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.
PragerU’s Propaganda Is Now Being Taught in Schools
The media group was just approved to spread its brand of historical disinformation to classrooms in Florida, Oklahoma, and New Hampshire. Read more
Sep 18, 2023
Charter Schools Can’t Claim to Be Public Anymore
A recently-passed bill in North Carolina allows the charter industry to screen students and charge tuition, just like a private school. Read more
Sep 13, 2023
The Movement for Public Schools Isn’t Dead
In 2018, the Red for Ed wave of teacher strikes was driven by community momentum. We need to keep that going. Read more
Sep 5, 2023
Public Schools’ New, Uneven Landscape
As students return to classrooms, schools are more expensive, more conservative, and more local than before. Read more
Aug 29, 2023
The Battle Over a ‘Catholic Public School’ in Oklahoma
A school board’s approval of St. Isidore, a virtual charter school, violated church-state separation; now, a lawsuit could help prevent it from moving forward. Read more
Aug 17, 2023
The Right-Wing Think Tank That the Charter School Industry Relies On
CREDO, a research group with deep ties to the right, promotes pro-charter reports that regularly fudge the facts. Read more
Aug 1, 2023
Why Red States Are Blocking New School Voucher Programs
Opposition to taking money away from public schools to fund voucher programs is an increasingly bipartisan stance. Read more
Jul 3, 2023
How Community Schools Can Transform Parent Involvement for the Better
While politicians pit parents against schools, educators are finding a way to make parent involvement integral to what the school does. Read more
Jun 20, 2023
How Right-Wing Christians Are Taking Over the Charter School Industry
Backed by taxpayer money, the religious right has been rapidly opening charter schools across the country. Read more
Jun 9, 2023