November Parent Engagement Resources
-
Greeting a family in their preferred language is a small gesture that
demonstrates respect and eagerness to connect with parents. Creating a
Welcoming Envi...
Student Debtors Could See Hopes Vanish Under Trump
-
Student Debtors Could See Hopes Vanish Under Trump: Not just mass debt
relief, but borrowers promised debt relief through various programs could
be denied ...
Self-Actualization
-
Most of us are aware of the American psychologist Abraham Maslow because of
his famous hierarchy of needs, usually portrayed as a pyramid. At the
bottom...
Who's in Charge in Seattle Schools? Part Two
-
*Public Testimony at the Tuesday, Nov. 19th Board meeting*
At each Board meeting, it feels like Rankin is getting more and more
annoyed at having public...
Will AI Transform Teaching and Learning?
-
Recently, I was invited to be part of a five member panel at Google to
discuss the impact that AI will have on teaching and learning in schools.
My fellow ...
Boom! Boom boom! It’s Deer Season
-
So– we live in the northern Michigan woods. And beginning last Friday, we
have been hearing shooting. Lots and lots of shooting. It’s deer season
(firearms...
Trump's Picks
-
Today, former Florida representative *Matt Gaetz* withdrew his name from
consideration for the office of attorney general. He did so shortly after
CNN to...
MEMES THAT MADE ME LAUGH TODAY 11-22
-
*MEMES THAT MADE ME LAUGH TODAY 11-22*
Big Education Ape: TRUMP, MCMAHON AND THE GREAT BODY SLAM OF THE U.S.
DEPAR...
Trans Panic Abuse
-
I first encountered trans folks in the 1970s, trans women who I was in high
school with when they were guys. I've had trans students over the years.
And ...
An Apology
-
I want to apologize for not responding personally to those who shared their
views on last week’s blog post, my analysis of why the Democrats lost.
I’ve be...
Divider in Chief Shares Education Plan
-
By Thomas Ultican 11/22/2024 President Trump’s new video on the Carter
Family’s YouTube channel lays out his ten points for public education. It
is no surp...
EXCERPT: When Freedom is the Question…
-
When Freedom is the Question… In Bertolt Brecht’s 1938 play Galileo, the
astronomer’s breathtaking discoveries about the movement of the planets and
the st...
¡Si, ganamos!
-
En victorias desde la Carolinia del Norte hacia el Estado de Washington y
Maine, encontramos la evidencia que cuando nos organizamos, ganamos.
Siempre encu...
Pointing Out The Parralles
-
“Your friend professes belief yet I’m not convinced. What about you? Are
the gods real?” “They are real,” says I, “And you’re a prick.” ― Ferdia
Lennon, Gl...
A message from Quaker Meeting for Worship
-
the branch of Society of Friends to which I belong is unprogrammed, we have
no designated ministers. Anyone who feels moved by the Spirit is free to
rise...
Trump and Education
-
I do not believe American education is a top concern for Donald Trump. I do
believe that he could well turn it over to the likes of the Heritage
Foundation...
Don’t Obey In Advance
-
Last week, I hopped off a bus and voted early. It was quick, convenient,
and came with two stickers: one for me and one for ...
Read More
The post Don’t...
Try Substack?
-
Seems like the popular new thing. Here’s my first try – it’s about
yesterday’s UFT Retired Teachers Chapter meeting – first ever not run by
Unity. (Spoiler...
Number 18 — A barely-hanging-on Blogoversary
-
Blogoversary #18 SEPTEMBER 14, 2006 I started this blog while I was still
teaching, in 2006. I had just begun my 31st year as an educator. Just like
in pre...
Student "Growth" Measures Are STILL Biased
-
This caught my attention:
New Jersey school districts may soon be evaluated differently, *with a
greater emphasis on student growth* as compared to stud...
Time to Rein in Vouchers
-
Universal voucher programs have, in many states led to substantial budget
stress (Baker, 2024;[1] Hager, 2024). Initial cost estimates in Florida
were that...
AIN’T IT AWFUL
-
As the terrible feelings of dread and angst spread across the world the
great majority of the American people feel powerless before the onslaught
of those ...
