Again this summer, we invited our German friend Henning to visit us. This summer he visited us on the East Coast in the Washington DC area. Last summer, he visited us on the West Coast. Last summer, Hollywood; this summer, history. I've been busy being tour guide and had little time for commentary. It was interesting to me that he viewed many of our historical sites as "propaganda." Perhaps he is right: the "spin" that we give to history does make it propaganda. We have experienced this recently with the U.S. "Shock and Awe" attacks on Afghanistan and Iraq. Truth is rarely reported and so we no longer trust, but we must continue to search for it by questioning and learning. As Alfie Kohn says, "You and I may end up with different answers, but let's at least have the courage to ask the questions." Read Kohn's most recent research on The Homework Myth.
June 2006
Restrictions on textbooks in dentention centers: Textbooks and pencils can be used as weapons, so they are restricted for safety and security in most juvenile facilities. Child welfare advocates, however, say the rules can create a prison-like atmosphere that discourages rehabilitation. "Any facility ought to be safe and secure enough for kids to have books," said Betsy Clarke, president of the Juvenile Justice Initiative. Having worked in such facilities, I know that this is easier said than done. ~ 27 June 2006
Billionaire philanthropist Warren Buffet has given the Gates Foundation a huge donation for their "shared vision to give back to the world." They still think every kid should go to college! Yes, if the student wants to and can handle college-level course requirements. However, is that necessary to be a painter or carpenter or auto-mechanic or chef? No. Read more about the Gates Foundation involvement in Education. ~ 27 June 06
The Silent Epidemic: Perspectives of High School Droputs
This is the new report done about the drop-out crisis in the U. S. for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, but there is nothing new here about why students drop-out and how we can make schools better. Why aren't these things being done? ~ 03/2006
Little Individual Attention Goes a Long Way: It was the Mother Simpson idea... She says if you feed a kid and stay in the same room with a kid, you can solve every problem there is. This article is so full of effective classroom management ideas that I suggest you read the whole thing. You may also access this article on
Susan Ohanian's site. ~ 08 January 2006
Want a Snow Day? Here are some rituals to try to get that break in the dullness of winter, that day to sleep late, read, play in the snow, and drink hot chocolate. When I was teaching, I loved snow days as much or more than the kids! It was a gift from Mother Nature. ~ 06 January 2006
PBS in JJS: Implementing positive behavioral supports in the juvenile justice system!? Indeed, overcoming the attitude of public officials and many JJS Staff will be a huge obstacle because many of these folks still believe that punishment works and there should be no tolerance in spite of environmental antecedents or life's circumstances. ~ 16 November 2005
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