The establishment clause

I just had coffee with a former colleague who had read my comments on First Amendment rights and she brought up the establishment clause. This is of course the language which reads that the US government cannot create and enforce a national religion. Her observation was that this is often re-phrased as "freedom of religion" which is only half the story.

The problem with (and for) first amendmenters

We keep hearing claims that the First Amendment allows x or the prevention of y is a violation of someone's First Amendment rights.Yet again and again, whatever happened was not and this prompts the twin questions of does the claimant not know or does s/he know and is consciously misrepresenting those rights. Both have educational implications.

Redlining and Heat Islands

I read something last night as I surfed the web that historical redlining caused and/or contributes to the heat island effect. I find this assertion curious. Let me explain, but first I must define the terms.

What happened to the Florida condo can happen to you

Something in the news about the horrific condo collapse in Florida reminded me of a similar experience. I too own a condo.

Criticism or attempt at destruction?

Several people have sent me reports and commentaries on a clash between parents and an Ohio non-public school. Given the nature of the reporting (and the commentaries), it is clear that this is being seen as a political issue rather than in terms of the underlying issues which are much more important.

Judging children by their date of birth

I have written before, or if I haven't I should have, about the craziness of placing children in classes according to their birthdates. I have been known to call this practice "birthday-based apartheid". It is ludicrous. anti-educational and anti-child. 

Has the US effectively (and unknowingly) re-created its school system?

I've been thinking about this for a while, and I think the answer is "yes". School in the US today is not what is was.

Truth or dare (to tell a lie)

Reading and listening to this morning's news reminded me of a discussion in which I have participated several times. What is a "lie" and how should schools approach this definition? 

Cameras are not the holy grail

The current debate over police bodycams reminds me of a time when a prospective parent demanded we place cameras in preschool spaces so that she could check in on her child at any time. I said no.

So much Published Educational "Research" is just not good

There. I've said it. It's true and it's concerning. Let me explain.