Matt Damon Rallies with the Teachers
Our schools, they really do need saving. Constantly teacher friends and I are talking about how education is going down the pooper and we (the teachers) need to be more proactive and make a difference. Which is why it was such a great boost when famous Hollywood actor Matt Damon showed up to the S.O.S. march in Washington D.C. As the father of four girls and the son of a teacher; he realizes why teachers need support and encouragement. I really hope that we don’t lose the momentum gained from him and from the rally; especially as teachers are getting ready to go back into the classroom.
Teachable Moments: the Reality of War
Bringing the Reality of War to Students
By now you all know that I am a huge proponent of finding real life experiences to create teachable moments. I’m also very much against war and violence; which intrigued me about this experiment and article. So many times, in movies and video games, we glorify violence. We don’t include the real life tragedies and traumas that face those who fight in wars. I think it’s very important to teach our children now, especially our high-schoolers, about the realities of war and their long-term affects.
Classroom Management Checklist
Classroom Management Checklist
Just like the beginning of this article says, most teachers are reminded to ‘have better classroom management’ and to ‘always be differentiating instruction’. I consider my own style of classroom management to be compassionate discipline. I’m always engaging my students, focuses on their strengths, and making them aware of what the expectations are. So, I agreed with many of the points brought up in this essential list. However, I didn’t like the ‘No Opt Out’ point – where a teacher wouldn’t let a student skip answering a question. I get the point of what the writer is trying to say; but I definitely have had times when a child needs to be ‘let off the hook.’ I completely agreed with ‘Room Ownership’, ‘Encouraged to be Courageous’, and ‘Curriculum Routine.’
The Parents’ Rebellion
Parents Lead Homework Rebellion
Go Parents Go! I was so excited to read this article, about parents who are fighting for their kids’ education. I think, that maybe the reason so many teachers aren’t voicing their opinion is that they are A – afraid of losing their jobs and B – not having anyone back up their voice. Therefore, having parents stand up for what’s going on in the classroom is great, in my opinion. I do think that students are given too much homework; but they get all of that homework because there is literally too much that teachers have to cram into a day. But if enough parents step up and say no to the homework – well maybe we can start listening and bring homework, and our classrooms, back to the focus of learning.
NASA’s Last Blast
Last Space Shuttle Blast
I’m still stunned, shocked, and surprised that NASA is closing shop. Really? NASA? I know our country is hurting for finances, but really NASA? I mean, it’s NASA. There’s no other program in our country like it. And now we’re saying we’ll leave it up to private companies to do what NASA did? Am I the only one who thinks that this isn’t going to turn out too well? I’m seriously at a loss for words; I’m doing a lot of head shaking right now, because I’m just so confused as to why we are shutting down NASA.
Leaving Behind NCLB Reform
NCLB Reform May Get Left Behind
I’m sure that this article’s value has doubled since our last debt ceiling crisis; and that’s definitely not a good thing. No Child Left Behind (NCLB) is no good. Which makes the fact that the Obama Administration is short on funds for educational reform even worse. My favorite part of the article was this: “Duncan estimates that about 80 percent of schools—including those that are generally high-performing—are in danger of being labeled failing because of the system’s rigidity.” Umm, if you are saying that 80% of our schools are at risk of failing — wouldn’t that tell you that the standards and restraints we have put on our schools is wrong and bad? And not, as some would like to say, that the teachers and schools aren’t doing a good job? Hello people! Ugh, sometimes, I wonder about politicians…
Commentary on the Atlanta Cheating Scandal
Teach Hub, Atlanta Cheating Scandal
Almost everyone can’t stop talking about this Atlanta test cheating scandal. I wrote about it too. Which may make you wonder why I am writing about it again. Well, on Teach Hub, Mrs. Mimi gave her commentary on the subject; and well, I just love all the things she says. So that obviously includes this article too. I especially like how she connected the scandal to future teacher bashing (agree) and she brought up very important questions about what the scandal really means to education.
Metro Parent’s Get Ready for a Great Year
Now that it’s August, it’s a good time to start thinking about helping your kiddos at home get ready for back to school. Yes, I know that most don’t start school until September; and that your children are definitely reminding you of that. But, in order to help create a smoother transition back into the classroom, it could help to start making some adjustments now. Which is what I really liked about this article in Metro Parent magazine. It gives helpful tips, from a parent’s perspective on how aid your child(ren) as they head back to school.
Save Our Schools
Save Our Schools March
In case you missed it…
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