Yesterday we learned what Arne Duncan said—in support of Common Core State Standards. At first I didn’t think I could write about it because it made me sick. But then I decided I had to write about it. From The Washington Post: Duncan said, “It’s fascinating to me that some of the pushback is coming […]
Examining Common Core’s Answer for Student Differences–UDL
All this said, here is the link to UDL so you can follow. If it makes better sense to you, by all means let me know http://www.udlcenter.org/. One issue, I would question, is found on the first link that students will “Know how to set challenging learning goals for themselves.” Do students really set learning […]
Why Did Parents Ever Allow the Loss of Recess?
The Alliance for Childhood just printed Olga Jarrett’s research showing the importance of research http://www.allianceforchildhood.org/sites/allianceforchildhood.org/files/file/Recess_online.pdf. I admire the good work of Olga Jarrett. I even posted a tribute to her awhile back. There is a lot of other great research out there to show the importance of recess, along with books on the subject. There’s […]
Why Education Reformers Worry about Special Education
I heard someone, a parent or teacher, blurt out at an informal education meeting, that education reformers are afraid of special education. I think that person is right. I don’t think many of those currently in charge of redoing public schools understand anything about special ed. students and how they learn. I think they must […]
Common Core and Early Childhood—Got Music?
The implication of all this for early education is clear. Although a teaspoon of Mozart may not make a child a better mathematician, there is little doubt that regular exposure to music, an especially active participation in music, may stimulate development of many different areas of the brain—areas which have to work together to listen […]
Gifted Students are Short-changed with Common Core State Standards
Today I am going to write about gifted students and the Common Core State Standards. There is plenty to write about this neglected area of special education without discussing CCSS. The needs of gifted students have never been fully addressed because, in general, people think gifted students learn fast and school will be easy. Parents […]
Why Do Catholics Care About Common Core?
And every student deserves to be prepared for a life of the imagination, of the spirit, and of a deep appreciation for beauty, goodness, truth, and faith. Gerard Bradley and Catholic Scholars October 16, 2013 Valerie Strauss’s post about Catholic scholars rejecting the Common Core is an important read http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2013/11/02/catholic-scholars-blast-common-core-in-letter-to-u-s-bishops/. That so many Catholics find it necessary […]
Another Teach For America Ra Ra Study to Slam Real Teacher Ed. Programs
Tennessee is all abuzz with another study to go after real degreed and credentialed teachers. I say “real” because the powerhouses have even tampered with certification. In many places a certified teacher doesn’t mean what it used to mean. Teach for America and other alternative training programs rule in this state. They are running away […]
Good-bye NICHCY! But Why?
For decades the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY) has been a go-to website for families and educators seeking information about how to find support for young students and children and youth with disabilities. My website is a work in progress and when I went to add NICHCY to the section on Special Education, […]
Real Student Zombies by Next Halloween?
According to Wikipedia, the term “Zombie” figuratively applied describes “a hypnotized person bereft of consciousness and self-awareness, yet ambulant and able to respond to surrounding stimuli.” Are students being turned into zombies in our schools? Think about this. The reformers want “rigor”—short for rigor mortis. Children are being over-tested.They’ve lost their recess. Children, who may […]