9093rivate schools don’t always want your children, might not want vouchers, and don’t necessarily do better than public schools! There’s some fascinating information flying around about private schools vs. public schools, and I thought I would write about it today since vouchers are likely going to be a big part of 2017. Kellyanne Conway and […]
Archives for December 2016
Hemingway for 5 Year Olds? Do These 22 Things To Teach Reading Instead!
In “Forget Pat the Bunny: My Kid’s Reading Hemingway,” The New York Times hypes KinderGuides where children read the simplified versions of adult novels converted to picture books–without the X-rated parts. The whole purpose of this is to get 5-12 year old children ready for adult books. I am not one to hold children back […]
Betsy DeVos and the Ghosts of Education Secretaries Past
As we approach the end of 2016 and look with hope to 2017, educators and parents are concerned about President-elect Trump’s choice of Betsy DeVos for education secretary. I share those concerns. But it is also important to remember the education secretaries of the past and how they have led us to where we are […]
Behind the Smiles: How Teachers “Personalize” Education During the Holidays
This is dedicated to all those caring teachers who worked so hard over the last few weeks despite being tired or having their own problems to make the holidays special for their students. As a teacher, I don’t have to tell other teachers how important it is to look behind student smiles during the holidays—and […]
Will Texas Parents Save Special Education?
In order for the nation to get back their public schools they have to realize what they’re losing. This is especially true for special education. For years, across the nation we have seen an eroding of services for students with disabilities. In Texas, denying children their right to special education, since 2004, came in the […]
Brain-Based Learning: Pushing Children to Learn Faster—Why?
There’s nothing sadder in this world than to awake Christmas morning and not be a child. ~ Erma Bombeck (1927-1996), American author and humorist. Brain-based learning promotes the idea that children learn faster if they are taught differently. But why push children to learn faster than ever before? Why turn children into adults before they […]
Universal Design for Learning by David H. Rose, Ed.D.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) By David H. Rose, Ed.D. Thank you Nancy for inviting me to put some thoughts about UDL on your blog. I hope I can reduce some of the misconceptions about UDL that appeared here, and then perhaps engage in discussion where I can learn more from you and your readers. […]
Universal Design for Learning or Microcosm for Destruction?
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a part of the new Every Student Succeeds Act. It promotes what is heralded as a new way to reach students with diverse needs. It sounds new agey. But what does this miracle program have that those of us who worked in special education for years don’t? You may, […]