Change happens best when backed by community. Otherwise, school systems change with the wind.

Mrs M was Teacher of the Year, then the school switched to structured literacy, upending her practice. But she went along with it for the greater good. Result: she was teacher of the year again. The whole school is improving. Got emotional when explaining, "How could you not. "

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Feels like 1979. "If one acts up, you're ALL in trouble.".Collective punishment is a war crime for a reason. I did it with my classroom, and they complied; but it was more effective when I used a scalpel, not a saw.

Beware the weapons of mass distraction. On some issues, parents must hold the line. Period. But if the focus stays on culture wars, learning declines. @karenvaites.@vkoganpolisci

We won't teach every kid to read w/o consistent planning. Curriculum must come with clear plans, that can be adapted as needed.

I Respect the clarity about the need for literacy: "to get and keep the job they want and have confidence reading bedtime stories to their own children one day".

Things I want young people to be able to read: .1. Scriptures .2. Vows.3. Medicine Labels.4. Love notes (see pic).5. Maps and street signs.6. Patterns .7. Applications .8. Artifacts.9. Texts.10. Books. That's my order.

During an interview, I realized a teacher candidate'd quit her college swim team. I asked how she told her parents, teammates, and coaches. She sat them down before the season, explained, thanked them, practiced harder than ever, finished the season, and was voted captain. Hired.

Hire for skill and character. But if you have to pick one, pick character - they'll make sure they quickly develop the skill. But if you let an educated fool in your building. .

I used to lead a program training principals for "high needs" schools. A secret to my success was seeing if/how they spoke to van drivers and janitors. If you don't treat people right, I can't trust you. I don't care how many degrees you have. Character matters.@NewLeadersOrg.

A young man said learning to read saves lives and he "put that on everything". Translation: When young people "put that on" something, it means they really mean it. A lie would disrespect what or whoever they name: mom, a dead friend, or God. So, "everything", is a big deal.

I mean. we might as well just go there. "Selling out", Family, mental health, race. Realest of real convo. @NationalParents @NationalPTA @NAACP @DyslexiaBlack .

Posted with his permission.

Don't know where to start. Flipflops, Starbucks, or ABCs. File under "When kids grow up and express themselves."

Black Catholics are rare in the hood, but my best friend's mother converted because she believed it gave their 2 kids a better chance to get into the local Catholic school. Parents'll do ~anything 4 their kids. Hers, now deceased, both graduated from college. @StCorneliusSch1.

Had the pleasure of interviewing these men, together, and the brutally honest convo will be released in October (Dyslexia Awareness month). Aug. is for Oliver James.Sept is Mississippi Dept of Ed. Many others. 1 a month. @Parents4RJ @FulcrumLiteracy.

It all comes down to this, now doesn't it. 7 for writing, 6 for markings. Everything else is a gimmick. A ruined shirt or pants pocket waiting to happen. For shame!!.

Educators can be professional AND kind. They are not mutually exclusive. And it's ok for kids not to "like" you. That's their right. A myth is that kids can't learn from people they don't like. Not true. But good teaching softens the ice.

Very good blog. I'd say it's not just the principal. It's the teachers who hold the culture in most school buildings. "I dont care what they did at your old school. Over 'here', we don't talk that way to children'.

Don't get worried about being "cancelled" when it comes to standing up for kids. Most teachers, grounded and professional as, have zero problem with healthy boundaries and protocols. It keeps them from having to call the cops on the Brigitte's that are out there. Just teach.