Here is a great short documentary on one of my favorite sites: TED Talks. Enjoy.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
The Future We Will Create: Inside the World of TED - Watch the Documentary Film for Free | Watch Free Documentaries Online | SnagFilms
The Future We Will Create: Inside the World of TED - Watch the Documentary Film for Free | Watch Free Documentaries Online | SnagFilms
Lovecraft: Fear of the Unknown - Watch the Documentary Film for Free | Watch Free Documentaries Online | SnagFilms
Lovecraft: Fear of the Unknown - Watch the Documentary Film for Free | Watch Free Documentaries Online | SnagFilms
This is - hands down - one of the best documentaries on the classic horror/sci fi writer H.P. Lovecraft that I've ever seen. He penned such classics as "The Rats in the Walls," "The Colour out of Space," "Herbert West: Re-Animator," "The Shadow Over Innsmouth," "Dagon," and his classic novella At The Mouth of Madness. If you watch this, you'll notice some of the 'heavies' from horror fiction and film - Guillermo del Toro, Neil Gaman, John Carpenter, and Ramsey Campbell. If I ever teach sci-fi again, this will be standard viewing.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Senior Prank
Apparently, some students (not sure if they are all seniors or not) were able to get in to our school - apparently a door was left unlocked - and chose to turn 8 chickens loose, scatter chicken feed in the hallway and onto rugs, mess rooms up, and take key boards (which were later found).
The staff was abuzz all day about the repercussions. Should the guilty parties not be allowed to walk at graduation? Suspension? A slap on the wrist since it really wasn't done maliciously?
Of course, opinions varied about this. On one side was the hardcore, draw a line in the sand approach: throw the book at them. Suspend them and they don't walk at graduation. They argued that you have to set a precedent otherwise the pranks will just get worse. There might be some truth to this too since my fourth block class that day was talking about their prank next year. "Yeah, we'll pour vegetable oil in the hallway. Then it'll look clear and when people step on it, they'll slide all over."
The only problem with that is people will not just slide by fall. Legs or arms or wrists might get broken. What happens if a teacher walks in carrying their daughter and slips and lands on the hard tile floor? What happens if a teacher comes in with a mug full of coffee and slips and spills on their face?
These are the types of scenarios pranksters don't think through. They think about the moment. I can understand that, but part of growing up is to learn - some times the hard way - that actions carry consequences and some times those consequences can't be envisioned. But you have to deal with them anyway.
Oddly enough, our principal was just telling me about some seniors who set hay bales in the hallway as a prank. Now that seems benign enough, but apparently the dust from the bales sifted into the duct work and then got into computers, wiring, the heater/air conditioning system. A few innocuous hay bales soon turned in to hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage and cleaning.
So I can see the point that some wanted to make by throwing the book at them.
But - as always - there was another side that argued why are we making a big deal out of this. They asked, who were the ones responsible for last year's prank (placing large tractor tires inside the school at various spots). No one could remember the name and some even had trouble remembering the prank.
And that was the point. Because it's the end of school, it's a big issue now. They argued we shouldn't make a mountain out of a large hill.
And they also argued what about other pranks or stupid antics that occur during the year and all that happens is an in school suspension . . . hardly having the book thrown at them.
In the end our administration decided to suspend the students . . . they have to come back next week when just the underclassmen are here to finish their work. They cannot be in school or any school related activities. So athletes are done with their spring sports and they don't get to see the final senior video or take part in the walk through at the Ralph. In addition, 20 plus hours of community service was handed out. They will walk but they will get their diplomas late.
I think the that the guilty parties were able to walk at graduation bothered a few people. But I thought one of our administrators put it well when he said, "A kid will forget about not walking across that stage by Saturday morning. But you know who won't forget? Mom and Dad and Grandma and Grandpa." A valid point.
I think a couple of productive things came out of this. First, the mess was cleaned up in time so no trace was left when school opened the next day. This is important. It's kind of difficult to enjoy the prank when you don't get to actually see what it was. That was smart. Second, there is now going to be a policy in the student handbook stating that you will be suspended and not allowed to walk at graduation if you are part of a senior prank.
Overall, this was really a speed bump on what has been an excellent week for our seniors. I'm glad the mess didn't obscure all that they have accomplished this year.
The staff was abuzz all day about the repercussions. Should the guilty parties not be allowed to walk at graduation? Suspension? A slap on the wrist since it really wasn't done maliciously?
