A Case for Testing...

So, anyone think we're testing our students too much?

Me too.

This research, however, seems to suggest that testing (when correctly implemented and not overused) might actually be a powerful method to help students retain information.

Check this out:

Down for the count, but not out.

As a Detroiter at heart, I appreciate Blow's silver-lined thoughts on an unspeakable tragedy in a city already battling the corruption of the human spirit.

Well put:

Detroit is "...filled with indomitable spirits of gritty, determined Americans. They’re fierce, proud and unbreakable. They believe in that city."

Amen.

College During High School?

Some high schools in New York are combining high school classes with two-year Associates programs in hybrid high school/college careers.

Imagine how well these students will be prepared for a four-year university...

Best line in the world:

When you look at the variety of public schools that have worked well in the U.S. — in cities big and small, and in suburban and rural areas — you wonder why anyone thought it was a good idea to throw a stultifying blanket of standardization over the education of millions of kids of different aptitudes, interests and levels of maturity.

A Very Bright Idea

Green Airplanes

Hey, as long as it stays in the air, I'll book a flight:

Everyone Can Always Use a Little Dowd

One of Joe Biden's latest emails...didn't particularly defend Elena Kagan. In a number of ways.

Luckily, through fantastic sarcastic humor, Maureen Dowd made sure this "Big F*cking Deal" wasn't inaudible:

Supremely Girly Girl

AZ Education Doing Something Wrong!

So, after Arizona decided to launch a new immigration policy, they decided to turn to their teachers and launch a similar offensive.

To my friends teaching in Arizona: I'm sorry your state sucks.

Grading Teachers on Fluency

So it's kinda broken...do you still want it?

Yes, the current Senate health care bill only vaguely resembled the health care reform that many Americans anticipated - so is it still worth passing?

Yes.

Yes.

Ten thousand times yes.

Recognizing Reform

Credits to SJ.

Hide and (still seeking) with John McCain

For the first half of the 2000's, and even in the early stages of his presidential campaign, I often considered supporting John McCain. He seemed intelligent, moderate, thoughtful, and capable of productive leadership.

And then he ran for president.

Even in his concession speech, I thought I caught a glimmer of the moderate McCain that I had once debated supporting.

And then he joined his radical comrades.

Maureen Dowd does a fantastic job of questioning whether this "worthwhile" John McCain actually exists:

Is There a Real John McCain?

Anyone else notice tackling is non-existent?

I'd been wondering about this for a while, and even though Al Michaels offered a predictable explanation, I'm still wondering if this new trend is okay...

Hey, what happened to tackling?

Adding a little spice to your Christmas dinner...

Bring this up with family and see where it gets you:

More U.S. Christians mix in Eastern, 'New Age' Beliefs

Rodent Headdress?

WHY.

I'm shuddering simply reposting this:

Rodent Headdress on Catwalk

Thanks, Jess.

The A/V Club — Best of the Decade: Films

My pops said this was stupid. I disagree with the top choice. "The Dark Knight" gets the nod, but was outranked by "The Prestige." There are already dozens of these comes coming out, and I'm working on my own top 25, to then hopefully change it by 2020. This list also kinda reflects of our (Eric, Linz, Sofia, Beef) generation. No? Ch-ch-check it out:

http://www.avclub.com/articles/the-best-films-of-the-00s,35931/

Veterans in Education

More efforts in supporting the troops fortunate enough to return home:

Troops Finding New Service as Teachers

Organization: Troops to Teachers

Give big business a gold star! ...for environmental strategies?

Don't overlook how some big businesses are making formidable changes in their operation to converse energy and boost their environmental conscience.

Does this excuse some of their decisions? Not in the least. But at least give yourself a balanced perspective.

Will Big Business Save the Earth?

Some of us could actually take a page from their books...

You mean...you DIDN'T like our military coup?

Unfortunately, amidst golfers crashing cars and socialites crashing parties, much of the American 'news media' has bypassed ::gasp:: how America is effecting governments other than in the Middle East.

That whole Honduran military coup? It does mean something about how our foreign policy strategies are viewed in other countries...

Gone South

Life Decisions

If you ever read anything on this blog, consider this:

"The Referendum is a phenomenon...whereby people...start judging their peers’ differing [life] choices with reactions ranging from envy to contempt."

The Referendum

Leaving the Right

In case these posts hadn't already hinted towards any political leanings...

Leaving the Right

Kind of reminds me of a certain Republicans lament from the Michigan Daily.

Where does our generation stand in past political trends?

Even though our future is up to us, historical patterns illuminate different possibilities.

A Generation in the Balance

Make a point to check out the secondary links within the piece, too.

Who needs Broadway when you're serving tables?

While many aspiring-artists-posing-as-waiters "...spend all their time trying instead of doing," this group of waiters is putting on performances (outside of work).

Sauce on the Side

Take a break from news about the States!!!

...and review a history lesson from across the pond.

November 9th