Closing the achievement crap

Germantown High School (Tennessee) principal Ted Horrell recently apologized to parents and students for describing the schools black students as "less smart" than their white counterparts based on the state report card. Ok Ted, how about some remedial Educational Assessment 101...achievement tests and intelligence tests measure different things. Perhaps Ted is "less smart" than a high school principal needs to be. German-town...arian superiority...just wondering?

STORY: Ted Horrell, Germantown High School Principal, Apologizes For Presentation On Race, Test Scores

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://rsrc.psychologytoday.com/files/imagecache/article-top/blogs/54619/2011/05/62659-53114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://rsrc.psychologytoday.com/files/imagecache/article-top/blogs/54619/2011/05/62659-53114.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Germantown High School (Tennessee) principal Ted Horrell recently apologized to parents and students for describing the schools black students as "less smart" than their white counterparts based on the state report card. Ok Ted, how about some remedial Educational Assessment 101...achievement tests and intelligence tests measure different things. Perhaps Ted is "less smart" than a high school principal needs to be. <b>German-</b>town...arian superiority...just wondering?<br /> <br /> STORY: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/16/ted-horrell-germantown-hi_n_1208990.html">Ted Horrell, Germantown High School Principal, Apologizes For Presentation On Race, Test Scores</a>

Come out come out where ever you are...except Tennessee

Once again into the abyss of the far right.. Tennessee GOP State Senator Stacey Campfield has sponsored the Don't Say Gay Bill for consideration. Here are just a few of his intellectual arguments for such legislation:

• "Homosexuality = Bestiality"
• "Bullying is the biggest lark out there."
• "50% of theaters are based on something about homosexuality."
• "AIDS- started with one guy screwing a monkey...it was an airline pilot if I recall."

Recall indeed...can anyone organize a recall campaign against this genius? Finally, which theaters is Stacey patronizing?

STORY: Stacey Campfield, Tennessee Senator Behind 'Don't Say Gay' Bill, On Bullying, AIDS And Homosexual 'Glorification'

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSWGh40DBOaYHXCVvlenoBJRfRwj4Ndd1bUPdMIkag5uMPaSEa9Bg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSWGh40DBOaYHXCVvlenoBJRfRwj4Ndd1bUPdMIkag5uMPaSEa9Bg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Once again into the abyss of the far right.. Tennessee GOP State Senator Stacey Campfield has sponsored the Don't Say Gay Bill for consideration. Here are just a few of his intellectual arguments for such legislation:<br /> <br /> <br /> <ul> <li>"Homosexuality = Bestiality"</li> <li>"Bullying is the biggest lark out there."</li> <li>"50% of theaters are based on something about homosexuality."</li> <li>"AIDS- started with one guy screwing a monkey...it was an airline pilot if I recall."</li> </ul> <br /> Recall indeed...can anyone organize a recall campaign against this genius? Finally, which theaters is Stacey patronizing?<br /> <br /> STORY: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/26/stacey-campfield-tennessee-senator-dont-say-gay-bill_n_1233697.html">Stacey Campfield, Tennessee Senator Behind 'Don't Say Gay' Bill, On Bullying, AIDS And Homosexual 'Glorification'</a>

In the beginning

A bill has been introduced in the Indiana State Senate that would allow teaching of creationism as an option in Indiana's public schools as part of the science curriculum. Education and schooling are not the same thing. Education comes from multiple sources (parents, friends, church, Snoop Dog, etc.) but public schooling should actually base science curriculum on....wait...science. For folks that don't really get what a theory is in science, it is not the same as personal theories, like, "I have a theory that the earth is at the center of the universe," or " the sun really does revolve around the earth...you see it rise and fall every day!"

STORY: Indiana Creationism Teaching Bill Moves Forward In State Senate

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ-sefJEEpTF_9wH5oJ1EFY-BeUGkHTe3VRda6CtExCC1NfYsXE" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ-sefJEEpTF_9wH5oJ1EFY-BeUGkHTe3VRda6CtExCC1NfYsXE" width="386" /></a></div> <br /> A bill has been introduced in the Indiana State Senate that would allow teaching of creationism as an option in Indiana's public schools as part of the science curriculum. Education and schooling are not the same thing. Education comes from multiple sources (parents, friends, church, Snoop Dog, etc.) but public schooling should actually base science curriculum on....wait...science. For folks that don't really get what a theory is in science, it is not the same as personal theories, like, "I have a theory that the earth is at the center of the universe," or " the sun really does revolve around the earth...you see it rise and fall every day!"<br /> <br /> STORY: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/26/indiana-senate-creationism-teaching-bill_n_1234185.html?ir=Education">Indiana Creationism Teaching Bill Moves Forward In State Senate</a>

School plumbing inspection gone wild

Volunteer middle school principal Patrick Lott (Bernardsville Middle School) is in the slammer facing charges that he videotaped 22 boys (9 of whom were under the age of 16) as they showered at Immaculata High School. This "plumbing inspection" occurred over a three year period, starting in 2008. Perhaps Patrick is just a plumber wanna-be or is understandably obsessed with faucets, shower heads, and floor drains. We recommend that Mr. Lott seek career counseling or professional help from PA (Plumbers Anonymous).