Of course, opinions varied about this. On one side was the hardcore, draw a line in the sand approach: throw the book at them. Suspend them and they don't walk at graduation. They argued that you have to set a precedent otherwise the pranks will just get worse. There might be some truth to this too since my fourth block class that day was talking about their prank next year. "Yeah, we'll pour vegetable oil in the hallway. Then it'll look clear and when people step on it, they'll slide all over."
The only problem with that is people will not just slide by fall. Legs or arms or wrists might get broken. What happens if a teacher walks in carrying their daughter and slips and lands on the hard tile floor? What happens if a teacher comes in with a mug full of coffee and slips and spills on their face?
These are the types of scenarios pranksters don't think through. They think about the moment. I can understand that, but part of growing up is to learn - some times the hard way - that actions carry consequences and some times those consequences can't be envisioned. But you have to deal with them anyway.
Oddly enough, our principal was just telling me about some seniors who set hay bales in the hallway as a prank. Now that seems benign enough, but apparently the dust from the bales sifted into the duct work and then got into computers, wiring, the heater/air conditioning system. A few innocuous hay bales soon turned in to hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage and cleaning.
So I can see the point that some wanted to make by throwing the book at them.
But - as always - there was another side that argued why are we making a big deal out of this. They asked, who were the ones responsible for last year's prank (placing large tractor tires inside the school at various spots). No one could remember the name and some even had trouble remembering the prank.
And that was the point. Because it's the end of school, it's a big issue now. They argued we shouldn't make a mountain out of a large hill.
And they also argued what about other pranks or stupid antics that occur during the year and all that happens is an in school suspension . . . hardly having the book thrown at them.
In the end our administration decided to suspend the students . . . they have to come back next week when just the underclassmen are here to finish their work. They cannot be in school or any school related activities. So athletes are done with their spring sports and they don't get to see the final senior video or take part in the walk through at the Ralph. In addition, 20 plus hours of community service was handed out. They will walk but they will get their diplomas late.
I think the that the guilty parties were able to walk at graduation bothered a few people. But I thought one of our administrators put it well when he said, "A kid will forget about not walking across that stage by Saturday morning. But you know who won't forget? Mom and Dad and Grandma and Grandpa." A valid point.
I think a couple of productive things came out of this. First, the mess was cleaned up in time so no trace was left when school opened the next day. This is important. It's kind of difficult to enjoy the prank when you don't get to actually see what it was. That was smart. Second, there is now going to be a policy in the student handbook stating that you will be suspended and not allowed to walk at graduation if you are part of a senior prank.
Overall, this was really a speed bump on what has been an excellent week for our seniors. I'm glad the mess didn't obscure all that they have accomplished this year.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
What a Year
I began teaching at Lincoln in the fall of 1998. So even by my rudimentary math skills that I've been teaching for 13 years. Take out the year I spent as a graduate student at Bemidji State, and I've been teaching LHS kids for 12 years. If you were to combine the previous 11 years into one year, they still wouldn't equal how great this single year has been. I am blessed.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
The Kiddos
All snug with her stuffed moose on the way to Hugo's. Actually, at a stop light. I didn't take the picture while we were moving!
Cash in his bumpo.
Kenzie at school with Derek. Once he broke out The Backyardigans on his laptop, she thought he was pretty cool.
Kenz has never met a climbing wall she hasn't liked. Or been afraid of.
When I first saw this, I thought, "she is getting ready for Mr. Nordine's geography lectures."
Our little Angus Young. Dirty Diapers Done Dirt Cheap. That is for sure!
Big sis with her little brother.
A Great Story
As far as I'm concerned, the NFL lockout can go on indefinitely. I love getting up in the morning knowing I don't need to bother to check ESPN.com or any sites on the Bengals because there just isn't anything to report. Even though I know all that, I still do check them!
And I was rewarded with this great story.
After suffering through offseason after offseason of stupid pranks and selfish publicity stunts from the Bengals own (and hopefully soon to be ex-) player Chad Johnson/Ochocinco, it's great to see a story like this.
And I was rewarded with this great story.
After suffering through offseason after offseason of stupid pranks and selfish publicity stunts from the Bengals own (and hopefully soon to be ex-) player Chad Johnson/Ochocinco, it's great to see a story like this.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
A picture or a photograph?
The story behind this amazing picture (yes, it's actually a photograph) is here.
Here is a shot taken later in the day from greater distance.
Test Score Insanity
In an article entitled "Test Scores Don't Define Good Teaching" Diane Ravitch makes an excellent point - and one all need to be cognizant of in the era of test score mania -
“I question the absolute faith in test scores as a measurement of student achievement," she said. “As if test scores are a scientific measurement. They’re not designed that way and the student tests are not designed to measure the ability of teachers.”
