Governor Cuomo has released a report which concludes that many of New York State's public schools are failing. As I skimmed the lengthy document online, I noticed a consistency which, to me, was critical in understanding why these schools are struggling. With only two exceptions (Amsterdam and Buffalo's South Park), the schools which have been deemed failing are attempting … Continue reading Cuomo: failing to understand the problem
Tag: teaching
Censorship
It was bound to happen eventually, I suppose. The longer you live, the smaller the world becomes and the more likely it is that the individual spheres of one's personal world will begin to overlap. Last night I helped train our new server at the Wine Bar. She is a former student. Sigh. I obviously … Continue reading Censorship
My primary problem
I'm a teacher and a member of NYSUT. I'm not always a fan of my union or some of the marketing with which they provide me. Things like solicitations for rental car companies and insurance opportunities don't seem like benefits as much as they feel like invasions of my privacy and personal information. I don't … Continue reading My primary problem
Music lessons
During last night's run, a song I was unfamiliar with came on my Spotify playlist. The voice was familiar, but it took me a minute to bring the vocalist's name to my lips...Lana Del Ray. As I listened, a face popped into my mind and I smiled, thinking of the now-graduated student who had brought … Continue reading Music lessons
Impressions from a spring concert
Last night's concert at my son's middle school made an unexpected impact upon me emotionally. I'm not usually inclined to tears, but this gathering of kids, led by their obviously committed teachers, left me absolutely weepy. Here are the thoughts I had while sitting in that auditorium... ...there was a boy with a cast on … Continue reading Impressions from a spring concert
Testing – 1, 2, 3
No notice on this really - I'm sorry! It's my fault, not Pat's. From NYS Assemblymember Pat Fahy: Local Education Forum: School districts across the region are feeling the strain of limited federal and state funding, a convoluted funding formula, and increasing testing and other state and federal mandates. To give voice to these concerns, the … Continue reading Testing – 1, 2, 3
Destination lame
My middle son is wrapping up his middle school academic career in a couple of weeks. There are a few events to commemorate the occasion, including a day trip to NYC, later this month. When I was in 8th grade, we also went to the city. I remember it vividly because I saw my first … Continue reading Destination lame
DelSo 