Mark Weber
@jerseyjazzman.bsky.social
Education policy analyst, teacher, musician. Lecturer, Rutgers University Grad School of Education. @njpolicy.bsky.social @shankerinst.bsky.social NEPC Fellow. Jazz pianist and composer. Music educator.
Reposted by Mark Weber
Heritage is doubling down on its demands to overturn Plyer v Doe, which bars states from denying education to undocumented kids.
This would do untold harm to these kids’ futures
And would create mass chaos and funding constraints in major public districts.
www.dailysignal.com/2026/02/17/e...
This would do untold harm to these kids’ futures
And would create mass chaos and funding constraints in major public districts.
www.dailysignal.com/2026/02/17/e...
EXCLUSIVE: Heritage Says States Should Charge Tuition to Illegal Alien Children
Children should not receive free public education unless they are lawfully present in the U.S., a new Heritage Foundation report contends.
www.dailysignal.com
February 18, 2026 at 8:33 PM
Heritage is doubling down on its demands to overturn Plyer v Doe, which bars states from denying education to undocumented kids.
This would do untold harm to these kids’ futures
And would create mass chaos and funding constraints in major public districts.
www.dailysignal.com/2026/02/17/e...
This would do untold harm to these kids’ futures
And would create mass chaos and funding constraints in major public districts.
www.dailysignal.com/2026/02/17/e...
Not a psychometrician, but it's a well-known precept of the field that you don't make a validity argument for a test, you validate a USE of a test. When VAM-based teacher eval was becoming a thing, there was plenty of talk about how the models had... www.chalkbeat.org/2026/02/17/t...
Teaching as a team sport: What happens when a great teacher moves to a struggling school?
New research on a federal program found that when top teachers transferred to high-need schools, their performance dropped significantly. Teacher effectiveness may not be a fixed skill.
www.chalkbeat.org
February 18, 2026 at 5:45 PM
Not a psychometrician, but it's a well-known precept of the field that you don't make a validity argument for a test, you validate a USE of a test. When VAM-based teacher eval was becoming a thing, there was plenty of talk about how the models had... www.chalkbeat.org/2026/02/17/t...
Reposted by Mark Weber
SCOOP: I have the first interview with the 36-year-old South Jersey man whose tearful protest against an ICE raid at a school bus stop has been watched more than 3 million times
How a non-political Eagles fan Everyman became the face of ICE resistance
My new column www.inquirer.com/columnists/a...
How a non-political Eagles fan Everyman became the face of ICE resistance
My new column www.inquirer.com/columnists/a...
South Jersey guy becomes the face of ICE resistance | Will Bunch Newsletter
Last Friday, Joseph Zobel, “an average Joe who grew up in Haddon Heights” saw a video that shocked him. First interview with the ICE protester whose viral video reaction has been seen 3 million times.
www.inquirer.com
February 17, 2026 at 4:55 PM
SCOOP: I have the first interview with the 36-year-old South Jersey man whose tearful protest against an ICE raid at a school bus stop has been watched more than 3 million times
How a non-political Eagles fan Everyman became the face of ICE resistance
My new column www.inquirer.com/columnists/a...
How a non-political Eagles fan Everyman became the face of ICE resistance
My new column www.inquirer.com/columnists/a...
Reposted by Mark Weber
Nice @mattbarnum.bsky.social piece describing an important new study on whether really effective (85th%ile) teachers who have a big change in school context continue to be really effective. They don't: they continue to be effective (66th%ile), but not top tier.
www.chalkbeat.org/2026/02/17/t...
www.chalkbeat.org/2026/02/17/t...
Teaching as a team sport: What happens when a great teacher moves to a struggling school?
New research on a federal program found that when top teachers transferred to high-need schools, their performance dropped significantly. Teacher effectiveness may not be a fixed skill.
www.chalkbeat.org
February 17, 2026 at 11:21 PM
Nice @mattbarnum.bsky.social piece describing an important new study on whether really effective (85th%ile) teachers who have a big change in school context continue to be really effective. They don't: they continue to be effective (66th%ile), but not top tier.
www.chalkbeat.org/2026/02/17/t...
www.chalkbeat.org/2026/02/17/t...
