Author: abendelow
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Examining the US Dept. of Ed, Part 2
A few days ago I blogged about why it behooves a public school teacher or a US citizen to get some clarity on why the US Dept. of Education exists anymore. And just yesterday, Republican Presidential Candidate Rick Santorum claimed that he saw the DofEd as “anachronistic,” by which I think he meant “out of its…
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Finnish Schools: Why can't we do some of this here?
I especially like the way there is such a student-centered approach–with one teacher tending to a group of youngsters for multiple years, a relaxed environment, and an investment in the teacher as a professional. Yes, the teachers are all highly-vetted, with serious masters degrees, and there is a more homogenous and less poverty-plagued society to…
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Hey, Dept. of Education–Why do you exist?
If nothing else, the DoEd had a good graphic designer. One of my intelligent friends, always keen political observer, recently asked me a school-related question for which I had no immediate answer: Why do we have a federal Department of Education, when there is absolutely no mention of it in our constitution? After all, except…
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The technology of theft
Had we but world enough, and time,this coyness, lady, were no crime. -Andrew Marvell Had I but wealth enough, and time, I would make many more wealthy with my well-timed stock picks. But as an English teacher, many students’ writing and reading skills would suffer if I diverted even a minute from the stacks of…
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A good overview of "Flipped Classrooms" as I embark on my own
Thanks to Jackie Gerstein: Flipped Classroom: The Full Picture View more presentations from Jackie Gerstein
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Review of "Enron" at Chicago's Timeline Theatre
from the play’s program Last night I went with friends to the Chicago premier of a play called “Enron” at the Timeline Theatre on Wellington. Apparently, it swept London, and I can see why. Its compelling two and a half hours are fresh from yesterday’s (and today’s) newspapers, and it really helps you understand just…
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2011: a tough year to be a teacher
protesters in Madison, Wisconsin, January 2011 At the start of 2011, as the public in the Arab Crescent revolved toward democracy, it seemed American society was leaning in a reactionary direction. Three years into the “Great Recession,” the American people were hurt, looking for someone to blame, and giving an unkind, accusing glance at their public…
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The Art of Racing in the Rain, reviewed
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein is a magical and satisfying book about the bond between a good dog and humans. Told from the dog’s perspective, its philosophy is useful to any of life’s problems, but comes from one of the dog-owner’s racing precepts (he is a Formula One driver): “That…
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Curriculum as Exercise Machine
When little kittens are still in the nest, they instinctively engage in simulated battles over precious resources. These fake struggles establish dominance among the litter, and begin development of important muscle coordination the kittens will need if they are ever to become successful cats. Their play-fights also remind us of the inherently educational function of…
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A Holiday Playlist for English teachers everywhere
Started in our department by a bibliophilic music fan with excellent taste, each year around this time a holiday exchange of musical culture takes place among about half our staff. Last year, we made the jump to the cloud, where still reside, I suppose, our collective Dropbox of songs. But I did not return to…
The Wikiness 