Sunday, November 1, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
Game Theorist: The class matching problem
Game Theorist: The class matching problem
http://www.slate.com/id/2227233/
Two different perspectives on requesting classes and how this affects the class receiving your child and the class losing your child.
I like the principal in Southern California that makes a parent spend a day observing a desired teacher prior to requesting him/her.
I also think there should be some factoring in of prior relationships between teacher and the family. Both when positive or negative because this is a collaborative effort between family, student and teacher.
I think schools in general should offer parents a way to make an informed request (i.e. the idea above) since this is your child that you are talking about. However these request need to come in prior to the classes being created because once they are created they are pretty much balanced with equal amounts of chemistry, learning levels and behavioral "challenges."
Of course, I say the above paragraph however students that move into the school's area over the summer just gets put into the class with the lowest amount of students or whoever is "next in line" to receive a student. This is often since it is challenging to do your due diligence when receiving a new student over the summer.
http://www.slate.com/id/2227233/
Two different perspectives on requesting classes and how this affects the class receiving your child and the class losing your child.
I like the principal in Southern California that makes a parent spend a day observing a desired teacher prior to requesting him/her.
I also think there should be some factoring in of prior relationships between teacher and the family. Both when positive or negative because this is a collaborative effort between family, student and teacher.
I think schools in general should offer parents a way to make an informed request (i.e. the idea above) since this is your child that you are talking about. However these request need to come in prior to the classes being created because once they are created they are pretty much balanced with equal amounts of chemistry, learning levels and behavioral "challenges."
Of course, I say the above paragraph however students that move into the school's area over the summer just gets put into the class with the lowest amount of students or whoever is "next in line" to receive a student. This is often since it is challenging to do your due diligence when receiving a new student over the summer.
Baby Einstein is Dead! Long Live Baby Einstein! - NurtureShock Blog - Newsweek.com
Baby Einstein is Dead! Long Live Baby Einstein! - NurtureShock Blog - Newsweek.com
An interesting read...basically they were able to discover that Baby Einstein has lessoned, greatly lessoned, their claims about the power of their music since originally rolling out their product.
I will do my best to withhold any commentary on the G.W. analysis.
An interesting read...basically they were able to discover that Baby Einstein has lessoned, greatly lessoned, their claims about the power of their music since originally rolling out their product.
I will do my best to withhold any commentary on the G.W. analysis.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
A good night’s sleep improves productivity
A good night’s sleep improves productivity: "
"
Failure to get a good night’s sleep can significantly alter your abilities to be productive, handle stress, and live an uncluttered life. I’m currently experiencing this phenomenon first hand since my son started teething. I have never in my life been this tired for such a continued amount of time, and I’m envious of parents whose children are seemingly unaffected by the teething process.
Actually, I’m envious of anyone who gets sleep, irrespective of if they have children. I may even be thinking mean thoughts about all of you and your well-rested state of being right now …
Where was I?
Oh yes, sleep deprivation.
We’ve talked in the past about how it is important to keep a sleep journal to determine the number of sleep hours you need to function at your best. Too little sleep and too much sleep can influence your behavior, so it’s best to know how much sleep you need. If you don’t know how to interpret the data you collect in your sleep journal, I recommend checking out the article “How Much Sleep Do We Really Need?” by the National Sleep Foundation.
Missing out on sleep affects motor skills, cognitive abilities, and other brain functions. Also, and this is the part that is most disturbing to me, being suddenly woken up (say, like by a crying baby) can have the same effects as sleep deprivation. A study by researchers at the University of Colorado at Boulder found that sleep inertia (being jarred awake) is the same as being deprived of sleep for 24 hours.
From an article about the study on Medical News Today:
The study showed test subjects had diminished short-term memory, counting skills and cognitive abilities during the groggy period upon awakening known as sleep inertia, said CU-Boulder Assistant Professor Kenneth Wright, lead study author. The new study has implications for medical, safety and transportation workers who are often called upon to perform critical tasks immediately after waking, since cognitive deficiencies following 24 hours of sleep deprivation have previously been shown to be comparable to the effects of alcohol intoxication, he said.
In addition to tracking your sleep patterns, you might also want to try different methods of waking up. A blaring alarm clock might not be the safest way to wake you up from your beautiful, relaxing, glorious night of sleep.
Friday, September 25, 2009
"
“Data-Driven” Versus “Data-Informed” | Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day...
“Data-Driven” Versus “Data-Informed” | Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day...
I love this part from the article:
If schools are data-driven, they might make decisions like keeping students who are “borderline” between algebra and a higher-level of math in algebra so that they do well in the algebra state test. Or, in English, teachers might focus a lot of energy on teaching a “strand” that is heavy on the tests — even though it might not help the student become a life-long reader. In other words, the school can tend to focus on its institutional self-interest instead of what’s best for the students.
