John Tanner

Why test-based accountability must be replaced with something better (which actually exists). And why we can't wait. edcontrarian.blogspot.com/2021/09/why-te…

I found this while researching 1929. It was from a sermon from Thanksgiving Day, 1929. Applies today. Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Thank YOU.

@tultican .@DianeRavitch I love this…

ICYMI: Moms have been saying this for yrs—the “drill & kill” accountability system in schools is hurting kids. It’s out of control. In #txlege I amended the school bill to stop @GregAbbott_TX from giving kindergartners the STAAR test! “W/each new wave of reforms, the tenor of kindergarten changed. Rote lessons in math & reading crept into classrooms, even though experts say young children learn best through play.” nytimes.com/2025/11/24/mag…

Journalist Edward R. Murrow used his platform on CBS to criticize the witch hunts led by Senator Joseph McCarthy in the 1950s. This is what real journalism should do — hold power to account, not capitulate to it.

“His tax plan is shifty indeed; he knows the state funding stream which is flowing now will dry up someday soon, after he has stripped communities of their authority to levy tax support for their community schools." #txed #txlege

"Too often we enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought." -John F. Kennedy

We are WILD about #Texas Public Schools! ✨ End your week on a high note with this year’s Celebration Video featuring the educators, leaders, and advocates who uplift our students every day. zurl.co/bVIoC

According to Gallup, 70% of parents view their child’s school’s favorably, but only 27% of the general public feels the same. If we could help the public see and feel what parents see and feel, and move that 27% figure, imagine what becomes possible.

We can make Texas the best state to live, work, and raise a family.

Accounting for what matters it turns out may be the single best way to generate trust in what any organization does. brave-ed.com

Spent the day with @FRIENDStxps on how to better advocate for Texas public schools. Great to see lots of friendly faces passionate about important things.

🌟 At Friends of Texas Public Schools, we’re building more than awareness. We’re building trust, momentum, and a statewide network of #Texans who believe in #publiceducation and are ready to defend it. 📣 Make your district’s voice heard. Join us ➡️ zurl.co/dygeo

8 Weeks to Trust registration now open for all school and community leaders. Join us. brave-ed.com/8-weeks-trust

What if public schools weren’t just evaluated—but trusted? That’s the goal of 8 Weeks to Trust: a course for school leaders, families & communities to rebuild trust through shared language, honest dialogue & real stories. Join us. brave-ed.com/8-weeks-trust

@TexasTribune edcontrarian.blogspot.com/2025/04/q-rega…

Texas school districts got their first A-F grades in five years. See how your school did here. bit.ly/42t88Q9

@s5stew5 @TXNSDD @GinaForAustin @GregAbbott_TX An explanation of the technical problems in all this that hopefully make sense to all audience. edcontrarian.blogspot.com/2025/04/q-rega…

@TXNSDD @GinaForAustin @GregAbbott_TX 100%

🚨Under the deceptive A-F ratings released by @GregAbbott_TX‘s Agency the # of failing TX schools went ⬆️ 240% in 1 yr. Courts had blocked these grades for being unjust, but the all-Abbott appointed 15th Court reversed. It’s rigged from top to bottom.

Texas is releasing A-F labels for schools and lots of folks have questions and should. For all of you in Texas (and this has application elsewhere as well) I hope this can serve as a resource for fighting the good fight. edcontrarian.blogspot.com/2025/04/q-rega…

My latest blog: Getting accountability right and retaking public education. Posts and reposts genuinely appreciated. edcontrarian.blogspot.com/2025/03/gettin…

@dr_poe @All_in_KY @bravEdjt It was an honor to share among my peers who produce equally important quality work. @bravEdjt got the ball rolling in GC with a focus on benefits based data and we have not looked back since. We prefer a windshield view, not the rear view mirror. #BelieveInGC

NAEP scores are out. Here's what we should all take from them, and it probably isn't what most people think. edcontrarian.blogspot.com/2025/01/once-m….