Wednesdays at my school, like several others are early release days. Typically in the front office, Wednesdays are more hectic than other days with parents picking up their child early or increased discipline referrals because students are out of their normal
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I Can See Clearly Now
As Arizona transitions to a new high-stakes test, the AzMERIT, a few of us are hopeful. Will this test be better than AIMS? Will it test what we really want kids to know and be able to do? The jury will
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Gone in 60 Seconds!
“We need all third grade teachers to report to the playground!” That’s the message I heard over the PA system last week. It came on at 12:45. My lunch is over at 12:45. It starts at 12:15. I’m expected to
Read MoreActually, It Is the Money
I’m in a higher paying district in Phoenix. I know of teachers who are making $4,000 less a year than me. Unlike my own children’s school district, my district is not considering a four day work week. I realize that, to
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Fitting In
I teach preschool students with autism and severe communication delays. It’s likely that my students will face some challenges fitting in during their life. As their teacher and advocate, it can be hard for me to fit in, too. The
Read MoreInjustice Isn’t a Game
At first, I thought it was a joke. I thought it was something The Onion had put together showing how ridiculous the “they can learn it through a simulation” mindset had become. It was an article about a slavery simulation
Read MoreMind Like a Civ(ics Test)?
Should Arizona high school graduates understand civics? Heck, yes. What? I agree with our Republican-dominated legislative and executive branch on an issue? As in many other states, our state legislature and national representatives are elected disproportianately by older, wealthy white
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Lacking Vision? There’s a Window Nearby
My colleague Kate and I are always on the same wavelength. Our PLC is focused like a laser on assessment data. My school’s administration in transparent; my district’s sometimes opaque. The lens through which we view an issue determines what we see. Have you noticed recently how
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Dear A+ Student
The following is based on an actual letter I gave to a student. I’ve changed the names and particulars to protect identities. Dear Estrella, I’m writing because frankly I think that if we had this conversation in person you would
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