The pandemic caused change. As we emerge from the pandemic, ask yourself as you seek the old normal, is that the best we can do. Some things learned in the pandemic need to become new practices. Continue reading
Pandemic-informed Teacher Evaluation
Hybrid School Year – A Rethought, Pandemic-informed School Calendar
The school calendar is a prime example of – we do things now because that is how it was done when I was in school. The pandemic is teaching us that there is a better way. Continue reading
Educational governance in the long view
School communities choose how schools will be governed by their considered election of school boards. Continue reading
Covid Provoked Reforms – Professional Pay for Professional Teachers
Sometimes a crisis creates an opportunity. The pandemic is stripping public education of its most valuable asset – veteran, professional teachers. The wear and tear of pandemic teaching is driving more teachers into early retirement and career resignations than in … Continue reading
Covid Provoked Reforms – Proficiency in Standards-based Learning
As the pandemic has disrupted school life, it also can disrupt school thinking. Some pre-pandemic practices cannot be applied now, and the pandemic provides a unique opportunity to correct past practices. Grading is one of these. Continue reading
Yoda, the Dark Path, and the High Ground of Education
Threading through the time of covid is a dark-sided anger that threatens our children and their ongoing education. Their future requires educators to find and hold the high ground of public schooling – a pillar of our society that stands the test of time. Continue reading
School Children In the Time of Polio
Children who received a Salk vaccination in the 1950s are grandparents now. Their children and grandchildren are confronted with covid. These are two vastly different responses to how our nation and communities use vaccination to combat viral disease. Continue reading
Our Children’s Eyes Are On Us
School board rooms are classrooms for children learning how adults show respect, act civilly, and work for improving the common good. The pandemic provides board members and community adults a chance to show their mettle. Continue reading
School Is The Constant Throughout All The Years
Apply James Earl Jones’ statement about baseball to public school – it is a perfect truth. Continue reading
What Do I Need To Know To Feel Normal About School?
America remains an experiment and work in progress. Societal, economic, political, and cultural crises happening simultaneous with the pandemic will be our greatest challenge to date. Our new normal will be very unlike our old. Continue reading