UPDATE: Does #edweek add any value? + #Sequestration #edreform, the “cartoon” – @ the chalk face

#Sequestration #edreform, the “cartoon” – @ the chalk face:

Does #edweek add any value?

by Timothy D. Slekar

Someone has to say it!
Stop calling experiments that use value added data “research” unless you are willing to state up front that “the findings you are about to see have absolutely NO VALUE in understanding the complicated work of teaching and learning.”
Just today, EdWeek let us know that,

New teachers become much more effective with a few years of classroom experience, but aworking paper by a team of researchers suggests the most—and least—effective elementary teachers show their colors at the very start of their careers.

There is so much about this article to shout about but let’s keep it simple this time.  Using VAMs as indicators that actually tell us if teachers are teaching and students are learning is worthless!  Therefore why waste our time?

#Sequestration #edreform, the “cartoon”

by Chalk Face, PhD

Maybe it speaks for itself.

This blog is pretty smartly written, quid faciunt #highered

by Chalk Face, PhD

Came across this. Largely faculty issues in higher education. Smart stuff.

May the odds be ever in your favor, #commoncore

by Chalk Face, PhD

So, now we are at least clear on one item. The President of a large educators’ union concurs that the Common Core Curriculum, imposed upon public schools in nearly all states, means to prepare young persons to simply “confront the new economy.” This occurs while the affluent amongst us, who will not experience anything like the Common Core, are empowered to shape the economy and our society. One population to work the economy, the other to rule it. Very quaint, indeed.