student achievement
Here’s How a Once-Bullied Kid Became a Fierce Advocate for Students and Education Freedom
As a kid, I was surrounded by people who were making awful choices—choices that led to many of my friends and family members being in prison or six feet under before I reached adulthood. And I was...
student support
Here's How Teachers Can Help All Students Thrive, Even After Trauma
Fall has always been my favorite season. Having the opportunity to join hundreds of educators at the recent LEAP InnovatED Summit, just days before most students return to school, reminded me of...
student achievement
My School's Dual Language Immersion Program Helps Immigrant Students Blossom Into Leaders
It’s the first week of the 2018-19 year in my second grade classroom at Munger Mountain Elementary School, and one girl sits apart from the rest of the class. For privacy, let’s call her Rosa (not...
Parents
The Three R’s of Parents Who Want to Raise Free Children
This week’s column has also been cross-posted over at our new sister blog, Project Forever Free. One of my favorite Gandhi quotes is, “There is no school equal to a decent home and no teacher equal...
School Discipline
Here's Why I Say No to Recess Detention, and You Should, Too
Recess Detention. The low-hanging fruit of punishments. The easiest thing to take away from a child because they owe us something. At best, it’s a punitive measure that denies young students the...
Standards
Want a Better Assessment? Start by Asking the Right Question.
In state after state, politicians, parents, advocacy groups and educators are re-evaluating the role that end-of-year tests should play in K-12 education. Given the high costs in taxpayer dollars and...