Can we (or should we) trust EVAAS?

Check out this excellent blog about the dangers of VAMs.  Click here.

Questioning EVAAS

This study questions the efficacy and reliability of using performance data to measure teacher effectiveness.  Interesting read... chick here for the Washington Post report.

The Harmful Role of Helicopter Parents

Julie Lythcott-Haims noticed a disturbing trend during her decade as a dean of freshmen at Stanford University.  Most, if not all, K-12 educators have observed the same phenomenon.  She recently published a book on the subject.  Click here to watch her video and/or read the Washington Post article that includes her suggestions for parents.

Current Testing Cash Cow

I don't mind sharing that I am in opposition to the current testing regime.  This very special report talks about a teacher who choses to speak truth to power.  Click here to see/hear/read the report.

Suspending Young Students

This recent piece on The News Hour raises numerous questions.  It touches on suspension efficacy of K-2 students, charter school regulations, and the reliability of educational data.  Click here to read or watch this report.

A High School Where College Is Not the Goal

At Randolph Technical High School in Philadelphia, students are learning about carpentry, culinary arts, and auto repair. Has the system given up on them, or has it saved them?

Read this excellent article about rethinking what our students really need.  Click here to go to this thought-provoking article in The Atlantic.

Only the Strong Survive

"According to a 2014 study by the Alliance for Excellent Education, every year roughly half a million teachers in the U.S. either move to a different, often more affluent school, or they leave education altogether."  Obviously - this trend will impact schools, and especially administrators, greatly if the trend continues.  Listen to this interesting piece by clicking here.

Classroom Management

This terrific article is a great starter for newbie teachers, and a fantastic reminder to veterans as well.  And, while it was written for middle school teachers, it is certainly fitting for all levels (even for teaching adults).  Click here to read this list.

High-achieving teacher sues state over evaluation labeling her ‘ineffective’

It will be interesting to see how this case progresses.  Could it be a canary in the mine for other administrators in other states?  Click here to read about this teacher's battle over her evaluation.

Washington Post reporter -Valerie Strauss

Putting the Fire Out During Teacher Burnout

The key for teachers is not commitment, but recommitment... not dedication, but renewal. This is an excellent article - for every student deserves an energized teacher, and every teacher deserves the joy of welcoming his/her students each morning.  As school leaders - I feel one of our most important tasks is to remind teachers why they chose to teach.

Read this well-done Washington Post article by Brigid Schulte by clicking here.

Lead Fearlessly, Love Hard

Terrific, must see, TED Talk.  It's great to see principals courageous to lead.

The Role of Testing In Teacher Evaluation

Check this new development out by clicking here.

Leadership

It is my continued experience that school faculties and staffs want to be led.  

But all too often this is confused with being the "boss".

The Number One Best Job (and I agree wholeheartedly)

Whatever you do... be sure to read this by clicking here.

When enough data is too much data...

All teachers, administrators, instructional leaders, Board of Education members, superintendents, parents, and students should be aware of the points raised during this very cogent conversation regarding the current testing regiment taking place in our schools.  Read and/or listen this session of the Diane Rehm Show by clicking here.

Changing Student Behavior By Changing Teacher Behavior

I find that good teachers are reflective practitioners - who are constantly asking themselves how they could make changes to enable their students to achieve.  Those teachers will read this article and ask themselves some tough questions... while others will continue doing what does not work, but expect different results anyway.  You can read the Slate article by clicking here.

Invisible Testing

Accountability is one thing... but the current test-crazy mindset is overboard to many.  NPR had a great segment this morning on the present testing regime, and possible alternatives.  Learn more by clicking  here to read and/or listen to the report.

What if.... ?

Interesting - be sure to follow the Twitter thread to read all the comments.  Click here.