I love this part from the article:
If schools are data-driven, they might make decisions like keeping students who are “borderline” between algebra and a higher-level of math in algebra so that they do well in the algebra state test. Or, in English, teachers might focus a lot of energy on teaching a “strand” that is heavy on the tests — even though it might not help the student become a life-long reader. In other words, the school can tend to focus on its institutional self-interest instead of what’s best for the students.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
"Our Parents Don't Like Us to Talk About Our Skin'' — Big Think
"Our Parents Don't Like Us to Talk About Our Skin'' — Big Think
More information related to the recent Newsweek article about talking and acknowledging our differences rather than pretending they don't exist is actually healthy for our children.
More information related to the recent Newsweek article about talking and acknowledging our differences rather than pretending they don't exist is actually healthy for our children.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
So much for my high fives..
Schools Ban Touching To Fight H1N1: "
"
What better way to greet all your friends after a long summer break than by awkwardly standing in front of them and saying 'hi.' The school thinks that after every high-five and handshake, students will immediately begin licking their fingers and spreading the swine flu. Correct me if I am wrong, but can't viruses spread airborne? Good luck trying to ban coughing and sneezing next!
"
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Seven of 10 parents: I'd like my child to become a teacher. - Yahoo! News
Seven of 10 parents: I'd like my child to become a teacher. - Yahoo! News
I like the idea that many people are becoming open to charter schools. I would assume that a school(s) would be a reflection of the best efforts and cultures of each community. So every school should teach the state standards but clearly be a reflection of that communities peoples and families. Rather than the push for every school to look like a cookie cutter Houghton Mifflin program.
I like the idea that many people are becoming open to charter schools. I would assume that a school(s) would be a reflection of the best efforts and cultures of each community. So every school should teach the state standards but clearly be a reflection of that communities peoples and families. Rather than the push for every school to look like a cookie cutter Houghton Mifflin program.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Social Media Is Important, The Video - John Battelle's Searchblog
Social Media Is Important, The Video - John Battelle's Searchblog
Who knows what things will be like for our 10/11 year olds when they graduate H.S. and move onto college in 7 years?
Who knows what things will be like for our 10/11 year olds when they graduate H.S. and move onto college in 7 years?
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Bullies can be stopped, but it takes a village. - By Alan E. Kazdin and Carlo Rotella - Slate Magazine
Bullies can be stopped, but it takes a village. - By Alan E. Kazdin and Carlo Rotella - Slate Magazine
As we return to school, we all unfortunetly must deal with students not committed to being great community members.
This article is interesting however it makes it seem like a parent needs to pull in our Secretary of State to make it work.
As we return to school, we all unfortunetly must deal with students not committed to being great community members.
This article is interesting however it makes it seem like a parent needs to pull in our Secretary of State to make it work.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Study Ball forces you to study » Coolest Gadgets
Study Ball forces you to study » Coolest Gadgets
http://www.coolest-gadgets.com/wp-content/uploads/study-ball.jpg
http://www.coolest-gadgets.com/wp-content/uploads/study-ball.jpg
Thursday, August 13, 2009
The Two Most Important Lists You'll Ever Keep | The View from Harvard Business | BNET
The Two Most Important Lists You'll Ever Keep | The View from Harvard Business | BNET
"It’s time to create two lists, arguably the only two you’ll need to keep focused at work.
- Things That Keep Me Up At Night.
- Reasons I Get Up In The Morning."
5 Personal Core Competencies for the 21st Century | The View from Harvard Business | BNET
5 Personal Core Competencies for the 21st Century | The View from Harvard Business | BNET
1. Ambiguity
2. Agency / Responsibility
3. Finding/Sustain Community
4. Managing Emotion
5. Managing Technological change
see the article for more details.....
1. Ambiguity
2. Agency / Responsibility
3. Finding/Sustain Community
4. Managing Emotion
5. Managing Technological change
see the article for more details.....
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
A Pretty Funny Back to School Letter....
This guy is a petty funny teacher....
Read all about Jack Woodson and his first year as a teacher in Learn Me Good, available at Amazon.com!
Here is a "funny" back to school letter:
Welcome to the new year:
Dear parents/guardians/cousin Larry,
Welcome to the beginning of another super fantastic year! We are very excited to have your son/daughter/spawn in our class this year! We are looking forward to a year full of learning, growth, and development -- and hopefully NOT full of termites like last year. Whoops!
