This Labor Day, I pay tribute to everyone who works in the Public School System. A lot of critical jobs are lost when public schools close and changes are made to a school district. I am thinking Philadelphia here, although there are many other school districts which have changed drastically. A lot of these positions […]
The Strange New Education Vocabulary List
This week I heard several educators and parents mention the strange vocabulary being used in public schools these days. So I got out the vocabulary list I’ve been collecting for several years called The Strange New Education Vocabulary List. Many of these words come from business or the military and seem strangely cold in reference […]
Special Olympics—Endangered?
Recently, Special Olympics celebrated the anniversary of their 1976 event. This is a picture of Eunice Kennedy Shriver and a young competitor and winner from back then posted on the Special Olympics site on August 22. As a young college student, almost ready to graduate with a degree in special education, I volunteered in the […]
The Public School System and Mental Health Services
Two days ago we had another grim reminder that schools, like communities, are vulnerable to troubled individuals, often young people, possessing weapons. These events strike fear in the hearts and minds of parents and add fuel to the fire when it comes to the gun debate. While the gun debate goes on…. Most people […]
Head Start and the Hunger Games
CNN Money reported that 57,000 children will lose out on Head Start due to the Sequester and $85 billion in federal budget cuts. Head Start staffers, some who are parents of the children, will see pay cuts or be fired. http://money.cnn.com/2013/08/19/news/economy/headstart-funding-cuts/ One would think preschool for the poor would be improving. But maybe when […]
Educational Fun With GAMES—It’s What Motivates Students!
I know that many teachers might feel like they have no time for games and fun educational activities in their classrooms. I find that very sad. Games and free time in class can be a valuable way to bring students together and teach at the same time. And games can provide wholesome family fun. So […]
Schools to Shelter Children
I said I would write about games for children. But I am going to hold off with that because too much is in the way. Today I am driven to writing about the poor children living in Moore, Oklahoma. They headed back to school today. Or what’s left of their schools. http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/08/15/moore-tornado-plaza-towers-elementary-school-students/2660593/ Parents there are […]
Olga Jarrett and the Importance of Play
Today I thought I’d mention Dr. Olga Jarrett and how she has contributed so much to the child’s world of play. She has done serious research about child development and she especially recognizes the importance of socialization. I find socialization to be a serious casualty of the current reform movement in our public schools. Dr. […]
Flipping
On a Southwest flight the other day, I noticed the feature article in their magazine was about flipping the classroom. I wonder how many teachers are doing this and what they think about it–really. I am rather cynical about new reforms (as is evident by my book title), especially when they have catchy names. But […]
Remembering Dr. Bracey in All the Public School Turmoil
I was thinking the other day about Gerald Bracey. Dr. Bracey is always an inspiration and a researcher who knew how to help the rest of us make sense of information, often in upbeat, even humorous ways. I own almost all of his books. The ones about research were and still are very informative. And […]