Category Archives: Education Reform

Pilot Programs

Posted on April 3, 2012 by Mike

The Idaho Statesman, 3-23-2012, reported on the “technological revolution” at Eagle Elementary in the Meridian, Idaho, school district. The district used federal funds to purchase 43 iPads and 130 iPod Touches. Parent groups raised money for another 17 iPads. Each … Continue reading →

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Math and Science

Posted on March 16, 2012 by Mike

I am listening to NPR’s Science Friday. The panel of experts is discussing and bemoaning how few of today’s youth pursue science in high school, college, and beyond. This is nothing new. The experts were discussing and bemoaning the same … Continue reading →

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Revealing Truths about Our Nation’s Schools

Posted on March 14, 2012 by Mike

A few days ago, I observed in an e-mail to a friend I heard about this [The Office for Civil Rights’ report, Reveling New Truths About the Nation’s Schools] on NPR’s Talk of the Nation today, so I looked it … Continue reading →

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College for All? (2)

Posted on March 8, 2012 by Mike

In “Making It in America,” Adam Davidson explores the problems of American manufacturing, using two young people as his vehicle. Maddie has no education beyond high school and no specialized skills. Luke has a good math background, three years of … Continue reading →

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Attract and Retain the Best Teachers

Posted on February 29, 2012 by Mike

The proclaimed purpose of teacher pay scales is to attract and retain the best teachers. Like so many things in the world of public education, this is not quite as simple as it at first sounds. Attracting and retaining are … Continue reading →

Posted in Career, Education Reform, Teacher Compensation | 1 Comment

A Shining Example (?)

Posted on February 20, 2012 by Mike

A friend recently sent me this link: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/13/education/mooresville-school-district-a-laptop-success-story.html?_r=2&emc=eta1 Fascinating if true, I thought. I read something like this and think “If only Herb Grosdidier could have had access to this technology in 1968.”  Herb, as I’m sure you all know … Continue reading →

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Dicta

Posted on February 12, 2012 by Mike

The primary dictum that should guide all policy, all practice, and all reform of them is, of course, as it is in medicine: Do No Harm. The next and most proximate dictum: It’s the Curriculum, Stupid! All else must follow … Continue reading →

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Study: Once-a-year teacher evaluations not enough

Posted on February 3, 2012 by Mike

So says the head of an article in the January 6 Idaho Statesman. I deplore much of what is said about us in the media, but to my surprise I found myself agreeing with most points in this article and … Continue reading →

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Reading Notes

Posted on December 28, 2011 by Mike

When I was in college, I was not a good note-taker. My notes were by no means thorough, nor did I make good use of them, so I am probably not a credible authority on the matter. I am still … Continue reading →

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R. I. P. National Board Certification in Idaho

Posted on December 24, 2011 by Mike

The 12/23/2011 Idaho Statesman reports that as a result of legislation passed in the 2010 session, Idaho will discontinue funding the stipend ($2000/year for 5 years) that is paid to teachers who receive National Board Certification, having completed all of … Continue reading →

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