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schoolboardblogger hutch153's blog

Public needs clarity on Common Core Standards; Brooks isn’t helping

David Brooks’ main premise - that the public’s understanding  of  the merits of the new Common Core standards is becoming yet another victim of the current political environment – is one I agree with.  Unfortunately, by failing to accurately articulate the objections of the “left” from his pulpit at the Times, Brooks is only adding to the public’s confusion.   Read more »

Preparing our Students for the Future – Intentionally

There’s a danger when a phrase becomes so common that it begins to lose its meaning. With that risk in mind, this post will be about “21st-century skills”, the educational framework that includes critical-thinking, collaboration, creativity, communication (beyond reading and writing), and to which I’ve added a 5th ‘C’: ‘citizenship’ Read more »

School Climate, locally owned and operated

Is it possible to teach and learn in a dysfunctional school environment? Certainly, anything is possible – but it’s like swimming against the current. It’s just common sense that, long-term, teachers are more effective if they’re in a school in which they feel respected and supported, where collaboration and innovation are encouraged, and where teachers are not held accountable for things beyond their control. Read more »

What is the ‘Goal’ of Secondary School? No Student Left Unknown

Once a foundation’s been laid, then what?

Last week I shared my response to Tim Kaine’s policy recommendation for elementary education, which I thought was based on an unnecessarily narrow view of student capacity and potential. But when Kaine speaks to secondary education, I think he’s on to something: He asks, “why don't we personalize learning for every student?  Shouldn't we strive for an educational model that involves individualized education for all?” Read more »

What is the ‘Goal’ of Elementary School?

A couple of months back, Tim Kaine (former governor and current senator from Virginia) wrote a column for EdWeekly, describing what he and his wife had learned from their forty years’ experience with public education, particularly as parents.  I thought his observations deserved a more thorough examination, so here are my thoughts, beginning with his take on elementary school.  Read more »

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