STORY: Patrick Lott, Middle School Principal, Arrested For Allegedly Recording Boys Showering

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://plumbinginfo.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/plumber.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://plumbinginfo.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/plumber.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Volunteer middle school principal Patrick Lott (Bernardsville Middle School) is in the slammer facing charges that he videotaped 22 boys (9 of whom were under the age of 16) as they showered at Immaculata High School. This "plumbing inspection" occurred over a three year period, starting in 2008. Perhaps Patrick is just a plumber wanna-be or is understandably obsessed with faucets, shower heads, and floor drains. We recommend that Mr. Lott seek career counseling or professional help from PA (Plumbers Anonymous).<br /> <br /> STORY: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/28/patrick-lott-videotape-boys-showering_n_1173426.html">Patrick Lott, Middle School Principal, Arrested For Allegedly Recording Boys Showering</a>

Play/protest for pay in the windy city

Recent demonstrations supporting the closure of "under-performing" schools have drawn scrutiny from the teacher's union membership and others. The Rev. Roosevelt Watkins III, leader of Englewood's HOPE organization advocates these closing and has allegedly paid folks a "training stipend"  of $25 to hop on the bus and get out there and support shuttin' em' down. We don't recall any such tactics from Saul Alinsky's Rules for Radicals, nor do we remember cashing in on Civil Rights and Vietnam War protests during our college years. Perhaps the good reverend is trying to stimulate the economy in Chicago. Some protesters didn't have any idea as to why they were there or what they were protesting!

STORY: Paid To Protest? Chicago Schools Watchdog Investigating After Needy Residents Paid To Support Closures

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRlR-Ro7K3_or82fNZkI3gvqiOu4UtKhbJTbZDK1okQrzXxmClv6A" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRlR-Ro7K3_or82fNZkI3gvqiOu4UtKhbJTbZDK1okQrzXxmClv6A" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Recent demonstrations supporting the closure of "under-performing" schools have drawn scrutiny from the teacher's union membership and others. The Rev. Roosevelt Watkins III, leader of Englewood's HOPE organization advocates these closing and has allegedly paid folks a "training stipend"  of $25 to hop on the bus and get out there and support shuttin' em' down. We don't recall any such tactics from Saul Alinsky's <i><b>Rules for Radicals</b></i>, nor do we remember cashing in on Civil Rights and Vietnam War protests during our college years. Perhaps the good reverend is trying to stimulate the economy in Chicago. Some protesters didn't have any idea as to why they were there or what they were protesting!<br /> <br /> STORY: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/26/paid-to-protest-chicago-s_n_1233571.html?ref=education&ir=Education">Paid To Protest? Chicago Schools Watchdog Investigating After Needy Residents Paid To Support Closures</a>

Flat earth parents

A group of parents asked that the Anoka-Hennepin School District School Board to include information about "ex-gay therapy" and "Gay related immune deficiency (GRID)" in its curriculum policy revisions. The Parent Action League (PAL) apparently subscribes to the notion that shaking the rooster claw over GLBT children will cure them and wants to use language (GRID) that hasn't been used in the medical community for over 25 years! We are waiting for them to advocate blood-letting and routine exorcisms as well. Thankfully, the board has resisted pressure from the community neanderthals. This is a district that has experienced six suicides in less than 24 months, some of which were gay students. We join Tammy Aaberg, mother of one of the suicide victims, in support of the board for resisting pressure from PAL.
STORY: Conservative Parents Demand School Teach About Ex-Gay Therapy (VIDEO)

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.happyheartandmind.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/flat-earth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="http://www.happyheartandmind.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/flat-earth.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> A group of parents asked that the Anoka-Hennepin School District School Board to include information about "ex-gay therapy" and "Gay related immune deficiency (GRID)" in its curriculum policy revisions. The Parent Action League (PAL) apparently subscribes to the notion that shaking the rooster claw over GLBT children will cure them and wants to use language (GRID) that hasn't been used in the medical community for over 25 years! We are waiting for them to advocate blood-letting and routine exorcisms as well. Thankfully, the board has resisted pressure from the community neanderthals. This is a district that has experienced six suicides in less than 24 months, some of which were gay students. We join Tammy Aaberg, mother of one of the suicide victims, in support of the board for resisting pressure from PAL.<br /> STORY: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/25/conservative-parents-demand-school-teach-ex-gay-therapy_n_1231409.html">Conservative Parents Demand School Teach About Ex-Gay Therapy (VIDEO)</a>

