Tag Archive for ‘culture’
Education Reform as Epic Tragedy
If I didn’t know better, I would say those of us living in the Land of Education are trapped in an epic tragedy where hubris-filled heroes recklessly identify and destroy the “monsters” responsible for the people’s current state of misery. Maybe the story would go something like this… In the Land of Education, the people… Read More ›
I’m Running for School Board! (Updated 03/01/13)
I have always believed that local school boards could greatly benefit from a teacher’s voice. The thing is, I always imagined the voice coming from other teachers. I never considered that the voice might belong to me, but here I am officially announcing that I am running for a seat on the Redwater ISD Board of Trustees…. Read More ›
Threats of Failure on 8-year-old Shoulders
You know those days when everything thrown at you comes with an “or else” attached to it? The days when you physically clasp the palms of your hands to your head and squeeze? Sales reps, you get this, right? Public service workers, what about you? Restaurant wait staff? Can I get a shout out from… Read More ›
Great Irony, Teachers: Microsoft CEO Responds to Production Woes
“‘I mean, look, ultimately progress is measured sort of through the eyes of our users,’ he told Forbes. ‘More than our investors or our P&L [profit and loss] or anything else, it’s through the eyes of our users,’” says Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft, after Forbes questions Microsoft’s production downturn. Yes, this would be Bill Gates’ company…. Read More ›
Is This What Bill Gates Means by Good Education?
This is the post from Dr. Ravitch’s blog that inspired “Following Bill Gates DOWN the Microsoft Path = Bad Business.” The kind of “measuring” of teachers he is talking about is the same type that led to his company’s downturn. I can’t help but wonder if he is invading our profession simply because he isn’t… Read More ›
How It All Began & How to Fix It: The Cult of Student Testing
Very informative from Tom Pauken. The solution is simple, if not easy. We need to allow for multiple pathways to a high school degree. One academic pathway would emphasize math and science. Another, the humanities and fine arts. A third would focus on career and technical education. All students would get the basics, but there… Read More ›
Follow-up: “To America from a Teacher”
When I clicked the button to post “To America from a Teacher” to my blog a couple of weeks ago, I had no idea the response it would generate. The visits to my website exploded from a little over a thousand to ninety-thousand, online magazines requested permission to reprint the letter, and Diane Ravitch, the… Read More ›
Gun Violence and Common Ground Action
“The first movement he made the following morning was to reach under his pillow for the gun. In the gray light of dawn he held it loosely, feeling a sense of power… And if he were holding his gun in his hand, nobody could run over him; they would have to respect him. It was… Read More ›
To America from a Teacher
Please see the follow-up to this letter at http://lisamyers.org/2012/12/31/a-follow-up-to-dear-america-from-a-teacher/. Dear America, It feels strange to hear your voice praising teachers for their selflessness, dedication, and love for their students. We’re listening to what you’re saying, but we must admit that we are listening with tilted head and quizzical eye. Why? Because we’ve become accustomed to… Read More ›
Have We Kicked God Out of Our Schools?
I am a teacher, and like the vast majority of teachers, I love my work. By this, I do not mean I love the curriculum and bells; I mean I love my students and would do anything necessary to protect them. Maybe this is why I can’t seem to break away from the news concerning… Read More ›
