Tag Archives: education

Regents Exams Will Be Gone! Replaced by a Book Report or an Internship

“The educational foundations of our society are presently being eroded by a rising tide of mediocrity that threatens our very future as a Nation and a people. . . . We have, in effect, been committing an act of unthinking, unilateral educational disarmament,” (A Nation at Risk, 1983) Five years ago I attended the firstContinue reading “Regents Exams Will Be Gone! Replaced by a Book Report or an Internship”

Gates and the Department of Education’s Quest for the Mythical Magic Bullet: Next Quest: Algebra 1

Soon to be former Chancellor David Banks mandated a new Algebra 1 curriculum without prior consultation with teachers, who have been sharply critical of the new curriculum, Michael Mulgrew, the UFT President, “We have a mess on our hands,” the appalling 2023 59% Algebra 1 passing rate dropped to 45% in 2024. A Department leaderContinue reading “Gates and the Department of Education’s Quest for the Mythical Magic Bullet: Next Quest: Algebra 1”

Mulgrew v Trump(ism): The Upcoming UFT Leadership Election

I taught high school Social Studies and like to think of myself as an historian, I completed all my  PhD coursework and began my dissertation, “life” intervened. I read as much as I can; enjoyment and expanding knowledge. I keep promising myself I’ll finish that dissertation, maybe. I’ve been writing my blog (Ed in theContinue reading “Mulgrew v Trump(ism): The Upcoming UFT Leadership Election”

Teaching is Not a Science

New York State has always left curriculum to the school district, the State develops standards and high school graduation requirements. For example districts choose reading programs and/or write their own. The choice of curriculum has become a controversial topic across the nation. David Steiner, at John Hopkins School of Education and the former NYS CommissionerContinue reading “Teaching is Not a Science”

Should Governor Hochul Tell You How to Teach Reading?

In August, 2021 Kathy Hochul, the unknown lieutenant-governor of New York State replaced Andrew Cuomo, who resigned facing impeachment. Cuomo moved from “the nation’s governor,” saving New Yorkers from the COVID plague to another abuser. Entering her third budget cycle Hochul has been stumbling, bickering with the legislature as well as other stakeholders across theContinue reading “Should Governor Hochul Tell You How to Teach Reading?”