Studies are finding that when teachers and parents agree with kids that STEM subjects are not their best, students do not pursue those subjects. IT also says we should focus our praise on the process and not necessarily what comes natural. This encourages our children to embrace the process of learning instead of only the things that come natural. What are some other reasons you think kids quit STEM subjects? Do you think we validate our students/children too often? Why or why not? How else can we engage or encourage our students without the typical element of praise?

A teacher edited his student's rough drafts for statewide test to make sure punctuation and capitalization were correct on their exams. She stated she felt the pressure of performing well on the exams. Other states have been found to cheat on the standard test created by No Child Left Behind. How do you feel a teacher should be punished for violating standard assessment rules for a broken system like NCLB? Do you feel NCLB standards help or hurt students? teachers? Why do they hurt and why do the help? Why do you fell there are so many scandals with teachers cheating for students? Do they not have confidence in their teaching abilities and/or their students?

This article speaks about all the educational data that is being collected but not used. Virginia has created an app to make that information accessible to parents. This allows them to use the data to choose which school they want to send their children to. I think all states should create an app like this to make sure data is being utilized and also to bring light to the schools who need more help.

This article speaks on the what students really think about technology. While most are excited and love the fact they can use computers and internet to find answers, some are worried about the freedom. They may feel there is more opportunities to be distracted or mislead in the information they gather. Also, the online classes are too easy for young students as they don't really have to learn anything when they can take the test with their notes in front of them. There are positives and negatives about using technology in the classroom and students who really want to learn are finding them both.