Reports are surfacing that nationally known education commentator Gerald Bracey has died. Jerry Bracey was an erudite and courageous voice debunking the clamoring attackers of public education and the mainstream media who gave those attackers a national platform, too often without question or challenge. His many commentaries, including a recent series on the Huffington Post, will live as a tribute to his quest for truth and fairness.
Author Alfie Kohn, who announced Bracey's passing on his Twitter page, commented: "Spirited crusader for accuracy, integrity; denounced false claims, misuse of stats; made the right enemies."
The most fitting tribute to Jerry Bracey would be for the voices he was addressing to pause for a minute to listen to him and think.
Jerry's Huffington Post bio is here.
Comments
This is an enormous loss. Jerry was an extraordinarily clear and independent thinker.
His brand new book, "Education Hell: Rhetoric vs. Reality" is something the modern education reform establishment desperately needs to read. Sacrifice some money for the cause, and buy a copy to send to your favorite ed reformer-type today!
Gerald Bracey did indeed pass away yesterday. While I did not know him personally several of his friends and mentees are my friends and mentors who let me know of his passing. The children of the world have had an ardent advocate and light removed.
Jerry is irreplaceable. He had courage and intelligence and cared about all the people and their children. I will miss him greatly.
Jerry was a national treasure. I told him so to his face several times, and now I'm glad I did. We won't soon see his equal.
A tragic loss to US education and the cause of truth and accuracy in research and policy-making. I can't imagine who can pick up his mantle, but for the sake of kids, I'm hoping someone will try.
A loss for all, but mostly for the children - let us take up his efforts for them and for our future.
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