A recent Chalkbeat Indiana article brought attention to Indiana lawmakers who are taking steps to get rid of the CASA exam. The exam is a basic reading, writing, and math exam that evaluates the skills of freshman and sophomore education students. Why would we lower the bar for teachers of color while raising the bar…
Author: David McGuire
5 Tips for Teachers to Save Money on Classroom Supplies
We all know that teachers often spend a lot of their money buying school supplies during the year. A lot of times teachers purchase supplies because they do not receive much support from their schools to purchase classroom supplies. The longer you teach, the more supply purchases add up over the years, and keeping up…
5 Tips on How to Create Student Leaders
I believe, as a school leader, my goal is to build leaders out of my students. Even at their young age, I think they’re leaders. I believe they are the leaders of our community and our city. One of the pillars of our school is “Leadership.” Our students are the next generation of leaders, and…
5 Tips for Parents to Help Their Children with Exams
In April, students across the state of Indiana will be preparing for the brand new ILEARN exam. Those familiar with the exam are expecting scores across the state to drop. This rigorous exam is said to be more difficult than the previous state exam, ISTEP. The mere thought of a state exam can give students…
Let’s Continue Nipsey Hussle’s Victory Lap
“Spoke some things into the universe and they appeared/I say it’s worth it, I won’t say it’s fair/Find your purpose or you wastin air.”– Nipsey Hussle, Victory Lap Those lyrics are from Nipsey Hussle’s breakthrough Grammy Nominated Album Victory. Nipsey Hussle was gunned down March 31 outside the store he opened in the neighborhood he…
Indiana Governor will Appoint Education Secretary in 2021 instead of 2025
On March 19, the Senate Education Committee passed House Bill 1005. House Bill 1005 gives the Governor control of the Indiana Department of Education in 2021 instead of the previously determined 2025. Instead of the Superintendent of Public Instruction being on the ballot for Hoosiers to elect, this position will be appointed by the Governor…
Someone Else’s Children
Before I begin, I must say this blog is not related to Lisa Delpit’s 1995 book Other People’s Children: Cultural Conflict in the Classroom. It is inspired by a speech during Leader’s Institute a few years back and confirmed by a recent event I experienced as a Principal at my school. This blog is merely…
Five Books Students Can Read During Spring Break
It’s Spring Break time, and the weather is getting warm. Most students have one-two weeks where they do not have to worry about school. While many students will be taking trips and getting more time outside to ride their bikes, this is also a good time for them to catch up on some reading. During…
7 Activities for Teachers to Do Over Spring Break
Gradebook, leave it at the school. Grading pen, put that cap on it. The papers that you did not get graded, do not worry about them; they will be there after the break. Spring is here, and Spring Break is here. Spring break means it is time to break the everyday school routine. Teachers, if…
5 Reasons Why Being a Teacher is Great
I know it is Spring Break and with Spring Break comes a much-needed break. Spring Break also means it is the final stretch of the school year. Typically, this is the most challenging stretch. Spring break gives you a sample of your summer, and you know the finish line is not far. Students are thinking…