Category Archives: Opinion

I try to hold back as much as possible but this is where I “let loose” sometimes and give me straight up opinion.

What Should we Test in Public Education?

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What should we test in public education? How about: practical job skills, traditional academic skills, and citizenship? To me, these are three great targets to start with. Continue reading

Posted in Issues in Education, Opinion | Tagged curriculum, standardized testing, teaching materials, test prep | 2 Comments

Suggested 3 I’s of Education Reform

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My article below was first published as Three “I”s Suggested for Education Reform on Blogcritics. Public education in America is in a state of flux. In 26 states, including California, legislators are adopting the “Common Core” standards and curriculum to … Continue reading

Posted in Issues in Education, Opinion | Tagged music in the classroom | Leave a comment

Opting out of Testing Gaining Favor with Parents? My response

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Another educator I follow on Facebook posted a link to an article on this topic. I want to thank him for posting it. Since a comment would have been too long for Facebook, this is my response: “I think in … Continue reading

Posted in Issues in Education, Opinion | Tagged test prep | 2 Comments

The Organic Teacher vs The Robot

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For the past 15 years, the California Teaching Standards have run the show in education. I’m not complaining. For 13 of these years, my job success has relied on them. I have embraced them, made them my own, taught them, … Continue reading

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Getting Buy-in From Your Students

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Most the years I’ve taught I’ve been able to produce results in my students’ motivation. This year it has been especially challenging. Maybe it’s because the test and the academics thereof have become the primary focus of school. Perhaps this … Continue reading

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A Different Sort of Merit Pay

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There has been a lot of talk about “merit pay” for teachers. I’m not here to debate the idea but I can tell you it has existed for years. I know because I have received it. You might wonder just … Continue reading

Posted in Opinion, Teaching Diary | Leave a comment

Tradition vs. Tech as a Teacher

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Below is an excerpt from a longer article I published on another blog. I think this concept is highly valuable to teachers. It does a teacher no good to hang on to methods that are decades old when they don’t … Continue reading

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What Does it Take to be a Teacher?

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We know cops went into their job because they appreciated justice. Graphic designers enjoy seeing a project through. But what about teachers? What is the impetus (in general) that drives people to pursue a career teaching? Continue reading

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A Teaching Career in This Economy- Does it Still Make Sense?

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Teaching may not have the security it used to but it still cries out for serious and talented people wanting to make a difference. It will never disappear as a career in society. The real question is, do you want to do it? Continue reading

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