The pandemic showed that for students to get quality instruction, especially poor children of color, America must invest in real teachers, smaller class sizes, and better working conditions, including improved school facilities. So why is the focus on tutors? “Accelerated high-dosage” tutoring. We have been here before. With No Child Left Behind, tutoring didn’t work […]
Why Teachers Might Still Not Believe It’s Safe to Return to In-Person School
Anger about schools not reopening is directed at teachers and their unions. Sometimes it’s made to sound like they’re the problem and not Covid-19! Many public schools have opened their buildings, and teachers never quit working during the pandemic. Teachers aren’t epidemiologists, they aren’t statisticians. They want to rely on information and recommendations concerning Covid-19. […]
Is EdTrust Behind High-Stakes Testing During This Pandemic?
High-stakes standardized testing. Why now? Why again? Why ever? Was The Education Trust (EdTrust) involved in the decision? Who is EdTrust, and why would President Biden listen to them? EdTrust is a pro-school-reform group that carries clout, and they’ve been vocal about schools reopening during the pandemic. John B. King, Jr., who was education secretary […]
Time for a NEW National Reading Panel to Study Reading Instruction
Reading. It’s one of the most important and controversial topics in education. Reading is the foundational skill required of children to learn. With a new President and educators Dr. Miguel Cardona and Cindy Marten, the time is right to convene a new, inclusive National Reading Panel (NRP). Here’s why this is important, along with some […]
President Biden’s Ideas About Schools and Covid-19 Miss the Mark
I watched President Biden’s CNN Townhall. I like President Biden and feel that he is sincere and wants to do a good job. He is well-focused on helping the country move forward. His kindness shines through. But his school plans for Covid-19 are worrisome. As expected, Covid-19 dominated the Townhall conversation. A whole segment could […]
CDC Recommendations Are Clearer, But Teachers Face the Same Problems and New Ones
Just because school opening isn’t causing higher levels of community transmission doesn’t mean that there isn’t individual risk to teachers and staff. If we had wanted schools to safely reopen, we should have worked hard as a society to keep transmission rates down and to invest resources in schools. ~Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician […]
26 Reasons to Love Teachers During the Pandemic
Let teachers know how much they’re cared for on Valentine’s Day! Their mental health is important during this troubling time, so reach out and say something kind. No matter what anyone thinks about school reopenings it’s important to express love and appreciation for all that teachers do and have done during the pandemic. While Covid-19 […]
$100M For Children “Learning Faster Than Ever Before” In Tennessee?!
Tennessee lawmakers just signed off on a $100 Million program called Reading 360. Sixty million is federal Covid-19 relief money and $40 million federal grant money. What is this? Why Tennessee? Will other states follow? While the media bombards the public with learning loss warnings, this program is about acceleration. Fast-Track Here’s what the brochure […]
The 12 Point Covid-19 DISCONNECT Between Teachers and Those Who Want Schools Open Now!
Pressure is being placed on teachers to return to in-person classes. Here’s why that’s a problem. 1. Precautions The CDC and Dr. Fauci and President Biden want all schools to return to in-person learning with precautions in place. But precautions are exactly what many schools often lack. Teachers know best whether or not precautions are […]
How the Media and School Districts Shame Teachers During Covid-19
Listen to the news one moment, and you’re warned about the new variants of the virus. There’s uncertainty about it and whether it’s more deadly than the current strain. Next, the media gives voice to critics who belittle teachers and their unions for not returning to school or being afraid. There’s a dislike of teachers […]