The coronavirus has thrown our entire society in disarray, and no less poignant an example exists than our K-12 public schools. The closure of schools across the country has stopped the normal learning process dead in its tracks. In a valiant attempt to continue, many districts have sought to leverage long distance learning. Unfortunately, weaknesses in the law, technological infrastructure, and teacher preparation, as well as inequities among students, are barriers to success. For example, the … [Read more...]
Op-Ed: Judge Warren Calls for Fundamental School Reform in Light of Coronavirus
How the Coronavirus has Exposed the Need to Embrace the Information Age in K-12 Education
With the coronavirus, schools across America are scrambling to put together a hodgepodge of solutions to continue teaching for learning while their buildings are closed. Many are valiantly attempting to leverage technology to create on-line and virtual learning opportunities. Unfortunately, weaknesses in technological infrastructure, teacher preparation shortfalls, inequities among students, and ill-equipped students and parents are barriers to success. The information highway has more than one … [Read more...]
Whiston’s Letter Grade System Already been Debated and Rejected
By Tom McMillin, Former Michigan State Representative Calls on State Board of Education to Demand the Scheme be Rejected Former State Representative and candidate for Michigan’s State Board of Education Tom McMillin criticized today's announcement by State Superintendent Brian Whiston that the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) plans to go above and beyond any state or federal requirements, and start assigning letter grades to Michigan K-12 public schools. McMillin said, “The … [Read more...]
Time to Celebrate George Washington
By Michael Warren If images of wooden teeth, cherry trees, dollar bills, and carpet sales popped into your mind, I suspect you would be in very large company. Do these images accurately reflect his importance to America? Not so much. His contributions to the American experiment in self-government are unparalleled: Virginian legislator and revolutionary; Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army; President of the Constitutional Convention; and first President of the United States of … [Read more...]