The difference between traditional and present-day teaching is striking. The emphasis is now on big concepts. These come at the expense of learning and mastering the basics. Getting the right answer no longer matters. In theory, it is student-centered inquiry-based learning. In practice it has become teacher-centered omission of instruction.
Read more »If Missouri followed the lead of other states and offered more virtual school options, Missouri’s virtual school could give students the individualized education they want.
Last week, when I heard that the new National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) civics and U.S. history results were about to be released, my curiosity was piqued. No, not in anticipation of finding out whether the results would be dismal or dismal-er, but because I really wanted to see how the Bush administration would handle the news, good or bad.
Read more »Over the past several years, mayors in Boston, Baltimore, Chicago, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Cleveland, Los Angeles, Newark, New York and Washington, D.C. have weighed in on the school reform issue. But, does a stronger mayoral role really force the change constituents are clamoring for? Or is it just another political shell game?
While debate on NCLB rages on, the debate on one of the most pressing issues - a rapidly increasing shortage of teachers - remains relatively silent.
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