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.

What happens to whistleblowing teachers?

I have just had an interesting offline discussion prompted by my reflections in "Failing up". The former teacher does not want to go public, but has said I can tell his story. Joe was a Head of Department in a large school, responsible for a department with eleven other teachers, and all Language Arts programs for almost 1000 students. He also had a Principal who had failed up.