The NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) reading scores are flat, and everyone is wondering why. I thought I’d create a list. Why aren’t America’s students reading better? What can schools and parents do about it? I love brainstorming when it comes to teaching reading, as you can tell. Here are some ideas. If you […]
Put Out to Pasture: Past Education Secretaries and Their Anti-Public School Connections Today
It’s interesting how previous education secretaries go on to jobs that are anti-public schooling, mostly promoting digital learning. Arne Duncan, who was President Obama’s education secretary, just resurfaced to write an Op Ed in the Chicago Tribune. He argues that education reform after his oversight is doing well. Of course many disagree. We know that […]
Discipline: Schools MUST Treat ALL Students Fairly
School discipline is one of the most difficult problems facing public schools. Many private, parochial, and charter schools control enrollment, and choose not to work with students exhibiting disciplinary problems. Public schools should be given credit for working with all students. However, public schools have not always done what’s right when it comes to discipline. […]
Bellwether: The Sheep Who is Leading Teachers, Children, and Parents Off the Cliff!
Long ago, it was common practice for shepherds to hang a bell around the neck of one sheep in their flock, thereby designating it the lead sheep. This animal was called the bellwether. ~Mirriam Webster Dictionary Bellwether Education Partners is one of several nonprofits working with school districts around the country to determine how to […]
“Duck and Cover Kids,” and the Problems with “Teachers Packing”
By Jim Gifford I recall from my youth the cliché “Duck and Cover”. This was the catch-phrase created for our nuclear war drills which were designed to prepare all children at school to hide or “duck” under their own desks in order to survive a hydrogen bomb. Yes, survive a nuclear holocaust. No bombs were […]
Slow Learners in the Age of Hyperlearning
Who decides what slow learning is in this country? Every student deserves a free public education with teachers who understand their educational needs. Not only are corporate reformers slamming slow learners, they’re pushing children to grow up faster than is humanely possible. All our children are expected to be hyperlearners! Slooooowly! There is nothing wrong […]
“Stop, Thieves!” DeVos & Company Drive Deregulation and the End of Public Education
Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cotton-tail, who were good little bunnies, went down the lane to gather blackberries; But Peter, who was very naughty, ran straight away to Mr. McGregor’s garden, and squeezed under the gate! First he ate some lettuces and some French beans; and then he ate some radishes; And then, feeling rather sick, he […]
Social-Emotional Learning: The Dark Side
Why would parents and teachers, tired of high-stakes testing in their public schools, wish to sign onto more assessment that tests, tracks, and profiles their child’s behavior online? Good teachers have always built social skills into their classes. Helping children behave and work with each other is second nature to teaching. One can find nice […]
In DeVos Interview, Lesley Stahl Went Where Few Journalists Go
It’s been a long time since any journalist has defended public schools with the kind of punch we saw with veteran journalist Lesley Stahl. It was refreshing to say the least. Stahl has a book out about being a grandmother, so maybe she’s got the children of America on her mind more intensely these days. […]
How Do We Stop Bullying? Florida’s New Voucher Scam Doesn’t Ask that Question
Behind bullying behavior we usually find a depressed individual who needs help. We need to understand why a child bullies and get them that help so they will stop bullying. Most people understand how serious the issue of bullying is to children and the country, and how schools should be on the forefront of addressing […]