The Indianapolis Public Schools rebuilding stronger plan is really something. Whether that something is really good or really bad remains to be seen. However, there is no shortage of people willing to stake their flag at either end of the spectrum. The Mind Trust doesn’t support the plan. However, it had enough support on the…
IPS Rebuilding Stronger Plan Passes with Unanimous Vote: Educator Barnes’ Perspective
Join us for this three-perspective series. Indy K12 writers David McGuire, Andrew Pillow, and Educator Barnes provide their perspectives and thoughts about the recently approved IPS Rebuilding Stronger plan. Thursday, November 17, IPS approved its Rebuilding Stronger plan. This plan will include sweeping changes to the district. Many Indianapolis residents feel the only certainty in…
IPS Rebuilding Stronger Plan Passes with Unanimous Vote: David McGuire’s Perspective
Join us for this three-perspective series. Indy K12 writers David McGuire, Andrew Pillow, and Educator Barnes provide their perspectives and thoughts about the recently approved IPS Rebuilding Stronger plan. The word unanimous means to be in full agreement or a vote or opinion held by everyone involved. In the 2015-2016 NBA season Steph Curry became…
A Fly in the Milk: Being the Only Black Teacher
While majoring in English education at Purdue University, multiculturalism was important. In one class, we read the book “White Teacher.” Tell me you are not expecting Black college students without telling me. I read enough of the book to participate in class discussions, but I was frustrated. Where was the book for me? How would…
America Recycles Day: Recycling in Our Schools
Turn it off. Turn it off. Running water. Turn it off. Turn it off. Save the power. Turn it off. Turn it off. Running water. Turn it off. Turn it off. Save the power, yeah. Turn it off when you brush. It’s a five-gallon rush. Get the lights and TVs Don’t forget the CDs Turn…
How Did Education Issues Play Out on Election Night?
The mid-term elections are not quite settled. There is a run-off in the Georgia senate race. However, we are far enough out that we can confidently talk about the results of most of the elections and how key issues played out at the ballot box. During this election cycle education was a key issue. Since…
The Evolution of Parent/Teacher Conferences
After the first report card is sent home, it is time for conferences. COVID-19 forced schools to rethink conferences, and some of those elements have remained. Below, I will outline different conference models and recommend which model is best. Parent/Teacher Conference This conference is focused on the relationship between caregivers and the teacher. The child…
Schools Bear Some Responsibility for the Lack of Black Kids Playing Baseball
The World Series just ended. Unfortunately for me, the Houston Astros beat my Philadelphia Phillies. Although that wasn’t the outcome I wanted, I was happy to see the manager of the Astros, Dusty Baker, finally win a title. Dusty Baker is one of the few African American coaches remaining in baseball, and he has had…
EduVerse: Bring Back Study Hall
Welcome to the EduVerse with ProfessorJBA. This series is aimed at parents and caregivers in an effort to inform them about the various roles and aspects of the educational landscape to ensure that caregivers can make informed decisions. It’s great to be able to create! It’s also beneficial to be able to bring back structures…
Teacher Hack: Follow Your Own Rules
If you are a teacher that is having trouble managing behavior, there is likely more than one reason. You have probably asked yourself a number of questions related to what you are doing in the classroom: Should I switch seats around? Am I giving enough positive praise? Do I need to call home? But here…