Monthly Archives: October 2013

The (Newly Rediscovered) Importance of Work Habits: Perseverance, Responsibility, Collaboration

Evaluation of students at the elementary and middle school levels has changed in the past decade. My school evaluates students based on content mastered, but in addition – the norm these days – we place a heavy emphasis on the importance of work habits and we report on mastery of these habits alongside mastery of […]

Imagination in the Curriculum: the Arts, History, Languages

“In Singapore and South Korea, teachers are thought of as nation-builders.” Secretary Duncan made this comment in May, 2011 at the National Center on Education and the Economy National Symposium. As a teacher in the United States am I seen as a nation-builder? To be honest, I more often feel I am seen as a second-rate […]

Ipads and Headphones and Schools, Oh My!

Let’s say it again: America’s schools have some serious problems. Pundits and policy makers tackle these problems from the top down. They  assume change will eventually trickle its way into the classrooms of actual children and improve the education they get. I think change need not wait for the trickle-down improvements to finally take hold. […]