Supply hoarding becomes a metaphor for something else stashed in our classrooms.
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Language Ghettos
“Mr. Spencer, what is a common assessment?” a student asks. “It’s a test that every student on the grade level has to take,” I explain. The student furrows his eyebrows and continues, “So, why are we going to put our
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Audacity of Success
School improvement. School transformation. School reform. Call me old fashioned, but I believe in the antiquated notion that if you ground your teachers in a collaborative culture with leadership that is focused on the specific needs of a school- teaching
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The First Day
As a new principal, the night before the first day with kids was just like being a new teacher all over again. I tossed and turned all night. I rehearsed the day over and over in my mind. I was
Read MoreA Whole New Mind
I love the beginning of a new school year. Teachers are excited, kids are taller, and I get that feeling that this will be the year that I will finally figure out the secret to helping all kids meet their
Read MoreEnriched Kids
The statistics don’t lie: students who come from academically focused and highly educated households will often replicate such success. But why? Experiences? Lifestyle? Money? Parental education?
Read MoreWho are We Protecting?
I explore what happens to individual teachers and students when even the best policies are not given the resources they need to function as intended, using the example of mandatory reporting laws.
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