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.
(Photo by MA Haykal, courtesy of Shutterstock).
In Camden, School Closures Revealed How Unequal the System Can Be
The New Jersey city was used as an experiment for improving schools by closing them; now, nearly a decade later, it’s become abundantly clear that this was a terrible idea. Read more
May 18, 2021
(Photo by cmh2315fl, courtesy of Flickr).
Tennessee’s Plan to Privatize Schools Is a Warning Sign for the Rest of the Country
The state’s experiment with placing charter school operators in charge of districts never worked, but lawmakers won’t let it die. Read more
May 1, 2021
(Photo by Steven Depolo).
The Case for Banning School Suspensions
We need to try to understand, not penalize, students when they act out. Read more
Apr 22, 2021
(Photo by Monkey Business Images, courtesy of Shutterstock).
Biden Must Address the Public School Mental Health Crisis Right Now
The pandemic has been especially traumatic for students and, to make matters worse, school counselors that could help are in short supply. Read more
Apr 19, 2021
(Photo by CLS Digital Arts, via Shutterstock).
Biden Is Reigniting the Movement to Oppose Standardized Testing
Teachers always knew the tests lacked validity, and now some progressive Democrats in Congress are joining their opposition. Read more
Mar 22, 2021
(Photo by vovan, courtesy of Shutterstock).
How the Rhetoric of ‘Learning Loss’ Is Harming Schools
The most important losses of the pandemic have little to do with academic standards. Read more
Apr 4, 2021
(Photo by John Gress Media Inc., courtesy of Shutterstock).
Is It Still Too Soon to Reopen Schools in Chicago?
Though the Chicago Teachers Union agreed to a reopening plan in early March, many educators say that it’s not enough to ensure safe classrooms. Read more
Mar 24, 2021
Photo by Greg Skidmore, via Wikimedia Commons
The New Florida Voucher Bills Are a ‘Death Knell’ for Public Education
If Governor Ron DeSantis succeeds in passing these bills, it could lead to the complete hollowing out of the state’s public school system. Read more
Mar 10, 2021
(Photo by Milwaukee Teachers Education Association, via Flickr)
Why Aren’t There More Black Teachers?
Less than 7 percent of teachers are Black. That needs to change. Read more
Feb 23, 2021
