Can you answer, “What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy?” How about, “What stops one branch of government from becoming too powerful?” These are two questions from the 2008 version of the citizenship test. Social media and media interviews have shown that some adults lack a basic understanding of civics knowledge….
Parents carefully and quickly light the candles on the birthday cake. Family and friends squeeze in close and sing “Happy Birthday to You.” Then the birthday person is told, “Close your eyes. Make a wish and blow out the candles.” This tradition has been around for decades. I don’t know how many of those wishes…
Mask mandates have become a source of tension. The governors of Texas, Florida, and Arizona have issued mandates banning masks from being mandated which have put school districts in those states in a challenging position. Arizona Governor Doug Ducey also recently announced that he would withhold funds from schools who implement a mask mandate. Educators…
Principals have many roles and responsibilities in their schools. One of those roles must be academic instruction. School leadership is not for everyone. Teachers who desire to climb the ladder to become a school leader to escape teaching and learning should not be administrators. Strong administrators need to have a solid understanding of instruction and…
A battle is brewing in schools across the country. The battle is over the truth being taught. As my colleague Andrew Pillow recently emphasized, there is too much misinformation about COVID-19 spreading. Pillow suggested that we have to take a look at the education system and acknowledge the role it has in misinformation being spread….
Less than two weeks into the school year, my boys were back to remote learning. My twin sons had been 100% remote last year during all of fourth grade, and they were super excited about returning to school in person. Last Monday, my son came home with a fever and looked horrible. I inquired about…
In a letter to parents, Dr. Virginia Caine said, “We are tired of the virus, but it’s not tired of us.” The letter included updates and information to encourage parents and caregivers to stay vigilant to prevent the spread of the virus. Initial CDC guidance, before the school year began, stated vaccinated people no longer…
Students connecting with teachers is a crucial aspect of them being willing to take in content from a teacher. One of the first tasks teachers have is learning their students’ names. Unfortunately, this is where some teachers mess up and damage their relationship with students even before it begins. I can relate to students who…
Washington Township is following in the footsteps of fellow Indianapolis district, IPS. Beginning Monday, August 16, all staff and students, regardless of vaccination status, will be required to wear masks. The school board voted in favor of the change during the August 11 school board meeting. Although Marion County is not requiring masks in schools…
Teachers are walking away from education, but the pandemic has accelerated the exit of some educators. I have spoken to several principals who have not filled all vacancies for the 2021-2022 school year. Some keep filling vacancies and become fully staffed only for another educator to resign, putting the administrator back on another search in…