One of the driving forces behind the advancement of bubble-test tyranny in our school systems today is the concept of data-driven decision-making. Back before we tested every student in every subject on almost every day of the year, cigar-chomping school administrators just pulled decisions out of their backsides and hoped they worked. They threw the […]
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Posted inElementary School, Parents, Uncategorized
Parent Teacher Partnerships Provide the Best Literacy Opportunities
I admit becoming a parent made me more aware of what I loved and feared in education.  I went through an intense stage of self awareness when my daughter entered kindergarten. Her excitement to learn was attributed to her teacher with 30+ years experience who was engaging, entertaining and organized.  Transformation in my own teaching […]
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 inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Technology
Distance Learning, IPads and E-Literacy
My husband is separated from me and my daughter by 2,000 miles during my sabbatical here in Santa Fe, New Mexico. We are determined to continue our traditional family time despite the distances. Â How we engage in meaningful dialogues leads to less loneliness and motivation to appreciate all that we can from life in a […]
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 inClassroom Management, Opinion, Parents
Educating the Uneducated: 10 Things I Wish Every Parent Knew
I’ve been on both sides of the fence: the educator side and the parent side. I’m sure most of you have been there also. We’ve all had the families come through our classroom doors that we cannot wait to develop relationships with. You know the ones: they fill out every line on the volunteer form then add […]
Posted inAsk a Teacher
{Ask a Teacher} Help! I'm Overwhelmed!
Question #1– I’m a new teacher who happens to teach English to 6th graders in an urban school district. I’m overwhelmed with lesson planning, parent teacher conferences, delivering content that is interesting to the students, pacing them to finish novels and to “top it off” I don’t feel like I can ask for help because […]
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. Â I had been treating the infection with what I knew best. Â Well, actually I started with my grandmother’s “tried and true” home remedy of bleach! Â Once I realized it wasn’t working, I […]