Standardized Testing and Butter

Mamacita says:  I want to talk to you all about standardized testing and butter, and then I want you to tell me which is more important. I ran into a former middle school student in a store yesterday. I recognized … Continue reading

Bread and Butter and Sharp Knives and ISTEP

Mamacita says: I used to cook and make butter with my students.  I am reminded of those days whenever I run into former students from that class. A while back, I ran into one of those former middle school student … Continue reading

What Is Education?

Mamacita says:  It was his third strike for the same offense.  Last Wednesday morning, after class,  I had to play “Plagiaristic Confrontation” again, and it was no fun. It’s never fun. All throughout my career, I’ve listened to teachers brag … Continue reading

You're Not The Boss of Me.

Mamacita says:  I think, sometimes anyway, that it’s when my students get into hot and heavy “discussions” – most of which I jump into as well, that I like my job the best.  The public school discouraged discussion; there were … Continue reading