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: writing
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”
Navigating the Shadowy Hallways of City Hall: How Will the Mayor Respond to the Para Pay Bump?
Zohran, Elle and his inner circle. in the back room of a bar in Astoria, are probably debating the conundrum: how to respond to the para pay bump bill …. On Thursday, July 16th the City Council approved, by a 49-0 vote the paraprofessional pay boost, council member after member praised the bill. praised the work ofContinue reading “Navigating the Shadowy Hallways of City Hall: How Will the Mayor Respond to the Para Pay Bump?”
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”
How Would You Rate the Chancellor?
At the end of a school year the pedagogical staff is assessed, for teachers the Matrix, for supervisors the Principal Performance Review and for the Chancellor, well ChatCPT says the mayor with input from the Panel for Educational Priorities, a majority of whom are appointed by the mayor. In elementary, 6-8, 6-12 and 9–12 schools parents, teachers andContinue reading “How Would You Rate the Chancellor?”
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”
The Race to a NYS Budget (with sharp elbows!)
The 26-27 State Budget is due today, the legislatures passed “continuing resolutions” to keep the state afloat and the members left for the Easter/Passover break, leaving a number of contentious issues unresolved. The governor continues to push for the authority to override local zoning regulations to build more “affordable” housing, suburban legislators pushing back. TheContinue reading “The Race to a NYS Budget (with sharp elbows!)”
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?”
Vote for Tom Brown for Trustee of the Teachers Retirement System
I first met Tom when I was the UFT District Rep and Tom was a JHS Chapter Leader, he’d pull me into his classroom, he was a master teacher and his room looked like a travel advertisement for Spain! Tom invited me to attend a School Leadership Team meeting, the Home Ec teacher baked chocolate chip cookies,Continue reading “Vote for Tom Brown for Trustee of the Teachers Retirement System”
Ed in the Apple: Blogging on the Intersection of Education and Politics Title 