Search Results for: blog concerns of public education s student teacher ratio

The Benefits of Breaking Up

Next week, we find out the name of my daughter’s third grade teacher and get a sneak peek of who her classmates will be for the upcoming academic year. I’m dreading it like a bout of head lice. Truth be told, I’m not too worried about the teacher; rather, it’s the potential classmates that give me the hives. I really, really hope the school took my bullying concerns to heart and decided to separate my daughter from some of the children who spent the better part of last year tormenting her. For my part, I spent the better part of … Continue reading →

Blaming the Teacher

There is a disturbing trend that is growing. Perhaps it is the absence of proper formation in high schools. Perhaps it is the increased media saturation on television and mobile devices. Perhaps it is a byproduct of the soundbite culture and a loss of the ability to pay attention or pay respect. Any one of these things (and I suspect many others left unmentioned) could contribute to a disturbing trend among young people I’m tentatively calling “blame the teacher.” In many ways this is nothing new. Talk shows have long been riddled with children blaming their parents for their own … Continue reading →

A Furor Over Education

In Australia there’s a bit of a furor going on at present because of a new website the government has instituted. The website has teachers outraged, as it aims to give a picture of the school and a rating of its performance when compared with other schools. Parents on the other hand, have been logging on trying to find out how their child’s school rates. The problem that concerns some people, and I admit to having some feelings about this too, is that if the school is rated below average it tends to cast a blight on that school, the … Continue reading →

California School Finally Approves Controversial Musical Production

Yes, no, maybe so… It’s been a tumultuous couple of weeks for high school students in California, who planned to showcase their talents in the musical, “Rent: School Edition.” But, now, it appears that the show will go on. The drama started when Corona del Mar High School theater teacher Ron Martin chose “Rent: School Edition,” as the spring musical. The production is a slightly toned-down version of Jonathan Larson’s Tony Award-winning show, which appeared on Broadway for more than a decade. It won rave reviews around the world, but that meant nothing to Corona del Mar High School’s principal, … Continue reading →

Being a Teacher’s Child…

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Teachers are also people. Although the students usually do not believe it, teachers do have a life outside of school. And even though it sometimes feels like it, we do not live there. Teachers have outside interests, friends, and even children of their own. In many cases, the children of teachers will attend the same school that their parents teach at. While this can be an absolutely wonderful experience, it an also get somewhat complicated from time to time. When dealing with younger children it can be hard for them to understand the separation from you being a parent and … Continue reading →

Pros and Cons of Send Home Projects

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There are a few teachers that I know that enjoy having their students complete “send home” projects. These projects typically involve both the student and the parents completing some type of activity or craft. These “send home” projects can be lengthy. The teachers usually allow the students at least one weekend to get them completed. Some teachers assign the project a week or more before it is due. Some of the projects can be very time consuming for families. Some can even be costly. In some cases the parents end up doing much of the work and the child does … Continue reading →

Why Early Interventions?

Student performance, test scores, and overall academic success have been a focus and a concern for teachers and school administration for years. Groups of children, individuals, and teachers have been tracked for some time now. Also, for some time now students who are struggling have receive a type of intervention such as one on one help or tutoring. However, what is different in today’s schools is the level and age at which students are being targeted. Until recently, teachers and schools tended to focus mainly on the children who were taking the test (which usually begins at about third grade). … Continue reading →

My Two Favorite Instructional Resource Companies

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In addition to markers, papers, pencils, glues, and scissors, teachers also need decorative and instructional materials. I use many charts, posters, and signs in my classroom. Some of them are just for decoration and others serve a teaching purpose. In a previous article, I discussed two companies that offer office teaching supplies and art supplies. These two companies do not offer a variety when it comes to classroom decoration and teaching resources. Therefore, it is necessary to look to other companies. The two companies that I have had the most success with when it comes to instruction resources are Creative … Continue reading →

Presidential Candidates Speak to NEA

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It is that time again when political candidates begin to fight for the support of educators. Eight of the presidential candidates met with the National Education Association (NEA) in Philadelphia. As expected, the candidates said just what the teachers wanted to hear. Illinois Senator Barack Obama was a popular speaker. He carefully discussed merit pay (which teachers are usually not in favor of). He placed a softer edge on the issue by promising to give teacher input to the topic. His idea was to work with the teachers and ease into the process together. Republican Mike Huckabee also gained support … Continue reading →

Education Week in Review: May 26 – June 1

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Wow! It is so hard to believe that May is gone! Time seems to go by quicker and quicker each year. I have been the education blogger here at Families.com for almost five months now. I am very thankful for my viewers and appreciate all of your thoughts and comments. In case you missed a blog this week, check below for reviews. Saturday, May 26 Concerns of Public Education: Q = Questionable Conduct One of the hardest parts of your child growing up is having to leave him or her in the hands of others at school. It can be … Continue reading →