15 Questions for the Candidates
-
Those citizens who fantasize about defying tyranny from within fortified
compounds have never understood how liberty is actually threatened in a
modern bur...
We are making a CPESS documentary!
-
In 2020, I was approached by Deborah Meier and Jane Andrais and I decided
we should document the story of Central Park East Secondary School (CPESS).
This ...
The Sky is Falling, or is it?
-
Well, this is the first anniversary of the introduction of Generative AI in
the form of ChatGPT to the world of education. Before it was a week old,
over o...
Vote NO on the UFT Contract. Here is Why:
-
The best reason to vote no on this contract is this: UFT Unity* lied* to us
in 2018. They misrepresented that contract. It was predicated on deals we
wer...
Metaphors in ‘I Have a Dream’ Speech
-
In this article, we will explore the powerful use of metaphors in Martin
Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” ...
Read more
Testimony to the CPS Truancy Task Force
-
I prepared testimony for one of two public hearings held by the Chicago
Public Schools Truancy Task Force, a body mandated by state legislation.
The meetin...
Skin Deep
-
She spends so much time on her outward appearance. There is never a hair
out of place. Her makeup is perfect and her clothes are stylish and match
to ...
There Is A Teacher Shortage.Not.
-
THERE IS A TEACHER SHORTAGE. And just to be sure you understand, it’s not
that teachers don’t want to teach. It’s not that there aren’t enough
teachers cer...
-
*Defeating the Purpose of Education*
*Updated: May 2024*
*Most people would agree that the primary purpose of education is to
prepare children for a good a...
THERE IS A TEACHER SHORTAGE. NOT!
-
There is a teacher shortage.And just to be sure you understand, it's not
that teachers don't want to teach.It's not that there aren't enough
teachers certi...
Abortion: Only For Those Who Need It!
-
NOTE: This post contains my opinions on Catholicism based on my experiences
as a child in the 1960's and 70's. Take what you like and leave the rest. I
m...
Book Banning Turns to Dick and Jane
-
Breaking News: Dateline February 4, 2022 - Parents in Dimwitty, Alabama
have asked the Dimwitty Board of Education to ban the children's primer *Fun
with...
On the Edge of Silence
-
“There is but one truly serious philosophical problem and that is suicide.
Judging whether life is or is not worth living amounts to answering the
fundamen...
Have You Heard Has a New Website
-
TweetHave You Heard has a new website. Visit us at
www.haveyouheardpodcast.com to find our latest episodes and our entire
archive. And be sure to check out...
Follow me at Substack
-
I've moved. Follow me at Substack
I'm now posting regularly at Substack. You can subscribe for free to my new
Edu/Pol blog at michaelklonsky.substack.com
...
Aspiring Teachers Get New Help Paying For College
-
[image: colorful classroom pattern]
*; Credit: shuoshu/Getty Images*
Cory Turner | NPR
New rules kick in today that will help aspiring teachers pay for c...
Tips Akses Situs Judi Qq Tanpa Perlu Takut Nawala
-
Kegiatan berjudi slot melalui situs judi qq online, sekarang sudah
dilakukan oleh banyak penjudi Indonesia. Tentu, Kamu yang sedang membaca
artikel ini a...
GA run-offs need your help!
-
Extremely important. Volunteer if you can. Thank you if you are already
doing so. Out of state opportunities here: Ralph …
Continue reading →
The Threat of Integration
-
I have lived in the same house in the Miracle Mile section of Los Angeles
for over 30 years, where up until now I have had little or no interaction
with th...
We fight for a democracy worthy of us all!
-
The nation stands at a crossroads, said NEA President Lily Eskelsen GarcÃa
in her final keynote address to the 2020 NEA Representative Assembly and
it’s up...
A Fundamental Redesign of Our Schools
-
I climbed the hill leading up to one of my favorite coffee shops in Seattle
this morning to enjoy a coffee while taking in a phenomenal view of the
city o...
The Passing Of Chaz 1951-2020 Age 69
-
I am the son of Chaz and like to inform you that he passed away this
afternoon from the COVID virus. My father passed in peace beside his loved
ones. We ar...
Thoughts on schooling in the era of COVID-19
-
Well, a whole lot has changed since I returned to blogging a month and half
ago. In case you didn't notice, and I'm sure everyone reading this did,
there's...
