In politics, mixed messages are the norm. When it comes to implementing policies, mixed messages are deadly.

Yesterday, you seemed to endorse something along the lines of the Tennessee model of value-added where the data is not used for evaluations. But DFERs memo to Duncan said that such an approach should disqualify a state from Race to the Top Funds.

Somebody, maybe you, needs to brief Duncan explaining that we have the money to start the 20 HCZs and build the data infrastructure. The community schools will require ongoing costs, while saving billions in lowered prison and health care costs. The data models shouldn’t have major ongoing costs unless reformers over-reach.

Go ahead with value-added models without tight regulations banning their use to drive evaluations, and there will be mega-bucks worth of ongoing legal expenses.