1.
Focused on education.
www.learningmatters.tv 127 W. 26
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November 1, 2013
Iva Crookston, M.A.
Founder & Director
Czech School of California
San Francisco - San José - Silicon Valley
Dear Ms. Crookston,
I have been reporting on the ups and downs of the Charter School movement from its beginning
back in 1988, and the Czech School of California certainly has the potential to be one of the 'up'
moments. In fact, your school sounds like a great story for the PBS NewsHour. I am sad that I
cannot be on hand to celebrate with you this evening, and particularly with my friends Richard and
Barbara Pivnicka, but perhaps one day in the not too distant future I will show up with a camera
crew.
In forty years of reporting, I have learned two truths: Educators must remember to ask "How are
you intelligent?" instead of "How intelligent are you?" And, two, the people in charge must
measure what they value, and not simply value what they measure. If the Czech School of
California adheres to these principles, all will be well.
I wish you all the best.
Sincerely,
John Merrow
Education Correspondent, PBS NewsHour and President, Learning Matters Inc.