Question #3 What’s a good way to find materials for my classroom? I teach high school social studies but the problem is that there are not enough books in the school for every student so I have to supplement. I mainly teach Government/American Civics. Can you find me some good sites to get activities, tests, […]
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Posted inFeatured, Uncategorized
What are the 3 Shifts in Common Core in ELA/Literacy ?
There are few words in the field of education that can evoke the range of emotions that the words common core can. When those words are mentioned there are people who literally balk at the thought of changing, revising, and revamping standards while others nervously peer over the educational reform landscape, scared to say anything […]
Posted inOpinion, Uncategorized
Unreason on the Throne of American Thought
Conspiracy theories have long enjoyed a quirky place in American public life. We’ve questioned whether there was a second shooter when President Kennedy was assassinated, whether the moon landing actually happened, whether Elvis really died, and whether 9-11 was an inside job. Conspiracy theorists alleging UFO cover-ups have been with us for years. Alternatives to the official […]
Posted inElementary School, Featured, From the Front Lines, Opinion, Uncategorized
Inexcusable Sympathies
There was a time when standing up for public school teachers in the United States was not merely acceptable behavior, it was actually the cultural norm. We gave our teachers accolades in the public arena, hoping that our efforts at demonstrating our united esteem might somehow make up for the low pay we afforded them. […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum, Special Education, Uncategorized
Inclusion, Not Always the Answer
I recently read an article in Education Week entitled Improving Special Education in Tough Times. With budgets being cut, especially to special education, the title sparked my interest. As I read, I found myself applauding many of the suggestions presented. But, there was one theme I found myself in total disagreement about, at least on […]
Posted inFrom the Front Lines, Opinion, School Improvement, Uncategorized
The Educational Reformer's Orthodoxy
Joel Klein’s veracity was challenged–shredded might be a better word–in a recent article in The American Prospect. The best line in the piece was “Klein didn’t overcome demographic odds; he fulfilled them.” The powerful, eviscerating truth of this simple line erases every last vestige of credibility The Legend of Klein ever had. Michelle Rhee’s breathless […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum, Literacy, Uncategorized
The Importance of Teacher-Student Conferences
By: Adrienne Lanier Recently, I had to take my son to the pediatrician for what I only knew as a stubborn, uncooperative ringworm. I had been treating the infection with what I knew best. Well, actually I started with my grandmother’s “tried and true” home remedy of bleach! Once I realized it wasn’t working, I […]
Posted inFine Arts, Instruction & Curriculum, Uncategorized
If You Build It, They Will Come: How to Build a Successful Choir Program
By Anne Guess Part 1: Educate the Children Building a choir program from nothing is a daunting task. I am always amazed at the number of directors that leave floundering choir programs and play the blame game. Directors will blame everyone from the “untalented” student body, their administration that has it “out to get them”, […]