Thanks so much for welcoming all my guest posters this past week! I enjoyed a jam-packed trip to Washington D.C. where I spent 3 days at Mom Congress, 1 day sight-seeing (aching feet!), 1 evening gallivanting at the Reading is Fundamental gala, and 1/2 day of meetings. (I'm more introverted than extroverted so don't expect spoken words for several days. Need. To. Rest.) Did you see that May 4th … [Read more...]
No Regrets Parenting and More News
It's been awhile since I had time to do a Soup Scoop - did you miss it? Since I usually don't ask rhetorical questions, will tell me what you think? For Your Nightstand - No Regrets Parenting The kids have left the nest, and as you reflect on the last 18 years, do you have regrets? No Regrets Parenting by Harley Rotbart, M.D., a dad and empty nester, affirms making the daily moments count so you … [Read more...]
The Truth about Standardized Testing
Linking standardized tests to funding, teacher pay, and/or school performance ranking, etc. creates a destructive avalanche of consequences for both children and teachers. It's simple cause and effect. (Seemingly apparent to everyone except for the policy makers.) Destructive Consequences of Testing 1. The MANIPULATION of students to perform well OR ELSE . . . "your teacher will lose her … [Read more...]
Standardized Tests – Your Rights, Opting Out, and the Impact on Your Child
After I read What Happened to Recess and Why Are our Children Struggling in Kindergarten? by Susan Ohanian, I knew I wanted her to share with you exactly what you as a parent need to know about the national obsession with standardized tests. Here's my (devil's advocate) interview with Susan Ohanian, an experienced teacher, education advocate against NCLB and high stakes testing, and a prolific … [Read more...]