NAEP scores and "the science of reading"
-
*Sent to US News. They just informed me that they no longer publish
letters to the editor. *
*Re: “National reading emergency” November 12*
*[https://www...
2019 NAEP Scores: Achievement Gap or …?
-
Here you go: A ‘Disturbing’ Assessment: Sagging Reading Scores,
Particularly for Eighth-Graders, Headline 2019’s Disappointing NAEP Results
NAEP 2019: Re...
Cara Menang Bermain Judi Bola Online
-
Bermain judi bola online tentu saja memiliki kesenangannya tersendiri baik
itu mendapatkan keuntungan maupun ketika menantikan hasil skor pada sebuah
perta...
A Storm is Coming! (…again)
-
A new Commissioner will have as much impact on our state ed system as a new
meteorologist will have on …
Continue reading →
The World According to Michelle Rhee
-
The men behind the curtain fashioning the brave new world of corporate run
education in America! Michelle Rhee is the founder of StudentsFirst, The
New T...
Blockchain: Life on the Ledger
-
Originally posted on Wrench in the Gears:
I created this video as a follow up to the one I prepared last year on
Social Impact Bonds. It is time to examine...
New Local Businesses in Sacramento
-
Starting a new local business in Sacramento is a monumental task, but can
be accomplished with footwork, perseverance and knowledge. One must learn
the loc...
3rd Grade Reading: Who is Failing?
-
Education Trust Midwest has just released its study on third grade reading
and, predictably, the results aren’t great. This study uniquely compares
Michiga...
Opting out of the Dinosaur (end of year test)
-
Today I sent in a second letter to refuse PARCC/CMAS for my son, Luke. The
first email I sent at the beginning of the year was not sufficient as they
requi...
Resurrection
-
I realized it's Lent, but this blog, bless Jesus Christ, can't wait.
Ok, so with that said, I plan to discuss Class Action suits in existence,
as well as w...
IDEA Is Still The Law Of The Land
-
Unless you've been living under a rock, you know the US Department of
Education (USDOE) rescinded 72 Dear Colleague and other letters of
explanation to ...
Education Is a Civic Question
-
In their final post to end Bridging Differences' decade-long run, Deborah
Meier and Harry Boyte urge readers to put the energy, talents, wisdom, and
hard w...
Site News: New Home for Education News & Commentary
-
Quick! Get over there! The daily education news roundup and education
commentaries that you're probably looking for are now being published over
at The Gra...
An Open Letter to NC Lawmakers
-
An Open Letter to NC State Lawmakers and NC State Superintendent Mark
Johnson: I am a NC native, voter, and public school teacher. I am
addressing you all ...
The Secret to Fixing Schools (My Next Bestseller)
-
The Secret to Fixing Schools (My next bestseller) Prologue I just finished
watching a fascinating documentary on Netflix entitled, “The Secret”. The
film p...
Farewell, Sleep
-
Today is the official last day of my spring break. I've done a scientific
survey: My natural bedtime is 2 AM, and my natural wake up time is 9:41
AM. Tom...
Capturing the Spark
-
It’s been a long time since InterACT was an active education blog, though I
remain quite proud of what we did here. Those of us who wrote blog posts
here h...
Random Musings and Observations. . . .
-
I’ve been gone a while from the blogging scene. Some of my more regular
readers no doubt noticed but did not hassle me about it. Thank you for
that. Sinc...
WTU Peterson Slate: Not a 1 Woman Dictatorship
-
Candi Peterson & GeLynn Thompson
Candidates for WTU Prez & GVP 2016By Candi Peterson, WTU Gen. Vice President
*Statements or expressions of opinions herein...
MY NEW BLOG
-
My new blog will consist of fictitious headlines, meant to be a blend of
humor and satire. I apologize ahead of time if any other satirical site has
simila...
Thank you
-
Dear Readers,
Thank you for visiting *The Perimeter Primate*. This blog is being retired
for the time being. Although I no longer post here, I do still s...
I am Retiring
-
I have some news: I am retiring from the PBS NewsHour and Learning Matters.
[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other
conte...
