I'M REALLY ASHAMED OF MYSELF, BUT THIS IS FUNNY

OK, this link is a low blow at Whole Language advocates, but it's really funny.

Time and time again, the phonics-based methods and Direct Instruction have been studied, and shown to be better than Whole Language.

Time and time again, these promising methods have been jettisoned from the curriculum. The reasoning varies, but it generally includes complaints that the methods "stifle creativity" in teachers.

Would that it were true - some overly flaky approaches should be stifled.

REALLY TRIVIAL, BUT VERY CUTE

OK, I know it shows my frivolous side, but I couldn't resist linking to this picture. There's a grain of truth here - my son played chess on a computer for several years, before ever playing a live human.

His first tournament, he won.

LOCAL RESOURCE IN SCIENCE

I wanted to remind all teachers that we have a truly great resource in science education in the greater Cleveland area, the Cleveland Regional Council of Science Teachers. They will be having a Spring Symposium on Thursday, April 14th, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm.

Dr. Mano Singham, director of the University Center for Innovation in Teaching and Education (UCITE) and adjunct associate professor of physics at Case Western Reserve University will share research findings and information from his experience in working with teachers and their students for many years in the Cleveland area.

Dr. Singham will share insights from his work with teachers in the Discovery program and will provide a preview of material in his new book, “The Achievement Gap in U. S. Education: Canaries in the Mine” which will be published in May.

The structure of the evening will be:

* 1 hour lecture
* 40 minute light supper and formulation of questions
* 45 minute Q & A session with Dr. Singham

A Light supper (Catered by Verba’s) will be served.

If you email me, I'll send the flyer with registration details.

MARCH UPDATE

I haven't been posting lately, because I've been busy with family and job issues.

What's happening:

• My daughter had the baby - a boy last week.
  
• I've been working at Emerson, for a teacher out on back surgery. It only lasts about two more weeks, then it's back to day-to-day subbing.
  
• My asthma has had another flare-up, leaving me in the hospital over the weekend. I'm fine now, just a little behine in everything.

I was at a workshop on Saturday on flight. You can find out information on this link.

Apparently, the curriculum (which I had an opportunity to examine - it was great!) was sent to all schools in the Ohio systems. You may want to check with your district's science supervisor or director of curriculum. It may be buried somewhere at the administration building.

Or, you could bookmark this link. They will be coming out with a DVD by summer, which they intend to supply for a small price (less than $10) to educators.