Former CT Commissioner of Education Gerald Tirozzi has a book out called “Stop the School Bus: “How to put school reform initiatives back on track.”
In it, he discusses school reform initiatives that are negatively impacting students and educators across the country, and recommends ways to make them more effective.
While some reform efforts are bringing about positive change, Tirozzi argues, many make egregious promises, lack a research base, fail to address the needs of students and educators, and utilize a “smoke and mirrors” depiction of success.
Tirozzi, a Connecticut native, retired as the executive director of the National Association of Secondary School Principals in July, 2011. Among his educational posts include serving as assistant secretary of Elementary and Secondary Education at the U.S. Department of Education from 1996-1999, Commissioner of Education in Connecticut from 1983 to 1991 and Superintendent of New Haven Public Schools from 1977 to 1983.
Early in his career, Tirozzi also served as science teacher, assistant principal, and principal