What will it take for real change to happen within our broken education system? How many more highly qualified, dedicated, passionate teachers have to leave the profession and take their passions elsewhere? How many more parents have to deliver emotional and difficult speeches to School Boards about what their children and teachers are experiencing? How … More How Many More?
The amount of personal and psychological data being collected from children in public schools by the Federal government has significantly increased. They claim to use this data to inform teaching and improve learning outcomes. While there are some cases of positive use of data collection in education, the sheer volume of data being collected about … More When academics collide with technology- where do we cross the line?
If I were to send a letter to Commissioner, Pam Stewart regarding Madison Drew, this is what I would say. Commissioner Pam Stewart, Would you like to try again with your decision for an expedited hearing for Paula Drew’s daughter, Madison Drew? She’s a 15 year old girl who has cerebral palsy and cannot speak. … More Pam Stewart, Is that your final answer?
Thanks to all of the parents, teachers and other education advocates who reached out to the Senate Appropriations Committee and urged them to vote no on SB 1714 (aka Competency Based Education). Sadly, the bill passed the full Appropriations Committee last week. We are grateful that Senator Hays voted no. The author of the bill, … More Competency Based Education Update
Senate Bill 1714 and its companion House Bill 1365 will allow changes to state education law to put in place competency based education programs. Other names for competency-based learning [CBE], include performance-based, proficiency-based, and mastery-based education, as well as “customized” and “personalized” learning. Definitions of CBE are called “a work in progress,” and include life-long data and … More Call to Action: Competency Based Education
We don’t have time to play these games! I can’t say you weren’t warned. By Laura McCrary Founder, United for FL Children Parents, I Cannot Protect Your Children – I will do my best. But my best isn’t good enough – and I think that is the point I really want to make here…” … More Competency Based Education
The Florida Department of Education may be considering changes to the Math Standards during its meeting on Thursday, February 18. There is conflicting information about how substantial the changes will be, and whether this discussion is just a formality. According to the page on the DOE’s web site that describes rules that are under review, rule … More Comments needed: Florida Math Standards
The following speech was read by a parent at the Pasco County School Board meeting on January 19, 2016 (reprinted with permission from the author): Hello, School Board Members and Superintendent Browning. Thank you for the opportunity to speak to you this evening. Tonight, I would like to give you a parent’s perspective on my … More A Parent’s Vision for Education
Why aren’t parents asked for permission to release their children’s personal information? (Part two of a two-part blog. Click here for Part one.). Upon giving their children’s personal information to their doctor, parents are required to sign that they have read the HIPAA regulations. Upon opening a bank account, adults are required to receive information … More Forecasting Student Success – Forecasting a Child’s Readiness for College and Career – Part 2
(Part one of a two-part blog) Predicting a child’s readiness for “college and career” is like predicting the weather. Sometimes, even weathermen get it wrong. How will this affect our children’s data? How will this affect our children’s future? And will this data follow them throughout their lifespan? Many businesses use Data Analytics to “analyze current … More Forecasting Student Success – Forecasting a Child’s Readiness for College and Career
