There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children. ~Nelson Mandela, Former President of South Africa Fathers who are protectors of children. Today is your day. Today, I am thinking about fathers who help their sons and daughters in school, and fathers who flee a […]
School Transformation Double Talk Threatens Students and Teachers
It’s easy to be confused by what is said about schools today. We are told one thing, when quite the opposite is taking place. We are told that with the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), education will involve local decision making. Simultaneously, the Bill & Melinda Gates foundation is giving $44 million to affect state […]
Alternative Routes vs. Growth Mindset: Shouldn’t School Be Like a Map?
Maybe you are planning a trip over the summer. Are you going to tackle the Grand Canyon? Perhaps you’re going overseas to Italy, or some exotic place that has always been on your bucket list. Maybe you will stay home and enjoy relaxing in the backyard. Why don’t we tell children that school is like […]
All the State Chiefs of Education in a Nutshell
I’ve compiled the list of state school superintendents, commissioners, officers, leaders, CEOs, whatever you want to call them, who are running schools in each state. They’re powerful and responsible for initiating school reform. This includes Common Core State Standards, high-stakes testing, teacher evaluations, and the digital transformation of public schools. Currently, they’re determining how the […]
22 Education Issues That Make Us Go “Well, Duh!”
There are certain issues in education that should no longer take a major study or a Ph.D. to understand. And yet some Americans seemed duped into believing there’s need for proof. For example, Chalkbeat just informed us that students who take tests in hot rooms don’t get good test scores. Does this shock anyone? Here’s […]
Preparing Teachers to Teach Reading: What Happened?
It’s easier to be ideological if you don’t have children sitting in front of you day after day. When you’re trying an approach and it’s not working, you have to back up and say, ‘I have to try something else.’ You can’t say [students] don’t fit the program. ~Dottie Fowler, a 15-year veteran teacher, 1998 […]
On this Memorial Day: Remembering Protectors of Children and Public Schools
On this day, Americans rightfully remember those who fought and died for our freedom. Maybe they will have a barbecue. Perhaps they will make use of the sales and go shopping at the mall. But when they hang the flag, they will thank those who made our country safe, so we can say what we […]
Smaller Class Sizes and REAL Personalized Learning are Needed for Safer Schools
Once again families and a community are in mourning—this time in Santa Fe, Texas. Policymakers must address gun control, mental health services, and school safety. There’s another solution for schools. One that few education reformers entertain. Smaller class sizes and providing students with real personalized learning. Not sitting kids in front of screens for all […]
The Danger of Online (Or Any) Pre-Kindergarten Assessment
When did we become a nation that harshly judges how young children learn? How does such inappropriate evaluation of children make our country great? The focus should be on the children and their needs. Also, does online preschool assessment violate a young child’s right to privacy? I think parents and teachers should be concerned. I […]
Here’s to Moms and Teachers: Standing Together for Great Public Schools!
Happy Mother’s Day! And Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! It’s interesting that these celebrations both happen around the same time. I’ve written salutes in the past. Here’s to moms! Here’s to teachers! Moms and teachers work together to provide students the best education. Moms Moms don’t just bake cupcakes for bake sales, although if they do […]