Just to be clear, my opinions on this blog are mine and mine alone. I speak for myself. I am not part of some cabal. I do not work for LASD, LAEF, SCCOE, BCS (that one should be obvious), BPESF, or any other organization. I am not associated with the Bullis Charter Scam web site. I have never posted content anonymously on the topic of charter schools in general or BCS in particular, nor have I given or received remuneration for anything I've done on this topic.
In the spirit of full disclosure, I am going to happily contribute to Anna Song for her next campaign, regardless of what office it is. I am inspired that she held one viewpoint, then after receiving new information changed her opinion based on sound reasoning. Skills such as these are so essential in any leadership position (and sadly so rare). It's all too easy for people to entrench their beliefs and hold tight despite opposing evidence (a.k.a.the backfire effect). I absolutely want to encourage her to continue using her skills to benefit the public.
I can understand why BCS supporters would like to think that there is really only one small yet vocal group of dissenters, and that I am somehow linked in to them all. I have made a conscious decision to be open with my opinions and my identity, which makes me an obvious target. However, the inconvenient truth is that I am just one of many independent groups that have looked at the charter school situation—and BCS in particular—and have taken issue with it. Nancy Gill (independent education consultant), Diane Ravitch (Professor of Education at New York University), Business Week, LASDVoices, Bullis Charter Scam, and a profusion of parents and community members have each independently come to the same conclusion: there are many valid concerns with BCS and those concerns must be voiced.
Yes, I have communicated with many of the people involved. And many of those communications I post to my blog. But in the end I am speaking my own opinions for myself. I have no more power in this situation than any other citizen with the time, drive, and resolve to invest in making their voice heard. For those of you who doubt me, I suggest you consult Occam.
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