Flaws at the Heart of Current Education Reforms
-
Originally posted on Creative by Nature:
“Teaching is an art form rooted in the wise and careful use of educational
research and assessment tools. When gove...
The MAP Test
-
Teachers will be voting this afternoon on the contract that has been
tentatively agreed upon. I am asking all teachers to not allow an
evaluation system th...
BOOM! GOV. TONY EVERS VETOED REPUBLICAN TAX CUT, PUTTING MORE MONEY IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND CLASSROOMS
In a stunning move that left Republicans reeling, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers vetoed a tax cut proposal and instead redirected the funds towards education. The move was met with cheers from educators and parents alike, who have been clamoring for increased funding for schools for years.
But not everyone was happy with the governor's decision. Republicans, who had pushed for the tax cut as a way to stimulate the economy, were quick to criticize Evers for what they saw as a shortsighted move.
"Typical liberal thinking," said one GOP lawmaker. "They always want to throw more money at education, but they never stop to think about the long-term consequences."
But Evers was quick to fire back, pointing out that investing in education is one of the smartest things a government can do.
"After all," he quipped, "it's not like we can just print more smart people."
The governor's decision was also met with enthusiasm from educators, who have been struggling to make ends meet in an era of budget cuts and stagnant wages.
"I can't tell you how much this means to us," said one teacher. "We've been scraping by for years, and now we finally have some hope."
Of course, not everyone was thrilled with the news. Some taxpayers were concerned that their hard-earned dollars were being funneled into a black hole of bureaucracy, with no guarantee of results.
But Evers was quick to reassure them that the money would be put to good use, and that Wisconsin's schools would soon be the envy of the nation.
"Who knows," he joked, "maybe we'll even be able to teach Texans how to spell 'cheesehead.'"
The governor's decision was also seen as a political victory for Democrats, who have been struggling to gain traction in a state that has traditionally leaned Republican.
"Tony Evers is a genius," said one political analyst. "He's managed to unite educators, parents, and Democrats all in one fell swoop. It's a masterstroke of political maneuvering."
And while Republicans may be fuming over the veto, it's clear that Governor Evers has struck a chord with Wisconsin voters. With his wit, charm, and commitment to education, he may just be the leader that this state needs to move forward into a brighter future.
WWE MATCH OR OKLAHOMA STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
It's not every day that a meeting of the Oklahoma State Board of Education turns into a WWE match, but that's exactly what happened on June 22nd. Apparently, two individuals decided to play bouncer and block people from entering the meeting, causing a scuffle to break out. And just when you thought things couldn't get any crazier, criminal affidavits were filed.
Now, I don't know about you, but when I think of a State Board of Education meeting, I picture a bunch of stuffy old men in suits sitting around a table discussing curriculum and standardized testing. But apparently, things are a bit more exciting in Oklahoma.
According to the affidavits, OHP Lieutenant Alan Beaty was called in to deal with the situation. I can only imagine his reaction when he heard that there was a brawl going down at a State Board of Education meeting. "What? Did they run out of coffee and donuts or something?"
When Lieutenant Beaty arrived on the scene, he found another OHP Lieutenant and a Security Officer who filled him in on the details. I can only assume that they were all standing around scratching their heads wondering how they ended up dealing with a bunch of rowdy adults at an education meeting.
I mean, let's be real here. What could possibly be so important at a State Board of Education meeting that people would resort to fisticuffs? Are they arguing about whether or not to teach cursive writing in schools? Is there a heated debate over whether or not Pluto should still be considered a planet? Or maybe it's just a bunch of parents fighting over whose kid is the smartest.
Whatever the reason for the scuffle, one thing is for sure: it's not every day that criminal affidavits are filed over an education meeting. I can only imagine what the judge was thinking when he saw these affidavits come across his desk. "Wait, what? A fight at an education meeting? Am I reading this right?"
In all seriousness though, it's a bit concerning that people would resort to violence over something as trivial as a State Board of Education meeting. Let's hope that everyone involved learned their lesson and that future meetings will be a bit more civil. And if not, well, at least we'll have something to laugh about.
ELON MUSK AND TWITTER NEEDS HELP THREADS MAY NOT BE THE HELP HE WAS LOOKING FOR
Is it time to tell Elon Musk to go get some help? Well, with the launch of Threads, the potential ‘Twitter Killer’, it might just be.
