WagTheDog | Everyone has been made for some particular work, and the desire for that work has been put in every heart. ~ Rumi:
Wag The Dog Week
A National Common Core Curriculum…An Idea Whose Time Has Come
In 2011 the editors of AFT’s publication, “American Educator” devoted their Winter edition to a discussion of the Common Core State Standards. The pro-Common Core publication included commentary from a variety of Common Core cheerleaders. The AFT editors also enthusiastically endorsed the standards AND even called for a National Common Core Curriculum… “A common curriculum – meaning one that is sh
AUG 07
Common Core Staircase
The CCSSO and NGA clearly have high hopes and great expectations for their Common Core staircase… ~About the Common Core State Standards “The Common Core is a set of high-quality academic standards in mathematics and English language arts/literacy (ELA). These learning goals outline what a student should know and be able to do at the end of each grade. The standards were created to ensure that al
The Verger
“…The vicar began briskly. ‘Foreman, we’ve got something rather unpleasant to say to you. You’ve been here a great many years and I think his lordship and the general agree with me that you’ve fulfilled the duties of your office to the satisfaction of everybody concerned.’ The two churchwardens nodded. ‘But a most extraordinary circumstance came to my knowledge the other day and I felt it my duty
Selling Solutions Not the Same As Solving Problems
2013 comments made by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan during a visit to schools in the impoverished nation of Haiti reveal a business and corporate mindset that is a driving force behind the ed reform movement in the United States which is more about quarterly profits than student proficiency… “In an interview with The Associated Press, U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan said he believe
AUG 05
Common Core Cheerleaders
There clearly is a lack of research and evidence regarding the efficacy of the Common Core Standards but even more troubling is the absence of local leadership. There is a great difference between a nationally recognized Common Core cheerleader and a locally respected education leader. NY Governor Andrew Cuomo and NY Education Commissioner John King should be less concerned with leading the natio
AUG 04
Care To Learn
Image: Rutu Modan “What does it take to be a good parent? We know some of the tricks for teaching kids to become high achievers. For example, research suggests that when parents praise effort rather than ability, children develop a stronger work ethic and become more motivated. Yet although some parents live vicariously through their children’s accomplishments, success is not the No. 1 priority
AUG 03
Cognitive Privilege
I’ve been wondering lately if there is such a thing as cognitive privilege and what role it might play in the Common Core debate? Is it possible that there are highly intelligent individuals who lack the empathy and wisdom to “see” and understand the academic challenges and struggles faced by slow learning and learning disabled students? These individuals mistakenly believe that all students have
AUG 02
Just Have Coffee
Earlier this year Becca Bracy Knight , Executive Director of The Broad Center, threw down a positive challenge she called @justhavecoffee .. “I need your help with a maybe dumb idea that could also maybe make a difference. Earlier this week I met up with someone for coffee and we talked about the latest happenings in Newark, education policy, and the slippery slope of putting heavy cream into hot
The Cookie Thief
A woman was waiting at an airport one nightWith several long hours before her flightShe hunted for a book in the airport shopBought a bag of cookies and found a place to dropShe was engrossed in her book but happened to seeThat the man beside her as bold as could beGrabbed a cookie or two from the bag betweenWhich she tried to ignore to avoid a sceneShe munched cookies and watched the clockAs this