for our supper but it doesn’t mean we only sing the tune of those who feed us. Just ask CER’s tried and true funders how often we do what they most want. Ask those who say no. It’s the reason we’ve remained small all these years, though strong in results.

As we celebrate 20 years I’m grateful that I stand with integrity and pride knowing that only principle moves us, and that allegations and assertions to the contrary are the cry of those who have no other legs upon which to stand.

Continue your campaigns for or against issues, people and work. I’m happy to applaud anyone who does so well but will not permit weak arguments, innuendo or opinion to stand unchallenged, no matter who says them or how big their megaphone is. Life is just too short.

Cordially –

Jeanne

PS A big THANK YOU to all in the states who wrote with their perspective and support. I read your notes and will be in touch soon!

PSS I don’t think you fully appreciate who our awardees are and what they’ve done for the movement for excellence in education. No one would even be having a conversation about school options had Bill Bennett not articulated such a principle first and publicly as Secretary of Education in 1985! As for Barbara Dreyer, not only would online learning not exist, but there would be no Rocketship, no Khan Academy and no Amplify. History is an amazing teacher if you take time to learn it.