Recently in education Category
I saw this commercial last night, and I have to tell you, I was pretty annoyed. Now, I don't know much about the articles and story headlines referenced in the commercial. I didn't read them and won't pretend that I did. But what I can tell you is that there is one candidate in this election that is wrong for education, but it sure as hell isn't Barack Obama.
Across America, Moms and Dads are spending freely to make sure that their children are prepared for the upcoming school year. Most of the crap that is purchased in unnecessary and arbitrary, but looking cool is much more important than learning, I'm sure.
As a teacher, this also means that it is back to work for me. I always get random emails and phone calls all week about what my students will be needing for the year. My advice to parents everywhere: if you're going to purchase your child mechanical pencils, please choose wisely.
This piece was written in the Spring of 2006. Enjoy.


The Story Remains the Same
As an educator, new instructional strategies and classroom initiatives are thrown my way pretty much on a weekly basis. Some of these curriculum ideas are recycled from fads in years past with different jargon being the only new thing, really. Others are, in fact, new and innovative, even having the research on their side to prove their worth. The problem is that once educators are settled and happy with their new curriculum based on district initiatives, it gets thrown to the wayside for something new and better (or in some cases, not better). The cycle continues infinitely.
An article intended for my students in the April 28th edition of Time for Kids caught my eye and just may forever change they way I teach.

