Betsy DeVos wastes precious time on her choice initiative, ignoring the most serious problems facing our young people in public schools. At a hearing the other day, she pushed many of these problems onto the states. But I would argue that these difficulties still require thoughtful attention and research from an education secretary who should […]
Teacher Appreciation: It’s More than a Free Burrito
The official Teacher Appreciation Week starts tomorrow. If you celebrated it last week—celebrate again. In fact, celebrate every day! Teacher appreciation can’t be captured in one week. Here is my 2015 list and my 2016 list of why we should appreciate teachers. If you think of something I left out let me know. Chipotle gave […]
“Dropout Factories”: The Disparaging & Hypocritical Reference to America’s Public Schools and Teachers
How many times do you hear America’s public high schools called “Dropout Factories?” How do those words make you feel? The general public hears these words and unfairly accepts that our public high schools and the teachers working in them are failing. Dropout Factories were highlighted in the awful anti-public school propaganda film Waiting for […]
14 Devious Claims to Destroy Special Education
Around the country, state education chiefs, local school superintendents, and school boards are eliminating special education services. There’s an effort to get rid of special education. Sometimes, this is done through language that sounds appealing. Who doesn’t want a quality education for all children? Why not declassify students? Do schools need part-time resource classes for […]
Educating Betsy DeVos
Betsy DeVos does not understand what it is like to teach in any school let alone poor public schools. She does not understand what the lives of real teachers and students are like. She does not understand the problems facing many of America’s children. These problems won’t be solved with a voucher. They also won’t […]
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, […]
Universal Design for Learning by David H. Rose, Ed.D.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) By David H. Rose, Ed.D. Thank you Nancy for inviting me to put some thoughts about UDL on your blog. I hope I can reduce some of the misconceptions about UDL that appeared here, and then perhaps engage in discussion where I can learn more from you and your readers. […]
Universal Design for Learning or Microcosm for Destruction?
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a part of the new Every Student Succeeds Act. It promotes what is heralded as a new way to reach students with diverse needs. It sounds new agey. But what does this miracle program have that those of us who worked in special education for years don’t? You may, […]