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...]
State Superintendent of Schools Election – Chris Reykdal: What are his positions on issues? Investigative report
Let’s start out by making it clear that we asked Mr. Reykdal multiple times to respond to questions regarding his positions on key issues. He chose not to respond no matter how many times we reached out. His opponent, Ms. Espinoza, did respond. So...we’ve decided to research what he’s said and done in the past 4 years and share that with you. To be clear this is an investigative report and analysis because he didn’t want to respond. Why wouldn’t he respond? Perhaps because he felt that his answers would hurt his re-election? Perhaps he thought he wouldn’t get his responses posted as he wrote them? In any case we believe that people have the right to know where he stands on key issues that … [Read more...]
High-Paying Trade Jobs Sit Empty, While High School Grads Line Up For University
STEM or CTE? College focus or job focus? What's the balance? Is there a balance? Most educational effort in public schools is to get students ready for college. Indeed, the pressure to attend college is high with depression if the student can't or doesn't want to make the effort. So are there really good paying jobs for high school graduation students with solid education and some technical skill training? This article from NPR says...YES!!! Give it a read and share it with others. Heck...contact your school district and ask them to make CTE:STEM 50:50. "In a new report, the Washington State Auditor found that good jobs in the skilled trades are going begging because students are … [Read more...]
Study: Vocational Classes Keep High School Students Interested
We've long suggested that the emphasis on STEM be better balanced with more Vocational (CTE) courses and certification programs. A study at the Thomas Fordham Institute provides detailed information on the value of Vocational courses not just on the skills learned...but on graduation itself. Why? Perhaps because having practical hands-on course work seems more real and useful to students? We were made aware of the study via Intellectual Takeout in a story they published. We share their story below. Last year, Intellectual Takeout posted a popular quote from Mythbusters star Adam Savage on the need to reinstate shop class. Savage said: “If you want the kids’ test scores up, bring … [Read more...]
Lesson Plans for Teaching STEM Subjects to K-12 Students
For those of you who focus on home schooling OR you want to supplement the education your children are getting now we offer this guest article by Jenny Wise. She specializes in helping parents develop home based curriculum. Give it a read and if you want to contact her let us know. Technology is helping shape the world of the future, and it’s safe to say that it’s not going anywhere. As the tech industry grows, millions of jobs will need to be filled in the next decade. By teaching today’s K-12 students about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects, you’ll prepare them for success in the real world, higher education, and their future careers. Looking for … [Read more...]