One tough cookie

New York City high school student Nesshell Rainford provides a powerful essay chronicling her journey through adolescence and her confrontation with racism> with one crowd she was "too white" with another "ghetto" and she experienced these stereotypes both face-to-face in her schools as well as in cyberspace. At one point her mom advised her to "be satisfied with the body God gave you" and she thought "how can I be satisfied when I felt God had made a mistake in my skin color?" Her essay makes us question the culture of schools where this is pervasive...even her African drum instructor told her she had no rythm...she was too white.We sense that this talented young woman will be successful and will speak volumes to folks that need to listen to her message as a human being. Thanks Nesshell.

STORY: Racism In High School: 'I'm Not Oreo Or Ghetto -- I'm Just Being Me'

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.sciencebob.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/oreo_cookie_moon_phases.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://www.sciencebob.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/oreo_cookie_moon_phases.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> New York City high school student Nesshell Rainford provides a powerful essay chronicling her journey through adolescence and her confrontation with racism> with one crowd she was "too white" with another "ghetto" and she experienced these stereotypes both face-to-face in her schools as well as in cyberspace. At one point her mom advised her to "be satisfied with the body God gave you" and she thought "how can I be satisfied when I felt God had made a mistake in my skin color?" Her essay makes us question the culture of schools where this is pervasive...even her African drum instructor told her she had no rythm...she was too white.We sense that this talented young woman will be successful and will speak volumes to folks that need to listen to her message as a human being. Thanks Nesshell.<br /> <br /> STORY: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/15/racism-in-high-school-im-_n_1208065.html">Racism In High School: 'I'm Not Oreo Or Ghetto -- I'm Just Being Me'</a>

Dress for success

Eighteen year-old aspiring dancer and model Sydney Spies had her yearbook photo yanked by Durango High School. It apparently did not meet community or professional standards. Ms. Spies acknowledged that some people might think it was too sexy, but she sees this as freedom of expression and we must agree. We have to wonder if the cheerleaders at Durango High are sporting jump suits, or if the wrestlers have thrown away the standard singlets as too revealing. Any ideas as to how the swim team photo may turn out? Finally, watch for this photo on Joan River's "Bitch stole my look!"

STORY: Sydney Spies, Durango High School Senior's Photo Yanked From Yearbook For Controversial Attire 

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgSISd4t1NYq_05ZJcSW-9Tp8zx5eLdHEd-VOU3zHnLdVP4TKWWngi8PTqetI7HZqDCXoUPJHmcn488xqtLC-5oVuyQmbp1ifvDZQjnO7NHjDefxnkSs3_3YSe5zckfaxdnSv0Y0GG5WU/s1600/633821078592410435-strippers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgSISd4t1NYq_05ZJcSW-9Tp8zx5eLdHEd-VOU3zHnLdVP4TKWWngi8PTqetI7HZqDCXoUPJHmcn488xqtLC-5oVuyQmbp1ifvDZQjnO7NHjDefxnkSs3_3YSe5zckfaxdnSv0Y0GG5WU/s400/633821078592410435-strippers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> Eighteen year-old aspiring dancer and model Sydney Spies had her yearbook photo yanked by Durango High School. It apparently did not meet community or professional standards. Ms. Spies acknowledged that some people might think it was too sexy, but she sees this as freedom of expression and we must agree. We have to wonder if the cheerleaders at Durango High are sporting jump suits, or if the wrestlers have thrown away the standard singlets as too revealing. Any ideas as to how the swim team photo may turn out? Finally, watch for this photo on Joan River's "Bitch stole my look!"<br /> <br /> STORY: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/05/sydney-spies-durango-high_n_1188721.html">Sydney Spies, Durango High School Senior's Photo Yanked From Yearbook For Controversial Attire </a>

Let's undo lunch!

3200 Chicago Public School cafeteria workers staged a protest aimed to question the school district's menu choices. Described as "bland, frozen," and largely ignored by most principals and students (there's a revelation), one worker asked the telling question: " How can we make real food if you take away real kitchens?" ANSWER...schedule a field trip to your local McDonald's. Bon appetite!

