Race and Education, American Style

“Race doesn’t really exist for you because it has never been a barrier. Black folks don’t have that choice.” ― Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Recently, NPR attempted to discuss race in our schools. The piece, Want To Address Teachers’ Biases? First, Talk About Race, is a pretty fair (if basic) look at how some of our implicit biases are… Read more »

The Sun Also Rises

 What an inspiring country!!!! Guess where I’ve been the last couple weeks. Let me give you a hint: There is virtually no litter, no profanity, no violent crime, no graffiti, and no public smoking. And I’m not talking about just those civil middle class folks (although this country claims that 90% of its people are… Read more »

BustED Pencils Trending News: WWMDMS 6/17/16; Bar; Strong; Against

BustED Pencils Radio – What Would Matt Damon’s Mom Say? (WWMDMS) WWMDMS – 6/17/16 WWMDMS – 6/17/16 Is the bar too high? Is Your Child Ready For Kindergarten Based on This List? http://www.popsugar.com/moms/Your-Child-Ready-Kindergarten-42158936  Together we ARE strong!  It’s an honor to have you on our team Peggy Robertson!!  You have forever been busting pencils!!  CLAP CLAP CLAP!! Resignation,… Read more »

Resignation, Red Tape, Renewal

I am voluntarily    X Resigning as an employee of the Aurora Public Schools for the following reasons: My position at Jewell was eliminated. In addition, Jewell no longer is a healthy working environment (for teachers or students) and I would not be able to work there unless we were able to return to our… Read more »

BustED Pencils Trending News: WWMDMS 5/9/16; Drilling; Violated; Alfie

BustED Pencils Radio – What Would Matt Damon’s Mom Say? (WWMDMS) WWMDMS – 5/9/16 WWMDMS – 5/9/16 Drilling not Teaching????  Seriously, is this about the kids at all??!!  Alan Singer brings this question into the light.  Way to bust those pencils!! If Test Scores Go Up Did Education Improve? http://www.huffingtonpost.com/alan-singer/if-test-scores-go-up-did_b_11292532.html Dr. Julian Vasquez Heilig   points out… Read more »

BustED Pencils Trending News: WWMDMS 4/22/16; Change; Greening; Rebellion

BustED Pencils Radio – What Would Matt Damon’s Mom Say? (WWMDMS) WWMDMS – 4/22/16 WWMDMS – 4/22/16 First we have to change the national conversation about education. How to fix the apathy problem in schools http://www.newsobserver.com/opinion/op-ed/article81668307.html Todd Lilly puts it all out there explaining the American education cash cow! The Greening of American Education The Greening of… Read more »

BustED Pencils Trending News: Episode 19; Best; Moore; Violating

BustED Pencils Radio Episode 19 –  Punk Rock + Education = One Kick A$$ Show! Episode 19: Punk Rock + Education = One Kick A$$ Show! Finland has the best schools in the world??? “Where To Invade Next” Finland? http://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2016/04/where-to-invade-next-finland.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TeacherTom+%28Teacher+Tom%29 A Documentary Film Maker has a few things to say about education.  “So simple, so… Read more »

The Greening of American Education

The Greending of American Education By Todd Lilly As I have been traveling this summer talking to K12 and college faculty about the total transformation of American schools that is taking place right under our noses, people get this confused look on their faces: “What are you talking about?” That’s understandable; hard-working educators don’t have time… Read more »

The Achievement Gap and the Role of Critical Education

Academic Achievement Gap Rooted in Oppression Over the years I have done significant research on the achievement gap between some racial minorities and white students in American schools.  All the journals, books and articles I read were limited to American publications.  This only gives a limited view of the problem.  I thought it would be wise… Read more »