One of the lovely things that comes about when I sit and talk with friends and colleagues is this: I generally come up with blog topics. Such was the case earlier this week when Donalyn Miller and I drained our #fancyphone batteries during a lengthy conversation. Note: neither of us ever asks if the other has time for the "quick call." NOT, ( Read more... )

When I am in the office, I keep my door open. I know some folks find this a distraction, but I love the serendipity that comes with the open door policy. One such joy is that the members of my department feel free to come by and chat or ask questions or offer a snack. W e share books, pieces from FB, photos of our kids, grandkids, pets, etc. ( Read more... )

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2014/08/25/a-school-systems-stunning-standardized-test-schedule-for-2014-15/Read more... )

Cut scores. I wonder how many outside of education know what cut scores are and how they are determined. ETS defines cut scores thusly, "Cut scores are selected points on the score scale of a test. The points are used to determine whether a particular test score is sufficient for some purpose." And therein lies a huge problem. Scores are ( Read more... )

The story on the PBS Newshour was this: "Can a Computerized Test Measure Complex 'Common Core' Skills?" Here is the link to the transcript and the mp3 file: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/education/july-dec13/commoncore_08-14.htmlRead more... )

I live in the best of two worlds in academia. I work in a Library Science program where all I teach is literature for children and teens. How that happened is a long story. Let's just say that this position has meant I have learned a great deal about libraries and librarians, especially in schools. My background as an ELA teacher gives me a ( Read more... )

Diane Ravitch posted a link to the results of the Rhode Island adults who took the state mandated graduation level test in Math. Sixty percent failed to meet the required score for graduation. This is not a surprise though it it gratifying to have it borne out again. I know there have been a couple of other instances where adults have failed to ( Read more... )

The latest headline about education decries the drop in SAT scores.  You know what this means, right?  I heard it last night on various news stations.  A gravelly, concerned reported indicated scores were down which meant that kids were less than prepared for college.  I suspect the folks at CCSS popped some champagne corks at this news.  Hey, we ( Read more... )