California
Take It From a White Suburban Mom, Grade Inflation Is Real and We Can’t Deny It Anymore
Arne Duncan found himself in hot water a few years ago when, in reference to the higher standards of the Common Core, he said, “It’s fascinating to me that some of the pushback is coming from…White...
Diversity
Before I Come to Your Classroom, Let Me Show You Mine
Hi. I’m going to spend the rest of the year traveling to classrooms all over the country and talking about the things we are doing super well, and some of the things we could be doing a whole lot...
Poverty
Here's How Teachers Can Help Students Overcome Stereotype Threat
Stereotype threat describes the concept that people are at a higher risk of conforming to negative stereotypes about their social group in situations where they are judged compared to others, rather...
Parents
I Can’t Spare My Son His Struggles, But I Can Be There When He Triumphs
The other day, I had to drag my son kicking and screaming into kindergarten. His anxiety had taken over, his mind spinning in perseveration. Kindergarten was too fast. Recess was too short. The...
Achievement Gap
Eighth-Graders Are Doing Fifth-Grade Work. No Wonder Our Kids Aren't Ready for College.
I just read a report that, as a father, makes me question my own kid's school. I mean, if these problems are happening in so many classrooms, what are the chances they’re happening in my son’s...
Parents
If You Want to Keep Kids in Your School, Parents Need to Buy What You're Selling
No matter the school, the goal is to ensure students know and feel that they are welcomed, valued and that the staff appreciates students attending every day. It is important that this feeling...
