Are we really behind?

Checking out this article tonight: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090518/ap_on_re_us/us_education_trash_talk

I've always said that comparisons of US students to students in foreign countries is flawed. Sure there's stuff we could improve on, but students are learning. No Child Left Behind is a pipe-dream, but the opportunity is there for students who desire to learn and parents who are willing to stress the importance of an education. Frankly, we teachers don't have much say over the close nurture of a parent. If the parent doesn't support it, chances are the student isn't going to try to their potential. For that matter, they probably won't work to their potential if their parents do stress it. Life in America is too easy, and until we have to struggle, it is my belief that things won't change much in this country.

My opinion for what it's worth.

Teaching with Rap

I just found a really cool site with rap and r&b music that can help students learn basic concepts of curriculum such as math, English, science, and social studies. Some of the songs are lame in their musical delivery (think bad 80's rap by Vanilla Ice wannabes), but all of the songs are full of good information. Take a listen. Some are better than others. The site says you can buy the albums from iTunes, but I couldn't find them. The price on the site is $19.98 per album and $49.98 (i think) for all four. A little pricey, but worth it if you can find a use for it and help your kids learn these concepts through catchy songs. Here is a YouTube video version for memorizing the 44 Presidents of the U.S.A.

I am depressed to hear

I am depressed to hear on the news that one of my former students is a suspect in a shooting here in Sumter. I can't say I'm surprised, though.

I had lunch with a

I had lunch with a fellow teacher today who made me feel really good. It seems I am more of mentor than his mentor is.

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas

Even teachers can't get it

Even teachers can't get it together sometimes. Our book club project only had half of the sections ready.

This is only a test of the html language that David Warlick suggested.

Well, I made it through the Thanksgiving holiday fairly intact. Probably a few pounds heavier thanks to all the great desserts and my grandma's stuffing.

Before I left school on Tuesday, I looked for a classroom set of novels of The Great Gatsby by Fitzgerald, but could not locate them. That meant that for this week, I had to go with plan B. I introduced my class to the world of graphic novels. We are currently working on individual graphic short stories. I'm not sure how this is going to work out or even how I'll grade it. We're sort of feeling our way through it. I wish I could find someone who had done this before to give me some ideas, but my searches have been in vain.

My school's literacy coach loves the idea and wants to put it into the unit plans for the class for the next year. It feels good to be noticed for doing a good job.