Diane Ravitch

Date of Birth: July 1, 1938

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Biography

Diane Ravitch is a prominent American historian of education, education policy analyst, and research professor at New York University. She was born on July 1, 1938, in Houston, Texas. Ravitch earned her bachelor’s degree from Wellesley College in 1960 and a Ph.D. from Columbia University in 1975. She is best known for her critical analysis of education policies and her role as an advocate for public education. Ravitch began her career in education as a senior research scholar at New York University and later served as an Assistant Secretary of Education under President George H.W. Bush. Initially, she was a strong proponent of education reform measures such as standardized testing and charter schools. However, over time, she became one of the most vocal critics of these methods, arguing that they undermine public education and do not accurately measure student learning. Her books, including “The Death and Life of the Great American School System” and “Reign of Error,” have been influential in shaping public debate on education reform. Through her writing, public speaking, and advocacy work, Ravitch has become a leading voice for educators, parents, and students who believe in the importance of a strong public education system.

5 Interesting Facts about Diane Ravitch

1. Diane Ravitch was originally a supporter of No Child Left Behind but later became one of its most vocal critics.

2. She has served on the board of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP).

3. Ravitch was inducted into the National Education Policy Center’s Education Policy Hall of Fame.

4. She co-founded the Network for Public Education, an advocacy group focused on public education.

5. Diane Ravitch has authored more than a dozen books on education and history.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Diane Ravitch

1. “Testing is not teaching. It does not measure big ideas, it does not measure critical thinking, it does not measure imagination, it does not measure perseverance.”

2. “I used to believe in the ideas promoted by conservative think tanks, but the evidence changed my mind.”

3. “Public education is one of the bedrock institutions of our democracy.”

4. “Charter schools were supposed to save poor kids from failing public schools, but they have become a means to privatize public education.”

5. “We need to stop treating children as data points and start treating them as human beings.”