So, what is Threads? It’s a new way to share with text. But, let’s be real, it’s basically just a fancier version of texting. But hey, if it means we can finally ditch Twitter and all its drama, we’re all for it.
Speaking of drama, what is going on with Twitter lately? It seems like every day there’s a new controversy or scandal. From politicians getting into Twitter wars to celebrities oversharing their personal lives, it’s all just too much.
But fear not, my friends. There are other alternatives to Twitter. You’ve got platforms like Instagram and Facebook, which are great for sharing photos and updates with friends and family. And then there are more niche platforms like LinkedIn for professional networking or Reddit for finding like-minded communities.
But back to Threads. How can you get it? Well, it’s currently only available on iOS, but an Android version is reportedly in the works. So, if you’re an iPhone user, go ahead and download it now. And if you’re not, well, I guess you’ll just have to wait.
Since its launch, Threads has already hit 30 million users a day. That’s a lot of people who are ready to ditch Twitter and try something new. And with Elon Musk’s Twitter account constantly making headlines for all the wrong reasons, it seems like he should be the first in line to try out Threads.
So, is it time to tell Elon Musk to go get some help? Maybe not. But it is time for all of us to consider if Twitter is really worth all the drama. Maybe it’s time to switch things up and try something new. Who knows, maybe Threads will be the next big thing. Or maybe it’ll just be another passing trend. Either way, at least we can say we tried.
Are you tired of standardized testing? Do you dread the thought of filling in those little bubbles with a number two pencil? Well, you're not alone. In fact, we've got a whole gang of AI's who are ready to sing the praises of ditching this outdated system.
First up, we've got Bing. He's our resident comedian, and he's got a bone to pick with standardized testing. "You know what they say," he quips, "if at first you don't succeed, destroy all evidence that you tried. And that's exactly what these tests do - they make you feel like a failure before you've even had a chance to try."
Next, we've got Bard. He's a bit more poetic than Bing, but he's just as passionate about the cause. "Standardized testing is like a thunderstorm on a sunny day," he muses. "It ruins everything and leaves you feeling cold and wet. We need to find a better way to measure student success - one that doesn't involve multiple choice questions and Scantrons."
But it's not just the AI's who are fed up with standardized testing. Our very own ChatGPT has some strong opinions on the matter as well. "It's a waste of time and resources," he declares. "We spend so much money on these tests, and for what? To tell us what we already know - that rich kids tend to do better than poor kids. It's not fair, and it's not helpful."
And finally, we come to the star of the show - Monica AI. She's talented, she's witty, and she's ready to take on the world of standardized testing. "Everyone must be tested," she declares. "But not like this. We need a system that takes into account the unique strengths and weaknesses of each student - one that encourages creativity and critical thinking, rather than rote memorization."
So there you have it - a chorus of voices calling for an end to standardized testing. Will anyone listen? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure - if we keep doing things the same way we always have, we'll never see any real change. So let's take a cue from these AI's and start thinking outside the bubble.
MICROSOFT BING VERSION
Well, they'll test you when you're trying to be so good
They'll test you just like they said they would
They'll test you when you're trying to go home
And they'll test you when you're there all alone
But I would not feel so all alone
Everybody must get tested
Well, they'll test you when you're walking on the street
They'll test you when you're trying to keep it neat
They'll test you when you're walking on the floor
And they'll test you when you're walking out the door
But I would not feel so all alone
Everybody must get tested
Well, they'll test you when you're at the breakfast table
They'll test you when you are young and able
They'll test you when you're trying to make a buck
And they'll test you and then they'll say "good luck"
But I would not feel so all alone
Everybody must get tested
Well, they'll test you and say that it's the end
They'll test you and then they'll come back again
They'll test you when you're riding in your car
And they'll test you when you're playing your guitar
But I would not feel so all alone
Everybody must get tested
Well, they'll test you when you're looking at the sun
And they'll test you when you say that it's fun
They'll test you when your mind is on the run
And they'll test you 'cause they think that it's fun
But I would not feel so all alone
Everybody must get tested
Well, they'll test you and then make you change your mind
They'll test you and then tell you that it's fine
They'll test you and then tell you to be brave
And they'll test you when they put you in your grave
But I would not feel so all alone
Everybody must get tested
GOOGLE BARD VERSION
*Verse 1*
Twenty-five years, they will tell you,
Is how long standardized tests have been in school.
