GRADING THE DIGITAL SCHOOL In Classroom of Future, Stagnant Scores

NYT by MATT RICHTEL
Published: September 3, 2011
Being a technology advocate, I always bristle at articles like this that question whether technology is helping to improve education. In the face of the argument that it has not helped to improve test scores, I would counter that there are many other positives that technology brings [although I like to think that it should also help to increase scores]. On the other hand, I do believe a balance is needed - that is, there's a time for technology and a time for other things like pencil and paper or just plain rich f2f interaction. I also strongly believe that pedagogy must come first - i.e. inform the use of technology - that technology is not a panacea and that educators need to know learn how to effectively use it.  This article provides an interesting overview of technology in America's schools.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/04/technology/technology-in-schools-faces-questions-on-value.html?pagewanted=1&emc=eta1

A Balanced Take on the Atlanta Test Cheating Scandal

All,

I hope you are having a great summer and have been able to unwind a little bit.  For me the cooler weather has helped, but I know it is not for everybody!  :)

Anyway, here is a brief column from the Washington Post regarding testing vs. non-testing.  I appreciated the balanced approach so I thought I would share with you.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/a-teachable-moment-from-atlantas-school-cheating-scandal/2011/08/04/gIQAMcuE1I_story.html?hpid=z3

Hope all is well!

Paul

読んだらどう~?

http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/charting_my_own_course/2011/08/haunting_words_to_inspire_every_teacher.html?cmp=ENL-TU-NEWS1

So Being a Teacher in Alabama Means Enforcing Immigration Laws?

I do not like this law at all due to what it requires teachers to do regarding children of illegal immigrants and to the parents as well.  Personally if I were asked to do this, I would not agree to do so.  Thoughts?

http://www.tolerance.org/blog/alabama-s-immigration-law-new-jim-crow?newsletter=TT062111

Cool Tools for Schools

Here's a wiki that Sean found with a wealth of sources for tech tools
http://cooltoolsforschools.wikispaces.com/Resources+for+Teachers

What I wasn't taught in school about the Pilgrims

Until I read this blog article which includes exerpts right out of William Bradford's journal, I had no idea the Pilgrims plight depended more on their system of organization than anything else. It's a short article and I am interested to hear what everyone has to say about it.

It really is amazing what is left out of our history, social studies and economics studies based on the political leanings of the teachers that taught me.

I thought Jeff might find this article fascinating especially. Enjoy!

LA Times: Dual-Language Classrooms Flourishing

http://articles.latimes.com/2011/may/08/local/la-me-bilingual-20110508

Teresa Watanabe

5/8/2011 (accessed 6/1/2011)

This is a solid article on dual language classrooms in Los Angeles. It addresses, briefly, the history of concern with these unique classrooms, the scientific research that counters the opposition, and the (sometimes surprising!) support from affluent families that is helping many of these programs to stay afloat and in fact grow despite budget crunches.

I don't know if anyone is reading this blog anymore, but hey Tristin, this is a good article to refer to if you ever need any literature!