I used to think…

by | Nov 8, 2012 | Less Teacher, More Student, Teacher Leadership 2.0, The Compelling Need for Change, The How of 21st Century Teaching, Voices

I used to think I was a pretty good teacher. Now I realize that I did the best I could with the knowledge I had, but my classroom was woefully inadequate for many of my students. I failed to equip them with what they needed. I now believe my students are competent to show me what they need, if only I take the time to listen and ask authentic questions. I’m becoming a better teacher by giving up a lot of what I used to think.

We Always Care about Kids at Testing Time

by | Mar 26, 2012 | Less Teacher, More Student, Making The Shift, Student Life, Voices

I’m thinking more than ever about my kids, who they are as whole children, and what the real worth of the schooling they receive might be. I’m wondering why we educators, both administration and faculty, don’t send these same kind of notes home all year long. Why aren’t sleep and nutrition and stress reduction equally important the other 171 days of the school year?

The Only High Stakes Test

by | Oct 4, 2010 | Change

Cross-posted My two older children, Ben (grade 5) and Elisabeth (grade 4), start NECAP (New England Comprehensive Assessment Program) testing today.  My youngest daughter, Emma, is too young to be tortured by them. But, Ben and Elisabeth join all 3-8 and 11th grade...