Posted inSocial Justice

The Teacher Wage Penalty

In 1991, I graduated at the top of my high school class.  I could have majored in a myriad of topics. I chose the teaching profession.  First in my nuclear family to graduate high school with a traditional diploma and one of the few in my extended family to pursue a college degree, I forged […]

Posted inInstruction & Curriculum

It’s time to talk about the culture of fear around standardized testing

The temperatures are warming. The skies are bright. The birds are chirping. Spring fever is in full effect, and everyone is awaiting summertime! Unfortunately for educators and students, there is a huge hump to get over…standardized testing. End of the year assessments are looming over us. It seems like the entire school year comes down […]

Posted inInstruction & Curriculum

Opinion: Age-Grading is Stupid

Age-grading is, in a word, stupid. It is built on a cultural conception of development that precludes the ability of individuals of different ages to have healthy, appropriate interactions and learn from one another. Unless, of course, a clear power dynamic defines the relationship: teacher-student, babysitter-child, employer-worker, coach-player etc., then the interaction is sanctioned. Instead […]

Posted inHow to Fix Education

The Importance Of Early Intervention

I am a huge advocate for early intervention. Unfortunately, my district doesn’t always share the same philosophy. In my experience, students who are having difficulty in first and second grade (even some students in kindergarten) can be identified and remediated with the right supports. We are doing a huge disservice to children and families by […]