Links for 2011-12-14

We sorely need a smarter, more coherent vision of the federal role in K-12 education. Yet both parties find themselves hemmed in. Republicans are stuck debating whether, rather than how, the federal government ought to be involved in education, while Democrats are squeezed between superintendents, school boards and teachers' unions that want money with no strings, and activists with little patience for concerns about federal overreach. When it comes to education policy, the two of us represent different schools of thought. One of us..., is an education school professor who advised the Obama administration's transition team; the other..., has been a critic of school districts and schools of education. We disagree on much, including big issues like merit pay for teachers and the best strategies for school choice. We agree, though, on what the federal government can do well. It should not micromanage schools, but should focus on the four functions it alone can perform.

The option to self-publish is a compelling one. Seductive, in many ways. On the one hand -- holy crap! New option! Totally awesome! On the other hand: is it the best option? Time, then, for a little litmus test to see if you should self-publish.