I believe in negotiating curriculum, instruction, and assessment with students. I believe in inquiry and erring on the side of students’ pursuits over that of the state. I believe in asking students what they want to do and asking myself how I can help them accomplish their goals. I don’t think we need – or [...]
[Cross-posted from Virginia Education Report.]
This week Governor Bob McDonnell unveils his plans for public education in Virginia’s next two-year budget. In anticipation of Wednesday night’s State of the Commonwealth address, I’ve been re-reading the education blueprint McDonnell put forth during his candidacy.
It’s typical education budget double-speak. For example:
McDonnell’s blueprint promises “a bold education proposal that [...]
In 2012 Virginia will have both a Republican governor and a Republican-controlled legislature – and 4 charter schools. Given the strictures of current charter school law in Virginia – and given the defeat of Virginia’s last major charter school bill (HB2314) – it’s likely that Virginia will see new charter school legislation passed before McDonnell [...]
This week our school hosted its first Expo Night of the year. Last year we ran a single Expo Night, but this year we’ve planned two. I’m completely thrilled that we’re having more of these events this year – Expo Nights are my favorite nights of the school year. Our kids stay after school and [...]
I offer this post as an absurdist paean to merit pay. I’m not entirely sure how I feel about what I propose. I would, however, love to hear from all of you who are still bearing with the blog.
Let’s call this proposal “Operation: Negative Zebra.”
Operation: Negative Zebra
Phase 1 – Merit pay by commission
In this [...]
Thursday, December 8th, 2011
Dear Albemarle County School Board Members,
I understand that we as a community we face lean times. Given our on-going economic downturn, it’s judicious to look for creative solutions to our school division’s funding challenges. Moreover, as I’m sure you know, throughout the division we frequently face difficult decisions between expedient budgetary solutions [...]
On an unusually sunny and warm day this November, I joined my colleagues from school at Feather Ridge Farm for an introduction to mindfulness, graciously, gracefully, and generously hosted by Tussi Kluge. I left with a kind of serene delight – with a sense of simple pleasure from trusting that following the moment of learning [...]
It’s been ages since I posted on Classroots.org and I continue to try and re-imagine the site as something other or more than a personal blog. While that processing goes on (and on and on, seemingly), I wanted to sketch out a few ideas about schooling and accountability that I’ve haven’t had the time or [...]
I love writing. For me, it is the place where I sound like myself to me.
I wish I knew how to help students feel like I do about writing; I wish we wrote more; I wish I could make it clearer to the kids I work with how much I value their voices in class, [...]
ESEA flexibility isn’t something that can be given; ultimately we have to decide for ourselves that as teachers we will not support the status quo – we will not bully students with our authority; we will not punish, sort, or otherwise coerce them with grades and all the other scheduling mechanisms we’ve tweaked to isolate [...]
Chad teaches humanities at a charter school and blogs on reforming classroom practice and democratic education.
