Standardized Testing

Someone once asked, "Do test scores provide a reasonable measuring stick for our students as indicators for future successes?"

Although I don't administer these tests (since I work at a college), believe that tests and the processes in place aren't working and because of these tests most schools/teachers are teaching the test and not providing students with instruction that could benefit them later in life. Do we really want to produce a generation of test takers or problem solvers/innovators? Check out these sites...

http://fairtest.org/
http://susanohanian.org
http://alfiekohn.org
http://www.mothersagainstwasl.org/

Honestly there are some groups out there that are encouraging parents to opt-out on standardized testing. Sure its heresy... but you have to listen to the other side, to get the full picture.

http://educationrevolution.wordpress.com/2009/04/07/opting-out-of-nclb-two-reports-from-a-growing-movement/
http://educationintexas.blogspot.com/2005/12/colorado-school-district-opts-out-of.html
http://www.resultsforamerica.org/calendar/files/nclb_release.pdf
http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-13879371_ITM

Short answer..."No."

I'd like to hear your thoughts... So leave a comment.

If you'd like to be more engaged on these topics, feel free to join the "K20EDU-Arizona" Group on Facebook or feel free to follow me on twitter seanmendoza.

Knowledge in the classroom

Great video that talks about the direction we, as educators need to move our students and institutions... imagination and inspiration. When you really think of it... imagination and inspiration (our mental processes) have nothing to do with technology and everything to do with who we are. So... maybe... knowledge in the classroom has nothing to do with technology... and everything to do with who we are and who/what we inspire our students into becoming. Strange to think you're reading this kind of writing from an IT guy... all the answers are not all in technology... go figure.

Love vs. Anger in our schools... what a concept.

Greetings all,

To be honest... I was pretty skeptical at first, but became a believer with this video. He brings up a number of concepts about anger, communication and love. Although my favorite quote from the video was not his... its definately worth printing:

“Give sorrow words. The grief that does not speak whispers the o'er-fraught heart, and bids it break." - William Shakespeare

As educators... we have to also listen with our hearts. Enjoy.

Students... getting it???

Okay... Aside from the entertainment value of this embedded video... It really does make me think about a few things.

1. What did the teacher do wrong?
2. How would you teach this class?
3. Could they have benefited from online learning? Why or Why not?

Some humor is based on presenting (in the appropriate context) an extreme version of a human interaction. Can you see any of your student or your self in this very humorous classroom day with Jerry Seinfeld? Enjoy...

Seinfeld - History Class - World WarII | Funny Jokes at JibJab

Tutoring....

Okay... here's an idea that's definitely worth thinking about. Let me know if you're interested... I just might start one out here in Tucson... say a cowboy theme.

http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/dave_eggers_makes_his_ted_prize_wish_once_upon_a_school.html

Let me know.

Emotional Intelligence in the classroom

Very interesting video about how emotional intelligence plays in the schools of today. If you're new to teaching or want a different view on something you may be doing every day... please watch this video.



This video can be found at http://www.edutopia.org. Enjoy

Welcome message

Greetings,

This blog has been created as a requirement for NAU's Education Masters program. We are asking for you to participate and to follow some very basic rules:

• Post must be value added to education
• Please change the names to protect the innocent
• Keep the language professional

The first topic for today is...

"What are your Best Practices used to teach at risk students in K-12 and Adult Education?"

Thanks and we look forward to reading your comments.

Lisa, Paulette and Sean