High-stakes standardized testing. Why now? Why again? Why ever? Was The Education Trust (EdTrust) involved in the decision? Who is EdTrust, and why would President Biden listen to them? EdTrust is a pro-school-reform group that carries clout, and they’ve been vocal about schools reopening during the pandemic. John B. King, Jr., who was education secretary […]
President Biden’s Ideas About Schools and Covid-19 Miss the Mark
I watched President Biden’s CNN Townhall. I like President Biden and feel that he is sincere and wants to do a good job. He is well-focused on helping the country move forward. His kindness shines through. But his school plans for Covid-19 are worrisome. As expected, Covid-19 dominated the Townhall conversation. A whole segment could […]
CDC Recommendations Are Clearer, But Teachers Face the Same Problems and New Ones
Just because school opening isn’t causing higher levels of community transmission doesn’t mean that there isn’t individual risk to teachers and staff. If we had wanted schools to safely reopen, we should have worked hard as a society to keep transmission rates down and to invest resources in schools. ~Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician […]
26 Reasons to Love Teachers During the Pandemic
Let teachers know how much they’re cared for on Valentine’s Day! Their mental health is important during this troubling time, so reach out and say something kind. No matter what anyone thinks about school reopenings it’s important to express love and appreciation for all that teachers do and have done during the pandemic. While Covid-19 […]
The 12 Point Covid-19 DISCONNECT Between Teachers and Those Who Want Schools Open Now!
Pressure is being placed on teachers to return to in-person classes. Here’s why that’s a problem. 1. Precautions The CDC and Dr. Fauci and President Biden want all schools to return to in-person learning with precautions in place. But precautions are exactly what many schools often lack. Teachers know best whether or not precautions are […]
How the Media and School Districts Shame Teachers During Covid-19
Listen to the news one moment, and you’re warned about the new variants of the virus. There’s uncertainty about it and whether it’s more deadly than the current strain. Next, the media gives voice to critics who belittle teachers and their unions for not returning to school or being afraid. There’s a dislike of teachers […]
8 Concerns and What’s Positive About The President’s Plan for Schooling During Covid-19
The Biden-Harris administration faces huge challenges. Addressing school safety during Covid-19 is at the top of their list. This is welcome news. Goals are important for clarity and to give us hope. President Biden wasted no time getting out his National Strategy for the Covid-19 Response and Pandemic Preparedness. Schools are specifically addressed starting on […]
Why Are Schools Opening When Covid-19 is Surging?
It has become a cruel joke. Shut everything down! Stay home! Cancel the holidays! Close everything! But open schools! Dr. Anthony Fauci, the U.S. government’s top infectious diseases expert, told Americans to stay home throughout the holiday season, avoid groups, wash hands, wear masks, and stay socially distanced. There’s a horrific death count in case […]
Guarded Hope and 7 Concerns for Public Education this New Year
We have a new President and a new education secretary and hope for the future of public education. Hope doesn’t come easy because schools face what appear to be insurmountable difficulties due to Covid-19. Also, wealthy individuals and groups who want school privatization are established in the system, mostly in dozens of anti-public school nonprofits, […]
Amplify and iReady Claim Kindergarten and First Grade “Reading Loss” to Profit From the Pandemic
Are kindergartners falling behind in reading due to the pandemic? Amplify and iReady want us to think so. But kindergarten teachers should not be forcing children to learn to read during the pandemic. They shouldn’t have been pushing them to read before Covid-19. Nor should kindergartners be forced to read after the coronavirus becomes a […]