Education Research

This article provides an interesting commentary on what some schools are defining as "successful" academic paths.

Incredibly interesting article about the use of technology and how it can positively and negatively effect learning. As stated in our discussions earlier this week, the use of technology can - at times - undermine the real classroom experience. In the case of sites which are explained in this article, I think it highlights the need and importance of 'real' classroom learning to help with questions and curb cheating.

Keeping in trend with the current economic status, New York City schools are facing a 5% budget cut that will most likely effect much-needed after school and weekend programs. Although budgeting for the upcoming year has aided the children of low income families, it's still heartbreaking to see that these programs will be cut in favor of saving money... especially when they are probably the most important and needed.

Although this article deals with child abuse from a pediatrician's perspective, I feel that it has relevance for teachers. As a teacher, there are times when one might have to understand what marks are the result of child development and behavior versus those that are teh result of child abuse.

I found this to be an interesting article from a parent's perspective on the need for honesty and candor in school conversations. Downey makes a good point in acknowledging that teachers feel the need to protect themselves. However, some of this language does not create a positive atmosphere and makes collaboration difficult at times.

In addition to the discussion we were having about marketable majors and careers, I find this article about financial professionals transitioning into teaching incredibly interesting. This article details a program called "Traders to Teachers", a grant that is federally funded that allows professionals with extensive experiences in financial fields to transition into math teachers in secondary schools. In addition to helping ease the need for mathematics teachers, this also sends a great message to students about future careers and puts emphasis on having strong math skills.

Using federal school improvement funds, an elementary school in Pittsburgh implemented an "Academy in Math and Science" program. The Academy allows students to explore science concepts through experimentation. Due to the popularity of the program, the school plans on adding one grade per year.

Students of vocational and technical high schools encounter problems using their specialized training because of the failing economy. Finding their job opportunities limited, many are turning to higher education as an alternative route.

Opinion article on President Obama's plan to fund an early childhood education program. Although biased, the author provides a fact-based argument about the costs of starting such a program in the U.S. Aimed to increase the intelluctual abilies of young children, this program would fund a pre-K education for kids across the nation.

In Keller, TX an elementary school club is learning and teaching their peers about Tafadzwa. What started as a group with an interest in Afrian music and musical instruments has now turned into a much larger group of three clubs incorporating art, drama, and music. It started with homemade insturments from PVC pipes and a teacher who was looking to inspire children with music. If only all educators were as dedicated and passionate about their careeers.

When I came across this article in the paper it made me think of current discussion we had about "Public Schools for Private Advantage". We had mentioned what may happen if academic programs began to focus more on what skills will be needed to get a job rather than programs that may not provide as much monetary gains.

In Keller, TX an elementary school club is learning and teaching their peers about Tafadzwa. What started as a group with an interest in Afrian music and musical instruments has now turned into a much larger group of three clubs incorporating art, drama, and music. It started with homemade insturments from PVC pipes and a teacher who was looking to inspire children with music. If only all educators were as dedicated and passionate about their careeers.

I thought this article was neat. It is great that NYU is offering space on its campus so the younger kids will have a place to go to school. :o)

Ever wondered how your brain works and how you can learn better? May be helpful for teaching your students as well.

The National Parks Service's Teaching with Historica Places uses places listed on the National Register of Historic Places to enhance traditional teaching of history, social studies, geography, etc. There are over 135 classroom lesson plans. I find this to be very interesting because I would like to incorporate more examples of material culture in the classroom. I think lessons like this provide a valuable lens through which to study historic moments.

This is an interesting article about the current market for teaching jobs in New York City.

Pretty cool pictures for various words....don't let students go on here alone though, as I've seen an explicit word or two (for example, look under letter "P").

Reading for Healthy Families: Building Communities of Learning was launched in 14 of Oregon's 36 counties.

Constructivist theories grew out of the work of a couple of Russians around the time of the Russian Revolution. It is radical subjectivism dressed up as science, and has no scientific credibility whatsoever. It is used by radical educators to push their barrow that nothing the teacher knows is worth the student learning and that all knowledge is innate. It's bullsh*t. Theories like this rot are part of the reason that the bottom has dropped out of Western education and we have a generation who can't write. This should be resisted by any educator with an interest in educational excellence.