STORY: Lunch Ladies Protest Chicago Public Schools Food, Release Report Detailing Deficiencies

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.dentonrc.com/sharedcontent/dws/img/v3/07-13-2010.NMC_13floydMAIN1.G8A2RKN7F.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="http://www.dentonrc.com/sharedcontent/dws/img/v3/07-13-2010.NMC_13floydMAIN1.G8A2RKN7F.1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> 3200 Chicago Public School cafeteria workers staged a protest aimed to question the school district's menu choices. Described as "bland, frozen," and largely ignored by most principals and students (there's a revelation), one worker asked the telling question: " How can we make real food if you take away real kitchens?" ANSWER...schedule a field trip to your local McDonald's. Bon appetite!<br /> <br /> STORY: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/25/lunch-ladies-protest-chic_n_1232033.html">Lunch Ladies Protest Chicago Public Schools Food, Release Report Detailing Deficiencies</a>

Science fair not fear

Every once in a while a story like this surfaces that should remind us of the incredible potential of young people. Angela Zhang started reading doctoral level work in 9th grade and was recently awarded a $100K as a winner in the National Siemens Science Contest. She has developed at age 17 a nanoparticle with potential cancer cure applications. This ain't the usual science fair entry, but points us to making opportunities for all students to create and innovate.

STORY: Angela Zhang, High School Student Devises Potential Cancer Cure

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTKGrJiB03mR9PYt7ft3K7_430SLJwemNrXwalUyFIRc8PjhOPI8EWeddpD1T60V6hihGBr8QdMB_6XUodbw2D6seVM79J6gyqZY08OrGcBAGnBf6BI1eWcAudoOg7YnpYMQDpQBf0w6np/s1600/science_board.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTKGrJiB03mR9PYt7ft3K7_430SLJwemNrXwalUyFIRc8PjhOPI8EWeddpD1T60V6hihGBr8QdMB_6XUodbw2D6seVM79J6gyqZY08OrGcBAGnBf6BI1eWcAudoOg7YnpYMQDpQBf0w6np/s400/science_board.gif" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Every once in a while a story like this surfaces that should remind us of the incredible potential of young people. Angela Zhang started reading doctoral level work in 9th grade and was recently awarded a $100K as a winner in the National Siemens Science Contest. She has developed at age 17 a nanoparticle with potential cancer cure applications. This ain't the usual science fair entry, but points us to making opportunities for all students to create and innovate.<br /> <br /> STORY: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/15/angela-zhang-high-school-_n_1207177.html">Angela Zhang, High School Student Devises Potential Cancer Cure</a>

That's dope

Talk about show and tell!! A four-year old special needs student broke out 9 bags of grass at snack time to share with his classmates...no bogarting here in Meriden, Connecticut. We advocate natural snack products and Hanover Elementary School may be experimenting with a new version of "Scooby Snacks" in order to maintain Annual Yearly Progress (AYP). Talk about "high" levels of student achievement...

Perhaps DARE needs to reach down to pre-schoolers.

STORY: Boy Pulls Out Marijuana At School

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://images.clipartof.com/small/226856-Royalty-Free-RF-Clipart-Illustration-Of-A-Caterpillar-Eating-A-Marijuana-Leaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://images.clipartof.com/small/226856-Royalty-Free-RF-Clipart-Illustration-Of-A-Caterpillar-Eating-A-Marijuana-Leaf.jpg" width="397" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Talk about show and tell!! A four-year old special needs student broke out 9 bags of grass at snack time to share with his classmates...no bogarting here in Meriden, Connecticut. We advocate natural snack products and Hanover Elementary School may be experimenting with a new version of "Scooby Snacks" in order to maintain Annual Yearly Progress (AYP). Talk about "high" levels of student achievement...</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Perhaps DARE needs to reach down to pre-schoolers.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> STORY: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/26/boy-brings-marijuana-to-school_n_1233779.html?view=print&comm_ref=false">Boy Pulls Out Marijuana At School</a></div>

Going Post-IT

Eighth-grade Middle School student Samantha Bremmer believes in positive messaging. In response to what she saw as mean-spirited bullying, she spent her holiday break composing 820 positive messages to be posted on classmates lockers. Mill Creek Middle School teacher Val Berryman said its nice to see student's encouraging each other. We love random acts of kindness and caring. Way to go Samantha...please consider teaching as a career! Our profession needs people with their hearts and minds in the right place.

STORY: UPDATED: Mill Creek Middle School Student Inspires Classmates Through Posts on Lockers

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://gtdretail.webege.com/Photos/postit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://gtdretail.webege.com/Photos/postit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /> Eighth-grade Middle School student Samantha Bremmer believes in positive messaging. In response to what she saw as mean-spirited bullying, she spent her holiday break composing 820 positive messages to be posted on classmates lockers. Mill Creek Middle School teacher Val Berryman said its nice to see student's encouraging each other. We love random acts of kindness and caring. Way to go Samantha...please consider teaching as a career! Our profession needs people with their hearts and minds in the right place.<br /> <br /> STORY: UPDATED: <a href="http://dexter.patch.com/articles/mill-creek-middle-school-student-posts-inspirational-messages-to-classmates">Mill Creek Middle School Student Inspires Classmates Through Posts on Lockers</a>