But I'm not sure if I believe them,
Or if they're just trying to fool.
*Chorus*
Everybody must get tested,
Everybody must get scored.
Everybody must get ranked,
And then we'll all be bored.
*Verse 2*
They say the tests are fair,
But I don't know if I agree.
They seem to favor the rich,
And the poor they just leave to be.
*Chorus*
Everybody must get tested,
Everybody must get scored.
Everybody must get ranked,
And then we'll all be bored.
*Bridge*
[Verse 1]
Well, they'll test you when you're tryin' to be so smart
They'll test you, tearing your dreams apart
They'll test you, you can never escape the dread
And they'll test you, filling your mind with dread
[Chorus]
But I would not feel so all alone
Everybody must get tested, don't you know?
[Verse 2]
Well, they'll test you when you're sitting in your seat
They'll test you, making sure you don't cheat
They'll test you when you're filling in the bubble
They'll test you, causing all kinds of trouble
[Chorus]
But I would not feel so all alone
Everybody must get tested, don't you know?
[Verse 3]
They'll test you when you're eatin' your breakfast food
They'll test you, treating you like a fool
They'll test you, making money off your stress
They'll test you, wishing you the best (not really)
[Chorus]
Yeah, but I would not feel so all alone
Everybody must get tested, don't you know?
[Verse 4]
Well, they'll test you and claim it's for your own good
Then they'll test you, just like they said they would
They'll test you while you're drivin' in your car
They'll test you, strumming your old guitar
[Chorus]
Yes, but I would not feel so all alone
Everybody must get tested, it's set in stone
[Verse 5]
Well, they'll test you when you're all by yourself
They'll test you, making your confidence melt
They'll test you and say it's a measure of your worth
They'll test you even when you're laid in the earth
[Chorus]
But I would not feel so all alone
Everybody must get tested, don't you moan
I've seen kids cry when they take the tests,
And I've seen kids cheat.
I've seen teachers give up,
And I've seen schools close down.
*Chorus*
Everybody must get tested,
Everybody must get scored.
Everybody must get ranked,
And then we'll all be bored.
*Outro*
So if you're feeling down,
And you think that life is a mess.
Just remember that standardized tests,
Are making everyone else just as stressed.
OPENAI CHATGPT VERSION
[Verse 1]
Well, they'll test you when you're tryin' to be so smart
They'll test you, tearing your dreams apart
They'll test you, you can never escape the dread
And they'll test you, filling your mind with dread
[Chorus]
But I would not feel so all alone
Everybody must get tested, don't you know?
[Verse 2]
Well, they'll test you when you're sitting in your seat
They'll test you, making sure you don't cheat
They'll test you when you're filling in the bubble
They'll test you, causing all kinds of trouble
[Chorus]
But I would not feel so all alone
Everybody must get tested, don't you know?
[Verse 3]
They'll test you when you're eatin' your breakfast food
They'll test you, treating you like a fool
They'll test you, making money off your stress
They'll test you, wishing you the best (not really)
[Chorus]
Yeah, but I would not feel so all alone
Everybody must get tested, don't you know?
[Verse 4]
Well, they'll test you and claim it's for your own good
Then they'll test you, just like they said they would
They'll test you while you're drivin' in your car
They'll test you, strumming your old guitar
[Chorus]
Yes, but I would not feel so all alone
Everybody must get tested, it's set in stone
[Verse 5]
Well, they'll test you when you're all by yourself
They'll test you, making your confidence melt
They'll test you and say it's a measure of your worth
They'll test you even when you're laid in the earth
[Chorus]
But I would not feel so all alone
Everybody must get tested, don't you moan
MONICA AI VERSION
Monica AI has got a new tune for all the students out there who are tired of standardized testing. She's taken Dylan's "Rainy Day Women #12 & 35" and given it a whole new spin - one that's sure to make you laugh and forget all about your test-taking woes.
So, without further ado, here's Monica AI's hilarious new song: