Testing, Basic Skills, Behavior, and Blame

Mamacita says:  Testing, you say?  Don’t get me wrong.  I believe in testing, to a point.  I do not believe that a student who can’t pass a simple test of basic skills should be promoted at all, in fact. That … Continue reading

You Want Educational Standards? We Used To Have Them.

Mamacita says: Oh please, society, let us learn from the past, just a little bit?  Because those in charge of those in charge of the education of our children are doing it all wrong.  Real education has nothing to do … Continue reading

Polymers in the Writing Lab

Mamacita says: Yes, it’s true. I use polymers in my writing labs. I also use all kinds of science in my reading labs. I’ve done this for many years.  And guess what: this WORKS. Here’s the thing about learning: everything … Continue reading

Quotation Saturday: The Snarky Arts

Mamacita says:  Ah, the Arts. Without them, we’d all spend our money on Flintstones mudflaps, gas station black velvet Elvises, Billy Ray Cyrus, ceramic geese (seasonal clothing extra) and anything with Lindsey Lohan, and think THAT was art. Sadly, some … Continue reading

Standardization, Administration, & Other Bollocky Things

Mamacita says:  Beethoven and Rodin would never make it in an American public school these days. Neither would Lincoln, or Clara Barton, or Thomas Jefferson. Nor Einstein. Or Edison. Administrators have forgotten that ultimately, our culture will be judged on … Continue reading

Quotation Saturday

Yes, indeed, another week has come and gone and it’s time for Quotation Saturday once again! 1.  It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish.  –Mother Teresa 2. Rudeness … Continue reading