Are you interested in learning more about economics, the Constitution, education and a host of other topics related to the heritage and operation of the United States? Click the Hillsdale picture and it will take you to their page where you can register for FREE...that's right FREE...courses. Do them at your own pace online. The courses are intended for high school and above but if you have an ambitious 7th or 8th grader they will probably do just fine. Here are just a couple of examples: "A Proper Understanding of K-12 Education: Theory and Practice" Economics in 3 minutes? https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0ovn3vzxMAZfktLDrctfyrsfR8p_1IF9 US Constitution: … [Read more...]
Oregon Senate Approves Opt-Out legislation
Breaking News: Today the Oregon Senate overwhelmingly passed HB 2655 (24-6) — one of the strongest bills in the nation to support all students and parents on statewide standardized assessments. The bill establishes the Student Assessment Bill of Rights which requires assessment transparency by giving students: http://dianeravitch.net/2015/06/11/breaking-news-oregon-passes-strong-opt-out-bill/ Do you think the same should happen in Washington State? Let me know your thoughts. … [Read more...]
Australia – Teaching skills and not subjects?
The link below is to an article about the efforts in some schools in Australia to get children "hands-on" experience that ties their education to the real world. After you read the article let me know what you think. Is this an approach you think should happen locally? http://www.afr.com/brand/boss/we-need-to-teach-children-skills-not-subjects-20150605-gh4c7c?stb=fb … [Read more...]
Standardized Testing is Not Teaching
I came across this 3 1/2 minute video on YouTube that explains why the testing used in Common Core is a problem. Take a look and then let me know what you think. Did the video change your mind and if so why? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPs46yOcwP0&feature=youtu.be … [Read more...]
Washington State Senate Bill – 5316
The attached file is a pdf which contains my feedback to Senator Ann Rivers for placement in the bill's feedback section. I hope that you take the time to read not only the proposed changes but my thoughts as well. SB5316-Comments Enbedded If you have some comments please let me know. … [Read more...]
Common Core – SBAC test designed to fail 67%?
The link below is for a web site run by a group in Washington State that claims the SBAC (Common Core) Math Test is designed to fail 67% of the students. I read the article and it certainly raises questions. Take a read yourself and then let me know what you think. http://coalitiontoprotectourpublicschools.org/the-real-reason-the-sbac-math-test-fails-67-percent-of-all-students … [Read more...]
Testing Limits
Do you believe that children are "tested to death"? Do you think testing should be done...but periodically to assess rather than as a method to get money or rank students/schools/districts? If you want limits consider going to this site and sending some letters to your Senators: http://action.saveourschoolsnj.org/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=16868 … [Read more...]
2014’s Best and Worst States for Teachers
http://wallethub.com/edu/best-and-worse-states-for-teachers/7159/#main-findings I came across this article and wanted to share it. Where does Washington State fit? Answer: #30 out of 51. Some interesting facts about teachers today: 1) According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about a fifth of all newly minted public school teachers leave their positions before the end of their first year. And almost half never last more than five. 2) Teachers, especially novices, move to other schools or abandon the profession “as the result of feeling overwhelmed, ineffective, and unsupported,” according to the ASCD. … [Read more...]
Jobs in 2025?
Vocational training (preparing students for specific jobs) needs much more attention than we have been giving it. Here I've compiled (and will keep adding) information and links to articles that discuss the topic. If, after doing your own research, you believe that rather than just a general education we MUST provide pathways for students to pursue their interests, passions and desires then raise your voice! In this article the author shares his view of where jobs will be: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/jobs-2025-what-you-your-kids-doing-decade-mihir-shukla General Motors Co. employees predict electrical engineers, interaction designers, and analytics experts will be the most … [Read more...]
Battle Ground School District – Salaries and Benefits
Ever wonder what the employees of the Battle Ground School District earn per year? Here is a link that allows you to look at any employee: http://data.kitsapsun.com/projects/wa-school/district/06119/ Here are a couple of examples (you can search by name, school or position): Superintendent = Salary: $193,120 Insurance: $9,300 Mandatory Benefits: $29,139 Total = $231, 559 Asst. Superintendent = Salary: $132,226 Insurance: $9,300 Mandatory Benefits: $22,388 Total = $163,914 … [Read more...]