To the Point
Pineapplegate and Privatizing Public Schools
Standardized test questions about a pineapple and a hare have spawned debate about the privatization of public schools at a cost to taxpayers and the quality of education.
By Warren Olney • • 51m ListenStandardized test questions about a pineapple and a hare have been ridiculed by students, teachers and critics of education reform. Are public schools being privatized at increased cost to taxpayers and the quality of education itself? Also, Chinese dissident Chen Guangcheng leaves the US Embassy, and open questions after President Obama's surprise trip to Afghanistan.
Banner image: A young student in looks closely at a math exam in Chicago. Photo by Tim Boyle/Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesChinese Dissident Leaves Embassy
The US says China guaranteed humane treatment for the blind dissident Chen Guangcheng, and he was released from diplomatic refuge to a hospital in Beijing. But activists are telling overseas human rights groups a different story. Barbara Demick is Beijing correspondent for the Los Angeles Times .
Read the story8 minPublic Education and Private Profit
In six or seven states, kids were asked ridiculous questions on a standardized test. Then, New York's 8th graders were asked about a pineapple that challenges a hare to a race. Since the pineapple can't move, forest animals suspect it has a trick up its sleeve and bet on it to win. But the hare wins and the animals eat the pineapple.
Read the story38 minObama's New Pact with Afghanistan
President Obama made a surprise visit to Kabul yesterday, where he meet with Hamid Karzai. After signing the latest security agreement with the Afghan President, Obama listed ten year's worth of American achievements in the region.
Read the story6 min
