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Pass or Fail: The Real Cost of Student Retention

pass or fail

In this multi-part series, I provide a dissection of the phenomenon of retention and social promotion. Also, I describe the many different methods that would improve student instruction in classrooms and eliminate the need for retention and social promotion if combined effectively. While reading this series, periodically ask yourself this question: Why are educators, parents and the American public complicit in a practice that does demonstrable harm to children and the competitive future of the country? Retention affects more than just students. What do you think is the cost of retention to schools, educators, communities and society as a whole? Research on the impact …

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Pass or Fail: Who are the Students at Risk for Retention?

pass or fail

In this multi-part series, I provide a dissection of the phenomenon of retention and social promotion. Also, I describe the many different methods that would improve student instruction in classrooms and eliminate the need for retention and social promotion if combined effectively. While reading this series, periodically ask yourself this question: Why are educators, parents and the American public complicit in a practice that does demonstrable harm to children and the competitive future of the country? As an educator, how should potentially “at risk” students be identified? Is there a sector of the student population that should receive more attention based solely on their …

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The A-Z of Education Blogs: Letters TH-Y

In this multi-part series, we are profiling the best of the best education blogs, in alphabetical order. In the previous article, I introduced letters TE and in this one, I will discuss letters TH-Y. Click here to access all of the articles in this series. The Innovative Educator Lisa Nielsen’s daily blog posts focus on ways to make education more relevant for students by embracing technology and channeling their passions. Recent topics include how to teach students to evaluate the accuracy of the news, and how to tell if your students are digital learners. Score: Activity 20, Originality 19.5, Helpfulness …

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The A-Z of Education Blogs: Letters S-TC

In this multi-part series, we are profiling the best of the best blogs in education, in alphabetical order. In the previous article, I introduced letters M-Q and in this one, I will discuss letters S-TC. Click here to access all of the articles in this series. Science Cheerleader This blog scores top points for originality – it’s a blog by cheerleaders who work in science. The blog features interviews with different cheerleaders, which serves to inspire more girls to join the field of science. It’s not exactly the kind of blog you’d use to implement new classroom strategies, but you …

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Pass or Fail: Goals of the U.S. Education System- Then & Now

pass or fail

In this multi-part series, I provide a dissection of the phenomenon of retention and social promotion. Also, I describe the many different methods that would improve student instruction in classrooms and eliminate the need for retention and social promotion if combined effectively. While reading this series, periodically ask yourself this question: Why are educators, parents and the American public complicit in a practice that does demonstrable harm to children and the competitive future of the country? In all our perceived infinite knowledge and resources, is it possible the Founding Fathers had it right, in terms of education objectives? Thomas Jefferson, like James Wilson, also …

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The A-Z of Education Blogs: Letters M-Q

In this multi-part series, we are profiling the best of the best blogs in education, in alphabetical order. In the previous article, I introduced letters I-L and in this one, I will discuss letters M-Q. Click here to access all of the articles in this series. Magical Maths What started out as a blog about maths has become a blog for teachers to post various opinion pieces, as well as practical ideas and exercises to implement in the classroom. Score: Activity 18, Originality 18, Helpfulness 20, Authority 25 Total Score: 81 Twitter: @magicalmaths MiddleWeb MiddleWeb provides resources for the middle …

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The A-Z of Education Blogs: Letters I-L

In this multi-part series, we are profiling the best of the best education blogs, in alphabetical order. In the previous article, I introduced letters F-H and in this one, I will discuss letters I-L. Click here to access all of the articles in this series. IIE Opening Minds The focus of this particular blog is on the various international learning experiences, such as studying abroad and latest learning theories around the globe. It takes a unique look at how to open minds through higher education on the international stage. Score:  Active 16.9, Original 23, Helpfulness 22, Authority 24 Total: 85.9 …

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The A-Z of Education Blogs: The Letter C

In this multi-part series, we are profiling the best of the best education blogs, in alphabetical order. In the previous article, I introduced letters A-B and in this one, I will discuss the letter C. Click here to access all of the articles in this series. Catlin Tucker This blog offers a candid exploration of different solutions for blended learning. Recent offerings explore the pros and cons of co-teaching. Score: Activity 19, Originality 22, Helpfulness 20.5, Authority 22 Total Score: 83.5 Twitter: @Catlin_Tucker Campus Grotto A great blog for students and educators, this site provides a lot of information on …

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Pass or Fail: Standardized Testing and Education Problems in the U.S.

pass or fail

In this multi-part series, I provide a dissection of the phenomenon of retention and social promotion. Also, I describe the many different methods that would improve student instruction in classrooms and eliminate the need for retention and social promotion if combined effectively. While reading this series, periodically ask yourself this question: Why are educators, parents and the American public complicit in a practice that does demonstrable harm to children and the competitive future of the country? How much do you think education laws and policies impact our educators? Are students receiving the very best instruction when such a great emphasis is placed on standardized …

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Educational Change Starts with Equality

By Matthew Lynch Substantial educational change will never occur until we as a country decide that enough is enough and make a commitment to change, no matter what it takes. When America realizes all children deserve a stellar education regardless of who their parents are, their socioeconomic status or where they happen to live, we will be able to reform our education system. Specifically, Americans have to stop treating minority students in underperforming urban environments like collateral damage. The disheartening reality is that America has billions of dollars to fight a two-front war, but cannot or will not properly educate …

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