Schools need a timeout……....

Feb 22, 2013 by

Schools need a timeout…….

I recently found this opinion article through the Race to Nowhere Facebook page.  “Schools need a timeout on standardized tests” This is an opinion piece by Joshua P. Starr, superintendent of Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland.  Sometimes others say the exact things you are thinking.  There are three sections in his article that really struck a cord with me. “Most U.S. public school systems are attempting to implement at least three things at once right now: revamped accountability measures, reforms as part of the federal Race to the Top program and the Common Core State Standards. This is simply too much at one time.”  I’ve worked in a few different school systems the past 7 or so years and all the changes are just too much at once.  When, not if (in my...

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Never miss an opportunity to learn from another professional...

Feb 3, 2013 by

Never miss an opportunity to learn from another professional

College can give you a good foundation but the real learning comes once you start working.  And if you’re smart you’ll learn from everyone you work with, colleagues and clients. When I started working in early intervention 20 some years ago, I knew little about child development, family issues or caseload management.  So I faked it for awhile until I was able to watch, listen and learn.  Luckily it was a job where we talked and consulted a lot.  We did arena assessments where one person facilitated and the rest of us observed.  I was able to watch, listen and read the final reports of all professionals involved.  Now that I look back I was lucky to find a first job where people really respected what you had to say and at least considered...

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