Blog

It is my pleasure to announce the publication of Issue 5 of The Line, in which we consider a key question: Are we delivering on the promise of education? To answer that question, we must each delve to the root of what exactly we believe the promise of education is, who it is for, and how it ought to be turned from dream to reality. And, of course, the nuanced answers to those questions are as diverse as the educators answering them. But that’s exactly why The Line exists.

In The Line's first civil discourse webinar, we dig into the complicated situations in Puerto Rico and Louisiana exacerbated by devastating hurricanes. I had the privilege of moderating the conversation between Dr. Julia Keleher, Secretary of Education for Puerto Rico, and Mr. Paul Pastorek, consultant to Puerto Rico Department of Education and former Superintendent of Education for Louisiana. They let us in on their experience of rebuilding after disaster--and the surprising truth that out of some of the toughest situations, the greatest opportunities emerge.

Quality education must be delivered to all students – no matter where they are born or where they live. Through Issue 4 of The Line, I hope you are challenged by listening to diverse voices, convicted by lingering opportunity gaps and inspired by educators and education leaders everywhere who are not giving up.

On October 30, 2018, a group of education and community leaders gathered at Prairie Knights Casino on Standing Rock Reservation, an hour south of Bismarck, North Dakota. One of the most rural states in the union, North Dakota has a population of just 750,000 and a strong and vibrant Native American culture – a perfect backdrop to focus on rural education and equity for all students.

Based on a shared belief in collegial discourse, hearing different perspectives and pulling together some of the top expertise in education, The Line was born.