Category Archives: Current Affairs

5 Ways to Improve Our Education System….I only need 1

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Hmmm, five ways I would improve our education system if money were not an issue? I like that. It is a timely topic, often discussed. However, I only need one way. It's a big one. One with huge, sweeping results. But the good news–this one item will not require more money, per se. This one item is something we already have. This one item is nothing that we have not already known for decades. Bonus, improvements will be made quickly and with continued success regardless of levies or measures, politics or procedures. Is it too good to be true? No. It is a reality we already possess.

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Is Seniority Best Practice?

This past week, our district was not exempt from the RIF’s that have been making the news in education.  We are losing four young, bright first-year teachers who have brought enthusiasm and innovation to their jobs.

In the background are some more “veteran” teachers who have refused to change with the times. In spite of the changes in society and technology, they teach the same way they have taught for years, holding on to their jobs out of habit rather than passion. They move through the curriculum by rote, paying little attention to whether or not the students are responding. Their evaluations haven’t been top notch, but their jobs are safe.

Then there are a few teachers who simply don’t get it. They want to be “friends” with the kids, or they care more about the content than the kids. The discipline referrals coming out of their classrooms are numerous and would be unnecessary with better management. Their evaluations haven’t been top notch either, but their jobs are safe.

I know that this is a very, very difficult question – especially in these hard economic times. (Maybe the question should be, "Is the State making the best budget decisions right now?" – but that's a different discussion.) However, with all of the pressure being put on teachers to meet professional standards through reflection and best practices, shouldn’t the teachers who are doing that have some advantage?

WASL: New and IMPROVED! 25% more for 45% less.

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By Travis & Tom 

The plan to replace the WASL was
unveiled on the OPSI site yesterday. For many, this headline will create a
smile. But dig deeper, read the press release and overview and see what you think.

It’s hard to get the image of shiny, brightly colored cereal packages
emblazoned with cartoon characters out of our heads, each with their own
self-indulgent promise of  “Tasting
great!”
or “10% more!” or “New and Improved!”  It seems like the world’s use of exclamation marks can be
found in the cereal aisle. But of course, when you open the new box and pour it
into your old bowl and eat it with your old spoon, it usually tastes a lot like
the old cereal.

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Increase of Online Courses in School

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I have to admit, I have a bias here. I feel comfortable around technology and use it for education and social learning. I teach two online courses and use technology in my classroom for podcasts, vidcasts, and instruction; my students use technology as well for more than word-processing. So when I saw that Michigan was leading the way in online courses, I had to read the article, oh, and by the way, the article is online. 

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