Today's article comes from Intellectual Takeout written by Jeff Minick. We've said the same thing for years. Don't change methods or types of instruction just because it's been around for hundreds of years. It's time to step back and do a complete assessment of K-12 education and use the best of the best and stop using fads. Sometimes the best way to go forward is to go backward. In 1899, the population of Boonville, North Carolina was under 200. It was a tiny crossroads town in the middle of farming country. It was also the home of the Yadkin Valley Institute and School of Business, which 20 years later would become a public school. My friend Allen, whose ancestors were among the … [Read more...]
Unlocking Indoor Adventures: Stimulate Minds While Having a Blast with Your Kids
Today we bring you an article by Emily Graham (she has contributed several pieces). When clouds gather or when outdoor excursions are not on the agenda, the challenge of engaging children in productive and enjoyable activities emerges. This article from Southwest Washington Education delves into indoor activities that not only entertain but also foster educational growth for children. From strategic games that develop cognitive skills to creative outlets for artistic expression, there’s something for every young mind to explore. The Allure of Board Games Long gone are the days when board games were only about passing time. Today, they are vital tools for cognitive development, … [Read more...]
Weighted Vote change in Washington State – Victory for parents
Last month a very important step towards equality was taken by the Washington State School Directors Association or WSSDA. A by-law which had been in place since 1986, called the “weighted vote”, was eliminated. The results will be an equal voice for all school districts at WSSDA. WSSDA is the association that creates model policies for all Washington school districts. It sets legislative priorities and lobbies legislators for changes to laws. It also provides training and insurance for all school board directors in the state. The membership consists of one representative from each school district, and these members vote on the WSSDA board and committee members. Every September WSSDA … [Read more...]
School choice foes turn to ballot referendums as states expand voucher programs
The number of states that have added an option to allow some or all of the funds for K-12 education in public schools to follow the children appears to be causing issues with....teachers unions. In the following article from The Washington Examiner they spell out some of the efforts and tactics teachers unions are going to try and stop "choice" Voters in Nebraska are likely to weigh in on the state's school choice program after a group submitted more than 100,000 signatures last week, seeking to force a ballot referendum. The effort seeks to repeal a state law passed this year that established a $25 million tax credit program for donors who give money to a scholarship fund that … [Read more...]
Randi Weingarten – Single handedly set back K-12 education for a decade?
Who is Randi Weingarten? Rhonda “Randi” Weingarten (born December 18, 1957) is an American labor leader, attorney, and educator. She is president of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and a member of the AFL–CIO. She is the former president of the United Federation of Teachers. Why is she important regarding K-12 education? In May 2021, it was revealed that Randi Weingarten, the leader of the nation's second-largest teachers union, significantly influenced Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines on reopening schools earlier that year. In the lead-up to the “highly anticipated” Feb. 12, 2021 guidelines, the union president and another top union official were … [Read more...]
Here are the top education issues state lawmakers battled over this year
An interesting article we came across and offer for your consideration. It was published at The Hill by Lexi Lonas Democrats and Republicans went head-to-head on education policy in state legislatures this year, with each side pulling out both wins and losses as many statehouses close their legislative sessions. The heart of much of the fighting lay in culture war issues led by Republicans, from how lessons about race and gender should be taught to what type of books students should be allowed to read. Here were the top education issues state lawmakers grappled with this year: School choice The new measure that was most successful for school choice this legislative … [Read more...]
Why 65 Percent of Fourth Graders Can’t Really Read
This is a topic and interview that you may find interesting. Do you accept their premise and conclusions? Emily Hanford reveals how America’s educators adopted a flawed system for teaching reading to kids—and, as a result, completely failed them. The article appeared in The Free Press: Why 65 Percent of Fourth Graders Can’t Really Read (thefp.com) Many parents saw America’s public education system crumble under the weight of the pandemic. Stringent policies—including school closures that went on far too long, and ineffective Zoom school for kindergarteners—had devastating effects that we are only just beginning to understand. But, as with so many problems during the pandemic, COVID … [Read more...]
12 Emerging Education Trends (2023-2026)
Today we pull out the education crystal ball. According to some experts the following education trends will move to the forefront in the 4 years: The original article can be found at: https://explodingtopics.com/blog/education-trends This is listing of the trends. You can click the link to get full details. Our goal today is to highlight and make you aware in case you want to dig deeper: Neuroeducation Makes Inroads Microlearning Gains Traction Online Learning Gains Ground Instructors With Star Power Independent Entrepreneurs Launch More Online Courses Niche Education Platforms Take Off New Startups Offer More Homeschooling … [Read more...]
K-12 Education vs. Skill development
How much emphasis should be placed on general education vs. skill development? K-12 education and skills-based learning have increasingly been pitted against each other in the recent years, as education reformers and employers alike have argued that our current system of secondary education may not be adequately preparing students for the jobs of the future. While there are certainly advantages to both approaches, it is important to consider what each can offer and how they might be used together to best prepare students for careers in a rapidly changing world. K-12 education is the traditional system of study from kindergarten through 12th grade that is focused on providing students … [Read more...]
Are you happy with what your children learn in school?
Today we share an article published at the Pew Research Center written by JULIANA MENASCE HOROWITZ The article discusses parents views of what should and should not be taught in schools and comes to the conclusion that while unhappy most parents won't rock the boat. Saying that, the number of students being removed from public schools continues to accelerate so their conclusions may not be totally accurate. Give the article a read either at the original site or by reading below...then...share your thoughts. Note: The full article is REALLY long so grab something to drink and plan on spending 10-15 minutes reading and pondering. Parents Differ Sharply by Party Over What Their … [Read more...]
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