As state legislatures make mandates claiming to secure recess in schools, it is important to nail down what they mean when they define recess. There are a lot of canned activities and commercialized gimmicks parading as recess. It is important not to be duped into thinking your child is getting recess when they aren’t. Look […]
DeVos and the Domino Effect on State Legislatures
So Betsy is in, or maybe she isn’t. DeVos stands as an example of both the corruption and stupidity of corporate America with its involvement attempting to educate America’s children. Republicans are spineless to confirm her, and Democrats, while united today, have also been complicit in permitting the dismantling of America’s public schools. If you […]
Priorities In a School System Where Nearly Half of Students Live in Poverty
By Laurie Taylor-Mitchell The annual costs for new computers and technology (STAT*) is now $57 million, and over $250 million overall is expected to be spent by 2018. Administrative salaries and costs are also increasing within the school system: the salary budget for the Chief Academic Officer and two other positions is nearly $500,000. In […]
Is the Digital Conversion of Baltimore County’s Schools a Worry for All Schools?
This op-ed first appeared in STAT-us-BCPS A grassroots education coalition working to slow down the high-tech takeover of Baltimore County Public Schools. Check it out and give them your support! What’s the Status of STAT Costs? In a Dozen Years, that Could Be a Billion Dollar Question A year ago, the public first glimpsed the […]
President Trump, Betsy DeVos, and the Elitist Drive to End Public Schooling
Education then, beyond all other devices of human origin, is the great equalizer of the conditions of men, the balance-wheel of social machinery. —Horace Mann President Trump, a billionaire, has demonstrated elitist hatred for our most public democratic institution and its teachers. It is the institution, despite its problems, that has the greatest chance of […]
Destroying Special Ed. For Free Market Reform? Question About Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District
Was the defunding of special education used to pave the way for school reforms that would eventually take place in the Douglas County, Colorado school district? Was special education sacrificed to make 21st Century Schools? There’s lots to talk about with this case, but I want to discuss the school district and what was happening […]
Betsy DeVos Confirmation Hearing and Special Education
I was asked to write about the Betsy DeVos confirmation hearing and special education. So here is a quick rundown. I was pleasantly surprised at some of the questioning by Democrats. I know education reform is often bi-partisan, but the Dems hit some high notes tonight. I came away with much respect for Sen. Patty […]
President Obama’s “Bubble” and Our Fear of Losing America’s Democratic Public Schools
In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends. Martin Luther King, Jr. We become so secure in our bubbles, that we start only accepting information, whether it’s true or not, that fits our opinions. President Obama’s Farewell Address, January 10, 2017 On Martin Luther King, […]
What’s Behind Increased Teaching of Self-Regulation in Children?
It’s normal to expect children to pay attention and learn good behavior. It’s part of growing up. But self-regulatory learning (SRL) forced on children so they will be computer learners is a different story. Why is there such a drive to make children more independent and self-sufficient? How is it justifiable to push students to […]
The American Teacher vs. Betsy DeVos
They are asking me the question, ‘Is the American Dream dead?’ And the American Dream is in trouble. But we’re going to get it back and do some real jobs. –Donald Trump, Rochester, NH Town Hall, September 17, 2015 The appointment of Betsy DeVos as education secretary will offend every teacher in this country who […]