Public Schools Advocate is a project of The Progressive magazine that aims to pull back the curtain on those individuals, foundations, and groups working both to privatize our public schools and to limit the role of schools in creating a critically democratic citizenry.
Launched in 2013, and originally called Public School Shakedown, the project covers the fundamental struggle for democracy going on around the country, as teachers, parents, and others rally to protect our public schools.
We changed the name to Public Schools Advocate in 2021, embracing a broader goal to empower teachers, parents, and other community members to organize and advocate for strong public schools that serve all students well.To that end, we work with a diverse group of fellows—teachers, advocates, activists, thinkers, and others in the progressive education movement. We regularly publish their writings, support them in attending conferences and other events, and assist them in getting the word out about one of the most important issues facing our democracy today.
What Now for Democrats for Education Reform?
The once-powerful group’s internal turmoil and diminishing size and status may be signs that the school privatization movement is now a fully right-wing enterprise.
Mar 3, 2025
Linda McMahon’s ‘Elegant Gaslighting’ of Democratic Senators
In her Senate confirmation hearing, McMahon never had to explain the Trump Administration’s real education agenda.
Feb 21, 2025
Teacher Fundraising Is Not a Solution to Our Broken System for Funding Schools
The fundraising site DonorsChoose raises millions for teachers, but many public school students still don’t have the resources they need.
Feb 11, 2025
Trump’s Deportation Agenda Is Harming Students in Public Schools
The possibility of ICE raids is diverting attention away from teaching and learning in public schools across the country.
Feb 6, 2025
How an Education Reform Group Founded by Jeb Bush Harmed Oklahoma Schools
ExcelinEd says its mission is to “share what works,” but that’s not really true.
Jan 17, 2025
School Choice Is Not What It Sounds Like
The movement’s ultimate objective is to put an end to public responsibility for education entirely.
Jan 1, 2025
Just How Bad Is the ‘Educational Choice’ Bill in Congress that Trump Is Expected to Support?
A federal voucher bill is closer to making it to the finish line than any that have come before it.
Dec 19, 2024
Howard Gardner on Education Today
The psychologist known for his theory of multiple intelligences speaks about the state of education in the United States.
Dec 4, 2024
Midwest Dispatch: Wrestlemania Comes for Public Education
Trump’s pick for Education Secretary, Linda McMahon, is charged with dismantling her own department, not addressing real problems facing the nation’s schools.
Nov 25, 2024