The problem with unfair teams is bad enough... but the real scandal is here: "Trenton Catholic closed its doors after the 2023-24 school year due to financial issues... The diocese then agreed to lease its 64-acre campus to private investors who sought state funding..."
"Thrive Charter (16-3) is a heavy favorite to win its second consecutive Group 1 state title this winter — and it’s fueling an ongoing debate about fair play and charter schools in high school sports." www.nj.com/sports/2026/...
They demolished a ‘rival’ school 102-16. Is this N.J. super team breaking any rules?
The former private school powerhouse Trenton Catholic is now a public charter competing against New Jersey's smallest schools with blowout results.
www.nj.com
February 18, 2026 at 1:48 AM
The problem with unfair teams is bad enough... but the real scandal is here: "Trenton Catholic closed its doors after the 2023-24 school year due to financial issues... The diocese then agreed to lease its 64-acre campus to private investors who sought state funding..."
"Thrive Charter (16-3) is a heavy favorite to win its second consecutive Group 1 state title this winter — and it’s fueling an ongoing debate about fair play and charter schools in high school sports." www.nj.com/sports/2026/...
They demolished a ‘rival’ school 102-16. Is this N.J. super team breaking any rules?
The former private school powerhouse Trenton Catholic is now a public charter competing against New Jersey's smallest schools with blowout results.
www.nj.com
February 18, 2026 at 1:41 AM
"Thrive Charter (16-3) is a heavy favorite to win its second consecutive Group 1 state title this winter — and it’s fueling an ongoing debate about fair play and charter schools in high school sports." www.nj.com/sports/2026/...
I will vote for any candidate of any party who vows to use the threat of hard federal prison time to punish telemarketers who target seniors on Medicare.
February 16, 2026 at 5:16 PM
I will vote for any candidate of any party who vows to use the threat of hard federal prison time to punish telemarketers who target seniors on Medicare.
Reposted by Mark Weber
Swear to god, so many of these uber rich guys who keep trying to intellectualize and sanitize white supremacy really are the dumbest motherfuckers alive. They constantly say word salad-y nonsense like this that would cause them to fail a fourth grade US history test.
This odious white supremacist needs to learn some history.
Not so long ago, it was common to see "Irish need not apply" in job listings in the United States. You know, the same type of pernicious prejudice that Elon exhibits regularly.
Not so long ago, it was common to see "Irish need not apply" in job listings in the United States. You know, the same type of pernicious prejudice that Elon exhibits regularly.
February 15, 2026 at 7:41 PM
Swear to god, so many of these uber rich guys who keep trying to intellectualize and sanitize white supremacy really are the dumbest motherfuckers alive. They constantly say word salad-y nonsense like this that would cause them to fail a fourth grade US history test.
"KIPP is not a uniform product. It’s a brand name attached to independently operated regional networks, and the quality varies enormously."
This shift seems like something worth studying given how well KIPP has done historically.
The Stunning Collapse of KIPP DC
DC’s largest charter network went from 40 percent math proficiency to 14 percent. Nearly 4,000 students are caught in the fallout.
open.substack.com
February 14, 2026 at 10:30 PM
"KIPP is not a uniform product. It’s a brand name attached to independently operated regional networks, and the quality varies enormously."
Reposted by Mark Weber
I discussed new Arizona ESA data with Arizona 12 News’ Craig Harris. 20% of transactions deemed unallowable.
Imagine letting public schools spend taxpayer dollars with this little oversight or auditing. We wouldn’t. Release the data, and let the public see what it’s funding.
Imagine letting public schools spend taxpayer dollars with this little oversight or auditing. We wouldn’t. Release the data, and let the public see what it’s funding.
Voucher supporters say Empowerment Scholarship fraud is 1%. New records peg misspending closer to 20%.
12News obtained Education Department records showing that one in five ESA purchases—such as cellphones, TVs, and diamond rings—were on the "unallowable" list.
www.12news.com
February 13, 2026 at 1:21 PM
I discussed new Arizona ESA data with Arizona 12 News’ Craig Harris. 20% of transactions deemed unallowable.
