Education

Teaching for Revolution

Posted by educatedtodeath ⋅ April 5, 2012 ⋅ 4 Comments

Originally posted at educatedtodeath.com Why teach critical thinking if not for revolution? Revolution is change, transformation, innovation. It’s a concept that is inevitable if people learn to think, learn to learn, learn that they are the creators of culture. Critical thinking embraces the individual power to create, collaborate, question, reinvent, and so forth. When we … Continue reading »

Creating a Generation of Solutionaries

Posted by zoeweil ⋅ April 4, 2012 ⋅ 7 Comments

For my blog post, I wanted to share a recent article I wrote for Educational Horizons Magazine. Here’s an excerpt from “Creating a Generation of Solutionaries”: “In June, approximately three million students will graduate from public U.S. high schools, and even though they will have all passed their No Child Left Behind tests year after … Continue reading »

“Liberty and Justice for Some?” she asked.

Posted by educatedtodeath ⋅ March 30, 2012 ⋅ 5 Comments

Originally posted at educatedtodeath.com A 7th grader asked me: “Why do we have to say the Pledge of Allegiance everyday?” “Why do you ask?” I said. “I don’t know what it means really. I don’t think anybody does. And, the part I kind of understand doesn’t really seem true for everyone.” “Which part is that?” … Continue reading »

Standards-Based Education for Freedom

Posted by educatedtodeath ⋅ March 26, 2012 ⋅ 1 Comment

Originally posted at educatedtodeath.com Yes, education should have standards, and yes, those standards should be tested with corporations in mind. The STANDARD should be that all learners are equipped with the critical skills to participate in an open society; that is, learners should be literate, connected, and aware. The test will be if power shifts, … Continue reading »

“Above Us Only Sky”: A Writing Teacher’s Manifesto

Posted by jaimerwood ⋅ March 18, 2012 ⋅ 6 Comments

“You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one.” John Lennon is right. From the time I was a small girl, people have told me that I’m idealistic, which always came across as a nice way of calling me naïve. But when it comes to teaching, I am one of Lennon’s dreamers. … Continue reading »

What is Underground Education? The How’s, Why’s, and What-Nots

Posted by educatedtodeath ⋅ March 11, 2012 ⋅ 2 Comments

Originally posted at educatedtodeath.com. @educatedtodeath Underground Education is revolutionary, but does not aim to teach or incite external revolution; rather, it aims to nudge minds awake. Underground education begins the moment you see something that needs to be taught, and you teach it regardless of time allotted. Teachers engage in this daily. It is … Continue reading »

To train and control or to teach and learn: is there a choice?

Posted by educatedtodeath ⋅ March 4, 2012 ⋅ 4 Comments

Originally posted at educatedtodeath.com It seems that the goal of institutions is dominion over mankind. Organizations function to tame wild spirits and make them act civilly. This is not a terrible thing— people acting civilly. But, do the rulers act civilly? Not just the grand rulers, the government, corporations, etc., but the smaller rulers. Those … Continue reading »

Our Schools Have Been Hijacked: Let’s Talk About It

Posted by educatedtodeath ⋅ February 25, 2012 ⋅ 8 Comments

Originally posted at http://www.educatedtodeath.com What would it take to provide a “world class” education? Is it possible in the U.S. public schools system as it is? I venture to say no. If the answer is ‘no’, then what needs to be done? Is the answer in democratizing our schools? Eliminating bureaucracy? Liberating the education system … Continue reading »

That which renders us powerless, and what to do about it*

Posted by educatedtodeath ⋅ February 23, 2012 ⋅ 1 Comment

Note: This was originally posted at http://www.educatedtodeath.com I am an educator, and a staunch supporter of public education and teachers. However, I find it increasingly difficult to support a system(s) that, from the moment it accepts a child, seeks to disable any critical spirit of humanity and replace it with an eternal need that can … Continue reading »

If a third party professional development group must be used…

Posted by educatedtodeath ⋅ February 15, 2012 ⋅ 3 Comments

In this topsy-turvy educational world of mass assessment and intense evaluation schools and school districts are turning to third party groups to help pull them from the mire. Schools are desperate and are willing to pay for anyone who can bring a new method, packet, or plan that offers even a glimmer of hope. This, … Continue reading »

All Hail the Rambunctious Girls – What Will Ever Come of Them?

Posted by Pernille Ripp ⋅ February 6, 2012 ⋅ 9 Comments

“Mommy, mommy help….” Thea is hiding in the house and has managed to get herself stuck. I free her and off she runs; things to do, mommy, things to do. I look at my little girl, the picture of energy, rambunctiousness, and vitality and I wonder what will school do to her? At her daycare … Continue reading »

Vigor not Rigor

Posted by Zuleika ⋅ January 29, 2012 ⋅ 7 Comments

Above from Google searches of vigorous and rigorous Vigor means having [intensity, energy, and enthusiasm], and the potential for enhancing “active strength of body or mind”. When something is invigorating, it’s “stimulating…energizing…restorative”. A vigorous thing challenges you, and tests your abilities in a creative way. Even if it’s difficult, at the end of the experience … Continue reading »

The Power of Humane Education

Posted by zoeweil ⋅ January 27, 2012 ⋅ 1 Comment

I wanted to share a recent post I wrote for Care2.com, an online community for people passionate about creating a better world. Here’s an excerpt from “The Power of Humane Education”: “It really doesn’t take much to ignite a passion for good among youth and adults alike. A week of [teaching humane education] classes turned … Continue reading »

An Eighth Grader’s Letter to Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook

Posted by zoeweil ⋅ January 24, 2012 ⋅ 4 Comments

I wanted to share a recent post I wrote for Care2.com, an online community for people passionate about creating a better world. Here’s an excerpt from “An Eighth-Grader’s Letter to Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook”: This past week, I taught a humane education course to an eighth grade class in Blue Hill, Maine. The course focused … Continue reading »

Wanted: Common Core Stories

Posted by Adam Burk ⋅ January 15, 2012 ⋅ 12 Comments

After the big splash of Common Core Standards coming on the education scene there’s been a notable silence since they have begun to roll out. I’m looking for stories of how these new standards are playing out in schools for better, the same, or worse. I began asking as we pulled new calendars out of … Continue reading »

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