Administration observance, effective professional development, conference time, team teaching, and smart, passionate teachers are the ingredients to effective measurement of teachers.
Likewise, tests serve a purpose - to measure learning - but let's keep that in perspective. Tests rarely motivate my students. At least tests don't motivate them like they used to.
But good assignments with application to the real world that also allow for student engagement, well those tend to motivate kids.
But those assignments are difficult to create (not to mention evaluate) and are rarely neat or applicable from teacher to teacher. Just like good teaching isn't easy to create. You can't bottle it and then administer it wherever you want, like Paul Vallas is trying to do in New Orleans where on any given day in any given school every 9th grade students is studying the same thing in the same way with the same evaluation method.
“I question the absolute faith in test scores as a measurement of student achievement," she said. “As if test scores are a scientific measurement. They’re not designed that way and the student tests are not designed to measure the ability of teachers.”
Administration observance, effective professional development, conference time, team teaching, and smart, passionate teachers are the ingredients to effective measurement of teachers.
Likewise, tests serve a purpose - to measure learning - but let's keep that in perspective. Tests rarely motivate my students. At least tests don't motivate them like they used to.
But good assignments with application to the real world that also allow for student engagement, well those tend to motivate kids.
But those assignments are difficult to create (not to mention evaluate) and are rarely neat or applicable from teacher to teacher. Just like good teaching isn't easy to create. You can't bottle it and then administer it wherever you want, like Paul Vallas is trying to do in New Orleans where on any given day in any given school every 9th grade students is studying the same thing in the same way with the same evaluation method.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Who would have ever believed
. . . that Getting it in Writing is finally scheduled for release. And it only took about four years!
I've known for awhile that it was supposedly being published by Information Age Press, but every time I'd check their website, there was no sign of it. Until now!
I've known for awhile that it was supposedly being published by Information Age Press, but every time I'd check their website, there was no sign of it. Until now!
Thursday, May 12, 2011
The best teachers . . .
This says and shows it perfectly.
Don't produce kids who fill out little ovals with number two pencils. Produce kids who can create, engage, and thrive.
Don't produce kids who fill out little ovals with number two pencils. Produce kids who can create, engage, and thrive.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Interesting
Apparently change - especially for the simple sake of change - is not always good.
To wit, this, in hindsight, wasn't the smartest move.
Even at private schools, the firing of teachers can send shock waves. Imagine what would happen if you allowed a capricious school board or principal to simply make such changes.
Tenure is not the solution. But neither is totally chucking it.
Perhaps things would be different in the public sector if we all took the same tough academic approach (see the paragraph below) that Pine Crest did.
"rigorous academic standards." I wonder how many teachers were hired there on the basis of whether they could coach several sports or not.
To wit, this, in hindsight, wasn't the smartest move.
Even at private schools, the firing of teachers can send shock waves. Imagine what would happen if you allowed a capricious school board or principal to simply make such changes.
Tenure is not the solution. But neither is totally chucking it.
Perhaps things would be different in the public sector if we all took the same tough academic approach (see the paragraph below) that Pine Crest did.
The school became embroiled in the legal fight over the firings. Questions arose over Battle's salary, which was rumored to be extraordinarily high. And some parents expressed concerns that a planned tutoring center would be a step toward lowering Pine Crest's rigorous academic standards, potentially taking a bit of the shine off the school.
"rigorous academic standards." I wonder how many teachers were hired there on the basis of whether they could coach several sports or not.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
As Far as the Prequels go . . .
This is far more entertaining than The Phantom Menace, The Attack of the Clones, and the Revenge of the Sith.
This is a First
I've had many multi-genre research papers over the past three years. But I've never had one with an instruction manual! Cool.
I came to class and Aaron not only had his slide show saved to my computer, but he had the instruction manual there too.
I came to class and Aaron not only had his slide show saved to my computer, but he had the instruction manual there too.
Yeah! For elegance of design and user friendliness
Apple is clearly on top as the world's most valuable brand. If you've ever used an Apple product. You knew this was inevitable. I don't say that out of arrogance (and some apple fans have been accused of this).
I simply state it as truth. No other brand is so well designed, so thought out, and so ready to plug and play as apple.
Now if I just would have opted for that iPhone instead of my BlackBerry!
I simply state it as truth. No other brand is so well designed, so thought out, and so ready to plug and play as apple.
