Critics slam teachers and public schools for low reading scores. Much of that criticism is wrong and misses the real problem. The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and the Science of Reading (SoR) both seriously hamper children’s writing (their voices) and, in turn, their ability to learn to read. Writing and reading are siblings. They […]
Dolly Parton: Insights From The Book Lady
We’ve heard many welcome tributes to Dolly Parton and her great role as the Book Lady. As most know, one of Dolly Parton’s many contributions and her passion was Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Former PBS NewsHour correspondent John Merrow recently shared an interview he had with Dolly where she explains why the Imagination Library matters. […]
Everybody Should Be Somebody’s Baby: How Americans Fail Early Learners
For many pregnant women in America, prenatal care is not accessible or affordable. ~Hillary Rodham Clinton, It Takes a Village (p.75) Helping children become great learners starts early, and America has much to learn if it really wants to invest in the next generation. Many other countries have already learned these lessons. In her 1992 […]
Science of Reading Mandates: Who’s Listening to The Experts?
Forty states are mandating the Science of Reading (SoR), promoting what they call evidence-based learning. Sadly, for years, thought-provoking arguments by accomplished reading and educational experts, based on serious research, have described complications surrounding the SoR. They seem all but ignored. Problems with this paradigm seem unnoticed by policymakers in favor of a few neuroscientists, […]
The Best Correspondent’s Dinner Message That Should Not Go Unnoticed!
…when this is your home, you inherit something remarkable: the protections in the First Amendment- free religion, free speech, free press, free assembly, free petition. This fundamental right belongs to everyone. ~Weijia Jiang, Emmy Award-winning television journalist There was a standout message at the Correspondents’ Dinner that reflected America’s best. This came from Emmy Award-winning […]
Problems with Civics Alliance Standards
By Beckie Mostello Civics Alliance is a national coalition of conservative education reformers, policymakers, parents, and citizens dedicated to preserving and restoring traditional civics education in American K-12 schools. Convened by the conservative National Association of Scholars (NAS) in 2021, the group opposes what it describes as radical ideology and “action civics”—which it defines as […]
The Many Ways to Set Kindergartners Up to Hate Math!
Math is a wonderful subject! It opens doors to incredible careers in science and to life’s great mysteries. But if it’s not approached right, early learners could become frightened of it. I’ve known students who dread the sound of the word math. Of course, dozens of books offer help to conquer math anxiety. For teachers, […]
Public Schools: Protecting The Great Hope of America
On July 4th, the 250th anniversary of our nation, our democratic public schools are in trouble. At a time of celebration, educators and families from both parties might be wondering what’s happening to their public schools. Here, I explore three serious issues (many others) confronting public education and some of the groups and individuals fighting […]
How to Get Students to School? Stop Driving them Out!
There’s much handwringing about absenteeism, even though many understand that corporate school reformers have always wanted students to leave public schools and mosey over to charters, homeschools, parochial schools, or private schools when they can afford them. Indeed, Steele and Hanover of the World Socialist Website offer one of the most honest explanations as to […]
What About All Those ONLINE Science of Reading Programs?
Parents crusade against children being exposed to screens in school, questioning the use of AI and social media. Here’s a problem. Many states have mandated the Science of Reading for young children in the name of scientific evidence; they and local school districts have invested millions in programs that often involve heavy screen use. The […]