“Preparing kids for the Real World” is a phrase that many educators and schools use without regard for the consequence of what they selectively choose as reality for their students. Both educators and institutions in many cases are still choosing for students by educating them traditionally, or more progressively using technology tools for learning. This probably begins with educators’ misconception of the real world.

We cannot prepare kids for the Real World when we still have a…

July 17, 2013

Do you read aloud to your own children or students?  If so, I'd love to hear from you.  I'm currently researching read alouds for an upcoming article and your story could appear in a national magazine.  I'm especially interested in teachers or parents who continue the read aloud into upper elementary and middle school grades.  If you have a story you'd like to share, leave a comment here, or email me…

The world’s most famous teacher blasts school reform

Parents Said No to the Test

In  preparation for teaching the new 6th grade module next year, I am reading The Lightning Thief, by Rick Riordan.  Fantasy usually isn't my thing, but this book is great, and ties in perfectly with the sixth-grade social studies curriculum here in New York. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series, and I can't wait to see the movie…

Ooh la la.  Today is Bastille Day, or the French National Day.  If you're looking for a quick summer read that will evoke the city of light, why not try French Lessons, by Ellen Sussman?  Ms. Sussman lived in Paris for five years, and her novel about three tutors and their American students in a French language immersion program will put you in the mood for all things French.  For a little French Chef nostalgia, enjoy the video of Julia Child's famous Boeuf Bourguignon…

Rethinking Assessment: Trusting Teachers to Evaluate Student Learning

Why schools aren’t businesses: The blueberry story

How many ‘nightmare’ teachers are really out there?