“Should we teach about the Civil War anymore?” This was a question I was asked from a concerned teacher who feared potential pushback from parents. Teachers should not have to live in fear of being attacked by parents or community members about what is going on in their classrooms, but it is wise for teachers…
This CDC recently released updated guidance for the K-12 school setting to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The CDC recommends staff, students, and visitors wear masks regardless of vaccination status. For some Indianapolis school districts, the 2021-2022 school year has already begun or is about to begin soon. Therefore, school districts had already shared guidance…
“There has been a concern raised.” This statement sent me into a panic. The 2021-2022 school year will be my 16th year as an educator, and I shifted big time. I left my administrator role as an academic dean to start my own education consulting company. It has been one of the best decisions I…
Two years ago, I wrote the article, “Parents, Stop Complaining about Community Classroom Supplies.” In this article, I explained the strain on teachers to ensure all students are prepared for instruction without teachers spending their own money to support students who come without supplies. I still believe as a community member that I should help…
As the new school year looms closer, school districts have released guidance to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Currently, children under 12 cannot be vaccinated since there is not a vaccine that is ready for public use for this age range. Although the death rate for children is low compared to adults, school leaders want…
It is no surprise to anyone that ILEARN scores dropped. Prior to 2021, the last time ILEARN was given was in 2019. The standardized test was canceled in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Only 37.1% of Indiana students passed both the English and math portions of the assessment in 2019, and 47.9% passed English…
On April 4, 1968, Robert F. Kennedy was in Indianapolis. He was campaigning for president. Instead of giving a campaign speech, he gave a powerful impromptu speech informing the crowd that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had been assassinated. Present during this speech was John Lewis who was Kennedy’s campaign aide. Later that year Robert…
The Indiana Commission for Higher Education has released its 4th annual Indiana College Equity Report. Unfortunately, the data was not promising for Black students. According to the report, one in four Black students graduated from high school due to a waiver. This is in comparison to only one in eight students graduating with a waiver…
Janet Jackson once sang, “What have you done for me lately?” I assert that many allies cannot answer this question in a meaningful way that counts. It is great if allies believe the words written in the Declaration of Independence where it states, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created…
July 1 brings us to the middle of the year and is also when new laws go into effect. Although Indiana citizens should be aware of all laws, educators should pay close attention to laws that impact education or children. Teacher Union Dues (Senate Enrolled Act 251) – This law will not go into effect…