Imagine letting public schools spend taxpayer dollars with this little oversight or auditing. We wouldn’t. Release the data, and let the public see what it’s funding.
Imagine letting public schools spend taxpayer dollars with this little oversight or auditing. We wouldn’t. Release the data, and let the public see what it’s funding.
Reposted by Mark Weber
On Thanksgiving, the immigrant children held at the Dilley detention center gathered in the gym for what they thought was a holiday feast.
The kids salivated over a spread of turkey, sandwiches, pastries and pies, a family told me.
But the food wasn’t for detainees — it was for the staff.
The kids salivated over a spread of turkey, sandwiches, pastries and pies, a family told me.
But the food wasn’t for detainees — it was for the staff.
February 13, 2026 at 7:41 PM
On Thanksgiving, the immigrant children held at the Dilley detention center gathered in the gym for what they thought was a holiday feast.
The kids salivated over a spread of turkey, sandwiches, pastries and pies, a family told me.
But the food wasn’t for detainees — it was for the staff.
The kids salivated over a spread of turkey, sandwiches, pastries and pies, a family told me.
But the food wasn’t for detainees — it was for the staff.
Reposted by Mark Weber
Another quick story time - About those unsustainable "huge" staffing increases while public schools bleed enrollments. First - those enrollments (overall)
February 12, 2026 at 1:27 PM
Another quick story time - About those unsustainable "huge" staffing increases while public schools bleed enrollments. First - those enrollments (overall)
Reposted by Mark Weber
Reposted by Mark Weber
Storytime - for those who seem to want to push some "southern" miracle in public schooling - using Mississippi as their exemplar, but implying "red state" strategies are the policy solution - First - Mississippi doesn't catch Mass or NJ - but states like AZ & FL fall to or below Mississippi:
February 11, 2026 at 3:50 PM
Storytime - for those who seem to want to push some "southern" miracle in public schooling - using Mississippi as their exemplar, but implying "red state" strategies are the policy solution - First - Mississippi doesn't catch Mass or NJ - but states like AZ & FL fall to or below Mississippi:
👇👇👇🔥
I’m sorry, but in the face of all the challenges facing education, teachers, students and their families, it’s difficult for me to be very concerned about this alleged consequence of grade ‘inflation
*Correction: The $160,000 lifetime loss is not per student, but for all the students who were taught by that teacher that year. Per student, the income loss ranges between $42 and $133 per year.
February 10, 2026 at 9:22 PM
👇👇👇🔥
Reposted by Mark Weber
You can’t have it both ways: report scores “adjusted for demographics” (which includes poverty), rank MS #1, and claim skeptics said “nothing can be done until poverty is addressed” The regression adjustment already addressed it.
(Also, tell me who said “nothing can be done.” Nobody, ever.)
(Also, tell me who said “nothing can be done.” Nobody, ever.)
Opinion | These Three Red States Are the Best Hope in Schooling
www.nytimes.com
February 9, 2026 at 11:03 AM
You can’t have it both ways: report scores “adjusted for demographics” (which includes poverty), rank MS #1, and claim skeptics said “nothing can be done until poverty is addressed” The regression adjustment already addressed it.
(Also, tell me who said “nothing can be done.” Nobody, ever.)
(Also, tell me who said “nothing can be done.” Nobody, ever.)
Reposted by Mark Weber
There was no happy ending for Patriots' owner Robert Kraft today.
February 9, 2026 at 3:34 AM
There was no happy ending for Patriots' owner Robert Kraft today.
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Re: the right-wing celebrations coming out of Texas on voucher application opening day: There are generally three kinds of private schools in state voucher systems:
February 8, 2026 at 11:21 PM
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Reposted by Mark Weber
Re: the right-wing celebrations coming out of Texas on voucher application opening day: There are generally three kinds of private schools in state voucher systems:
February 8, 2026 at 12:51 PM
Re: the right-wing celebrations coming out of Texas on voucher application opening day: There are generally three kinds of private schools in state voucher systems:
Reposted by Mark Weber
"I find robust evidence that moratoriums [on fraternities] decrease alcohol offenses by 26 percent. Additionally, I find suggestive evidence that moratoriums decrease reports of sexual assault on the weekends by 29 percent." [FYI I was in a fraternity] jhr.uwpress.org/content/61/1...
