schoolboardblogger hutch153's blog

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 »

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 »

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 »