How did you first get into journalism and writing?
I’ve been writing my whole life, including a local newspaper column for over 25 years. NCLB and Common Core are what activated me as an education writer.
What is your approach to journalism? Why do you write and what do you hope to accomplish with your articles?
My main impulse is to say what I have to say. The hope is that it will provide information about what is happening, and the language with which to discuss it.
What do you think are the most important issues that we face today, and why?
In education, the most toxic factor in place is high stakes testing. But the looming issues are the attempt to change the very nature of education in this country from a public good to a private responsibility.
Which publications and journalists do you follow?
I read an awful lot. For people I read – I read many education reporters, bloggers, and writers, including Matt Barnum, Diane Ravitch, Jeff Bryant, Nancy Flanagan, Jose Vilson, Adam Laats, and Anne Lutz Fernandez. It’s a very long list, and I’m always looking for people to add to it.
Why is it important for people to support independent media outlets like the Bucks County Beacon?
Media outlets are widely becoming victims of attempts to squeeze money out of the industry and/or turn media into a tool to promote a specific agenda. Independent media outlets that don’t answer to partisan owners or private equity investors are an important part of getting information out to people.
Peter’s articles:
Vermilion Education Gives Pennridge School District Curriculum a Right-Wing Makeover
Will AI Bring Us the Future of Education That We Actually Want, or Need?
What’s In Hillsdale’s 1776 Curriculum?
In Central Bucks School District, Students May Have To Certify Gender
Pennsylvania Cyber Schools Spend $16.8 Million On Marketing In One Year
The Arch-Conservative Bradley Foundation Is Waging a War on Democracy
Hillsdale College Comes To Pennridge School District Via Vermilion Education
Pennsylvania Is the Cyber Charter Capital of the Country. It’s Not Something to Celebrate
Penncrest School Board Member: “I don’t care what the law says”
Pennsylvania Cyber Charter Owners and Operators Get Rich While Students Receive Poor Education
The Role of Real Estate in the For-Profit Charter School Grift
School Vouchers Have Been a Disaster—Now Advocates Are Trying to Rename Them
Another Pennsylvania School District Clamping Down On Reading Rights
Pennsylvania Takes Valuable Steps Forward to Help Teachers Create Anti-Racist Classrooms
Doug Mastriano’s education plan would gut Bucks County’s public schools
Doug Mastriano Would Be A Disaster for Public Education
Congressional Inaction on Gun Control Forces Teachers and Students to Fend For Themselves
Pennsylvania School Voucher Bill Advances
PA: What would charter reform save Bucks County taxpayers?