The Effect of Fraternity Moratoriums on Alcohol Offenses and Sexual Assaults
I exploit variation in timing from 44 temporary university-wide halts on all fraternity activity with alcohol (moratoriums) across 37 universities over 2014–2019. I construct a novel data set, merging...
jhr.uwpress.org
February 7, 2026 at 1:49 AM
"I find robust evidence that moratoriums [on fraternities] decrease alcohol offenses by 26 percent. Additionally, I find suggestive evidence that moratoriums decrease reports of sexual assault on the weekends by 29 percent." [FYI I was in a fraternity] jhr.uwpress.org/content/61/1...
Nothing makes me more nuts than wealthy people with cushy, easy jobs telling the rest of us we don't work hard enough.
Dr Oz defends his comments saying kids should work right out of high school & older Americans should put off retirement to help pay down natl debt: "If we make our people healthier, they'll want to participate in life. You shouldn't work longer bc you have to. You should work longer bc you want to."
February 7, 2026 at 1:29 PM
Nothing makes me more nuts than wealthy people with cushy, easy jobs telling the rest of us we don't work hard enough.
How many of our reformiest ideas about education find their genesis with creeps who appear in the Epstein files?
Y’all, I’m losing my mind over here. I need everyone to read this article. I can’t go it alone!!!
“Epstein argues that teaching children to write may be harmful because writing forces “linear” and “narrow” patterns of thinking, whereas the greatest thinkers never wrote.”
“Epstein argues that teaching children to write may be harmful because writing forces “linear” and “narrow” patterns of thinking, whereas the greatest thinkers never wrote.”
“The interview also becomes an exercise in intellectual peacocking as they invoke Socrates, Isaac Newton and quantum physics but pay little attention to Epstein’s crimes. Epstein reveals himself to be a living museum of racial prejudice.”
February 7, 2026 at 1:16 PM
How many of our reformiest ideas about education find their genesis with creeps who appear in the Epstein files?
Reposted by Mark Weber
Positions aside, she has utter contempt for the impertinent hogs called voters. Do not let this person have the lifelong eldercare she believes his her reward
“I would rather you vote for what is morally correct,” Davidson said.
“Don’t talk to me about my own morality,” DeLauro shot back.
“Don’t tell your constituents what they can and can’t talk to you about,” replied Rev. Nathan Empsall. “What you are voting for is not moral.”
“Don’t talk to me about my own morality,” DeLauro shot back.
“Don’t tell your constituents what they can and can’t talk to you about,” replied Rev. Nathan Empsall. “What you are voting for is not moral.”
DeLauro to pressing clergy: 'I will not vote to abolish ICE'
The Connecticut U.S. representative found herself at odds with faith leaders.
www.ctpublic.org
February 7, 2026 at 6:37 AM
Positions aside, she has utter contempt for the impertinent hogs called voters. Do not let this person have the lifelong eldercare she believes his her reward
Snoop crossing into corny...
a man is pulling a rope in the water with a yellow belt that says t on it
ALT: a man is pulling a rope in the water with a yellow belt that says t on it
media.tenor.com
February 7, 2026 at 1:10 AM
Snoop crossing into corny...
Reposted by Mark Weber
Congratulations to @paul-bruno.com, an assistant professor, and Haeryun Kim, a Ph.D. student at EPOL, on their new publication in the journal Leadership and Policy in Schools.
Their research uses unique data from a school district in Central Illinois to study how teacher hiring committees work.
Their research uses unique data from a school district in Central Illinois to study how teacher hiring committees work.
EPOL Team Publishes Research as Part of Public Engagement Fellowship Program
blogs.illinois.edu
February 6, 2026 at 11:38 PM
Congratulations to @paul-bruno.com, an assistant professor, and Haeryun Kim, a Ph.D. student at EPOL, on their new publication in the journal Leadership and Policy in Schools.
Their research uses unique data from a school district in Central Illinois to study how teacher hiring committees work.
Their research uses unique data from a school district in Central Illinois to study how teacher hiring committees work.