Now if I just would have opted for that iPhone instead of my BlackBerry!
Cash Kenneth
A few weeks ago, Kenz, Cash, and I were playing on the floor. On a whim I put Cash on his stomach. Before we even really knew it, he swung his head back and pushed up with his right arm . . . and rolled right over.
Kenzie and I could hardly believe it. We raced upstairs to tell Mom. Of course, when we tried the stunt for Mom, Cash wasn't having any of it.
Since then he has pulled the feat off several times. Last night after his bath, I caught it on video.
Kenzie and I could hardly believe it. We raced upstairs to tell Mom. Of course, when we tried the stunt for Mom, Cash wasn't having any of it.
Since then he has pulled the feat off several times. Last night after his bath, I caught it on video.
Saturday, May 07, 2011
One of the problems
with our education system is this phrase, which appears is almost every job listing for teachers --
As one of my colleagues recently said, "Do we want a teacher OR a coach."
John Merrow has called for the U.S. to stop its attitude that "anyone can teach." How would things change if we adopted that attitude with coaching?
Again as my colleague said, "I just can't understand an education system that doesn't higher an outstanding teaching who doesn't coach in favor of an average teacher who can fill three coaching positions."
Neither can I.
Now, I coach. I have for every year I've taught.
But they aren't vital. They're a luxury. Great teachers are vital. Great teachers are essential. Period.
And if you don't think great teachers aren't essential, my guess is because you never had one. You had an average teacher who could coach. And that just perpetuates the problem.
"Preference will be given to applicants with qualifications and willingness to coach."
As one of my colleagues recently said, "Do we want a teacher OR a coach."
John Merrow has called for the U.S. to stop its attitude that "anyone can teach." How would things change if we adopted that attitude with coaching?
Again as my colleague said, "I just can't understand an education system that doesn't higher an outstanding teaching who doesn't coach in favor of an average teacher who can fill three coaching positions."
Neither can I.
Now, I coach. I have for every year I've taught.
But they aren't vital. They're a luxury. Great teachers are vital. Great teachers are essential. Period.
And if you don't think great teachers aren't essential, my guess is because you never had one. You had an average teacher who could coach. And that just perpetuates the problem.
Thursday, May 05, 2011
This is the 21st century, right?
And not the stone age or dark ages? This story just scares the hell out of me . . .
How can there be such backwards areas in the world today? This is why I am thankful to live where I do with the family, friends, and colleagues that I have.
Even more horrifying --
I am sorry but real life accounts like this put the lie to why people should find stories like "The Lottery," "Like a Winding Sheet," and The Crucible shocking.
How can there be such backwards areas in the world today? This is why I am thankful to live where I do with the family, friends, and colleagues that I have.
Even more horrifying --
Albino hunters kill their victims and harvest their blood, hair, genitals and other body parts for potions that witchdoctors say bring luck in love, life and business.
"(It is believed) a person with albinism is a curse. They are from the devil, they are not human, they do not die, they simply disappear," said Ash.
I am sorry but real life accounts like this put the lie to why people should find stories like "The Lottery," "Like a Winding Sheet," and The Crucible shocking.
Wednesday, May 04, 2011
Let There Be Light
"The Last Question" is going to be a must read for the next Science Fiction class I teach.
Here is the Future of Education
This article is a great example of the future of education, and not because it talks about super-civilizations of the future either. While incredibly interesting, the topic is really irrelevant. What is vital, though, is the format of the article.
First, it's written on line. Second, it's a hyper-text article. That means there are links galore that allow for the reader to delve into other cites and gain a much broader depth of knowledge - kind of like modern footnotes. Third, it's multi-media, notice the embedded video at the start of the page. Fourth, it includes graphics. Finally, it allows for feedback and discussion.
This is the format of every paper from now on.
First, it's written on line. Second, it's a hyper-text article. That means there are links galore that allow for the reader to delve into other cites and gain a much broader depth of knowledge - kind of like modern footnotes. Third, it's multi-media, notice the embedded video at the start of the page. Fourth, it includes graphics. Finally, it allows for feedback and discussion.
This is the format of every paper from now on.
The History of Tech in the Classroom
Take a look at this article that traces the evolution of technology in the classroom.
Sure we have our flaws,
but at least this does not happen in America. And India is supposed to be one of our rivals? Please. They can't lick our shoes.
Sunday, May 01, 2011
May 1st
Why does May 1st look more like December 1st?
This is not what you want to wake up to two days after the first seventy degree day!
This is not what you want to wake up to two days after the first seventy degree day!
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