Standardized testing has a long history, a very long history. China has the world’s oldest and most influential history of standardized testing, originating with the ancient imperial civil service examinations (keju) over 2,000 years ago. This merit-based tradition evolved into the modern Gaokao (National College Entrance Examination), shaping global concepts of educational testing and socialContinue reading “Why did the NYC Standardized Test Scores Dive?”
Tag Archives: learning
Ownership of Practice: Can Teachers, School Leaders and Parents “Seize the Reins” and Create Collaborative School Cultures
It’s August, for teachers a few more weeks of leisure or a summer job, or creeping anxiety, For the chancellor and his team planning for his first school opening in an environment where education is way down the mayor’s list. Running for office is exciting, cheering crowds of supporters, endless “high five-ing,” and the exaltationContinue reading “Ownership of Practice: Can Teachers, School Leaders and Parents “Seize the Reins” and Create Collaborative School Cultures”
Will the Changes in NYS Graduation Requirements Better Prepare Students for the Post High School World? Part 2
The NYS Board of Regents has made sweeping changes to high school graduation requirements, with the implementation details “to be decided.” Will these changes improve outcomes for students? The major changes are confusing, *A range of options will be offered in addition to the regents exam to meet graduation requirements. New York State is shifting toContinue reading “Will the Changes in NYS Graduation Requirements Better Prepare Students for the Post High School World? Part 2”
Will the Changes to NYS Graduation Requirements Better Prepare Students for the Post High School World? Part 1
It was the fall of 2019 and the NYS Education Department was holding regional meetings across the state to discuss “Graduation Measures,” I defined as “the beginning of the end of Regents Examinations.” The Brooklyn meeting was held at Fort Hamilton High School, overlooking the harbor near the Verrazano Bridge, a lovely setting. We were assignedContinue reading “Will the Changes to NYS Graduation Requirements Better Prepare Students for the Post High School World? Part 1”
Does the Race of a Teacher Impact Student Outcomes? Is Supporting Black Teaching Candidates Discriminatory?
The NY Daily News reports, The Trump administration is investigating the City University of New York over allegations of racial discrimination, the U.S. Justice Department announced Tuesday. The agency’s civil rights arm said it received reports alleging CUNY’s Black Male Initiative gives preference to some students over others on the basis of race. “Race can neverContinue reading “Does the Race of a Teacher Impact Student Outcomes? Is Supporting Black Teaching Candidates Discriminatory?”
Mayor Mamdani: Time to Begin the Proces of Rebuilding the NYC School System
Over the years I’ve probably been in countless schools, sort of a participant observer, and have been appalled by the lack of leadership. Too many school leaders spend most of their time in their office, never teaching a class, chancellors, we’ve had six in the twelve years, more interested in spinning dud magic bullets. TooContinue reading “Mayor Mamdani: Time to Begin the Proces of Rebuilding the NYC School System”
Why is Education So Damned Fad Prone?
I’m imagining a get together, Elle Bisgaard-Church, Z’s Chief of Staff, the same position she held in Albany, a close friend, a confidant, a keeper of the SDP Torch, meeting with the inner circle in the backroom of a bar in the Commie Corridor. “We can’t let the Z v Tisch tension derail us, howContinue reading “Why is Education So Damned Fad Prone?”
Do You Want the Recipe for the Secret Sauce?
Why was Socrates sentenced to death by the rulers of Athens? Socrates was viewed as a threat to Athenian society because his relentless questioning challenged traditional religious beliefs, political structures, and democratic authority. By making influential figures appear foolish and encouraging young people to think critically, he was accused of impiety and corrupting the youth,Continue reading “Do You Want the Recipe for the Secret Sauce?”
The Failure of Leadership: Ineffective School, School District and School System Leadership is a Pandemic
For me the key to effective classrooms, schools and school districts is leadership. As SCOTUS Judge Potter Stewart said in a decision, “It’s hard to define but I know it when I see it, (he was referring to pornography) can also be used to define leadership. From sports coaches at the highest levels to restaurantContinue reading “The Failure of Leadership: Ineffective School, School District and School System Leadership is a Pandemic”
The Key to Impactful Instruction: “Ownership of Practice”
From the mayor: I changed my mind, I no longer oppose mayoral control and an appointment, a new chancellor, a long time superintendent. Over his first few weeks the mayor’s team has skillfully rolled out his public relations machine The “machine” placed “puff pieces” in NY Times and Chalkbeat, snippets of the new chancellor’s accomplishmentsContinue reading “The Key to Impactful Instruction: “Ownership of Practice””
Ed in the Apple: Blogging on the Intersection of Education and Politics Title 