As a third grader, your child will be taking the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) for the first time. Except for Pietro, who's an old hand at the state standardized test. Here's hoping the 10th time's a charm, Pietro! But for most of the rest of your kids, they will learn firsthand this year about subjective exams and arbitrary passing rates!
It's going to be a challenging year for all of us, so we appreciate all your help. Here are a few friendly reminders to help us all get through the year:
When you drop your kids off in the morning, be sure to actually stop the car before they get out.
Remember that school starts promptly at 8:00, and your child should be in his/her seat, ready to work when the bell rings. Please do NOT set your alarm clock for 7:55 and expect to get here in time for your child to have breakfast.
Students are to come to school every day with at least one sharpened pencil. If you can afford a PS3 and WWE Pay-Per-Views every other weekend, I'm sure you can afford a couple of lousy pencils.
Homework is to be done tonight it is assigned -- BY THE CHILDREN! We know that you mean well, but you're really not helping if you don't know your long division from your lines of symmetry. (You know who you are)
Let's agree that a 2-pound bag of Hot Cheetos and a liter of Dr Pepper does not constitute a healthy lunch.
Dog fighting, convenience store robbery, and 'making it rain' will not be tolerated. In other words, don't let your child emulate a professional football player.
Please make sure your son or daughter uses the restroom before they leave your home, and do not send them with a 2-gallon bottle of water. Once they are in the classroom, to paraphrase the current California Governator in Kindergarten Cop -- THERE IS NO BATHROOM!!
Let's make this a great year! Only you can prevent forest fires! They'll never take our freedom! Remember the Alamo! (Insert your own encouraging catchphrase here)!!
See you on Monday!
Sincerely,
Mister Teacher
"
Read all about Jack Woodson and his first year as a teacher in Learn Me Good, available at Amazon.com!
Here is a "funny" back to school letter:
Welcome to the new year:
Dear parents/guardians/cousin Larry,
Welcome to the beginning of another super fantastic year! We are very excited to have your son/daughter/spawn in our class this year! We are looking forward to a year full of learning, growth, and development -- and hopefully NOT full of termites like last year. Whoops!
As a third grader, your child will be taking the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) for the first time. Except for Pietro, who's an old hand at the state standardized test. Here's hoping the 10th time's a charm, Pietro! But for most of the rest of your kids, they will learn firsthand this year about subjective exams and arbitrary passing rates!
It's going to be a challenging year for all of us, so we appreciate all your help. Here are a few friendly reminders to help us all get through the year:
When you drop your kids off in the morning, be sure to actually stop the car before they get out.
Remember that school starts promptly at 8:00, and your child should be in his/her seat, ready to work when the bell rings. Please do NOT set your alarm clock for 7:55 and expect to get here in time for your child to have breakfast.
Students are to come to school every day with at least one sharpened pencil. If you can afford a PS3 and WWE Pay-Per-Views every other weekend, I'm sure you can afford a couple of lousy pencils.
Homework is to be done tonight it is assigned -- BY THE CHILDREN! We know that you mean well, but you're really not helping if you don't know your long division from your lines of symmetry. (You know who you are)
Let's agree that a 2-pound bag of Hot Cheetos and a liter of Dr Pepper does not constitute a healthy lunch.
Dog fighting, convenience store robbery, and 'making it rain' will not be tolerated. In other words, don't let your child emulate a professional football player.
Please make sure your son or daughter uses the restroom before they leave your home, and do not send them with a 2-gallon bottle of water. Once they are in the classroom, to paraphrase the current California Governator in Kindergarten Cop -- THERE IS NO BATHROOM!!
Let's make this a great year! Only you can prevent forest fires! They'll never take our freedom! Remember the Alamo! (Insert your own encouraging catchphrase here)!!
See you on Monday!
Sincerely,
Mister Teacher
Negative Effect of Forward Questioning
Interesting video-- something to think about when teaching math. Especially the students that don't pick things up easily.
Quite cool. This shows the effect of forward questioning: when you ask kids questions based on material you have not yet taught. How many times would it take feeling helpless before you bought out.
YouTube – Learned Helplessness
"
Quotes Uncovered: From Soldiers to Farmers to Poets - Freakonomics Blog - NYTimes.com
Quotes Uncovered: From Soldiers to Farmers to Poets - Freakonomics Blog - NYTimes.com: "“I must study Politicks and War that my sons may have liberty to study Mathematicks and Philosophy. My sons ought to study mathematicks and philosophy, geography, natural history, naval architecture, navigation, commerce, and agriculture, in order to give their children a right to study painting, poetry, musick, architecture, statuary, tapestry, and porcelaine.” John Adams, Letter to Abigail Adams, May 12, 1780."
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