tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64130162011-10-06T13:12:22.753-04:00from a public HS teacher (Gov't, Religion, Soc. Issues), who is eclectic (Dem-leaning) politically and Quaker (& open) on everything else. Hope you enjoy what you find here.teacherkennoreply@blogger.comBlogger2831100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-12278699514009489692010-04-07T23:09:00.002-04:002010-04-07T23:15:27.099-04:00

I see that Jay Mathews hot-linked to this blog in his mention about me in the piece he did about Eleanor Roosevelt, the terrific school at which I am honored to teach.What Jay does not realize is that this blog is basically moribund. Even some of the links on the right hand side, such as that for My Left Wing, are now obsolete.I do still blog. You can read my work at my user page at Daily Kos

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-16875665775487927322007-12-29T06:48:00.000-05:002007-12-29T06:51:53.992-05:00

cross-posted from Daily KosDecember 29, 1985. It was a Sunday. For December it was crisp, but not too cold. It began with attendance at church, although we arrived for the morning services separately. It was a day full of family and friends. It was our wedding day. Kenneth Bernstein was not yet teacherken, but that marriage to the woman who posts here (too infrequently) as Leaves on the

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-21406844833196262662007-11-27T19:22:00.000-05:002007-11-27T19:36:28.946-05:00

I have not been posting much here recently. I have had much to consider in my life, and even those things I have written for other sites it did not seem all that worthwhile to put them over here. After all, they are far more likely to be read at dailykos, raisingkaine, streetprophets, and so on, than on an obscure blog to which few link and even fewer read.But I have a few thoughts I want to

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-32375952011141419952007-11-04T10:46:00.000-05:002007-11-04T10:47:06.770-05:00

crossposted from dailykos where it was on the recommended listI have just finished reading a book I have to review entitled Be a Teacher. One of the editors is Phil Bigler, who has won all three of the big national teaching awards: Disney, Milken and National Teacher of the Year. It is a book aimed at those considering teaching or near the start of their teaching careers, and is subtitled with

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-53273218309324489392007-09-23T07:06:00.000-04:002007-09-23T07:07:26.604-04:00

(this is being posted at a variety of sites, including dailykos, raisingkaine, and the education policy blog)While is Iowa this week Democratic Presidential candidate John Edwards unveiled an extensive and fairly comprehensive approach to the educational issues facing America’s schools. It is entitled Restoring the Promise of America's Schools. It is by far the best overall approach to

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-90758151019529299682007-08-12T09:25:00.000-04:002007-08-12T09:43:43.649-04:00

On the Op-Ed page of today's Washington Post is a provocatively entitled piece, An American Hajj written by Charles Crohn, deputy director of the American Battle Monuments Commission. He uses the Muslim obligation of Hajj, the mandatory one-time visit to Mecca as a metaphor and asks What if every American who is able to do so made an effort to visit at least one American military cemetery

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-41601077402336506462007-08-11T16:58:00.000-04:002007-08-11T16:59:51.064-04:00

crossposted from dailykosHubert H. Humphrey told us It was once said that the moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; and those who are in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy and the handicapped. I have reluctantly come to the conclusion that we live in a nation whose

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-14768001864015114742007-08-08T10:33:00.001-04:002007-08-08T13:12:26.322-04:00

this is crossposted from dailykosNo Child Left Behind, the title for which was stolen from the motto "Leave No Child Behind" of the Children's Defense Fund, has as a primary purpose to ensure that minority children and special education recipients receive full attention and opportunity to succeed - this is one reason the law requires the disaggregation of test scores by groups including race,

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-47255083161381916042007-07-23T08:04:00.000-04:002007-07-23T10:36:57.997-04:00

crossposted from dailykosLet me start by noting that I am no fan of No Child Left Behind, and have opposed it since before it became law in 2002. I am actively involved in lobbying for major changes in the current efforts to reauthorize the law. As a high school social studies teacher I am not directly impacted by the law, because social studies does not count for Adequate Yearly Progress. I

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-52988534515479081472007-05-28T10:02:00.000-04:002007-05-28T13:13:39.024-04:00

Shaw's father wanted no monumentexcept the ditch,where his son's body was thrownand lost with his "niggers."The ditch is nearer.There are no statues for the last war here;on Boylston Street, a commercial photographshows Hiroshima boilingover a Mosler Safe, the "Rock of Ages"that survived the blast. Space is nearer.When I crouch to my television set,the drained faces of Negro school-children rise

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-50020802177698287302007-05-28T10:00:00.000-04:002007-05-28T10:02:33.384-04:00

Originally posted on May 26 at dailykosShould we amend all of the textbooks in America to explain to schoolchildren that what has been taught for more than two centuries about checks and balances is no longer valid? Should we teach them instead that the United States Congress and the courts are merely advisory groups that make suggestions to the president on what the law should be, but that the

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-78704344769689551322007-05-19T07:17:00.000-04:002007-05-19T07:18:42.385-04:00

Yesterday was the last day for our seniors. That may seem strange. Graduation is June 1, and the school year goes for almost another two weeks beyond that. I won’t try to justify this. But yesterday was the beginning of a time for goodbyes, and when one says goodbye, it is not unusual for one to look back. So before I begin what will be a hectic and peripatetic day I thought I would take a

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-88268162444117620382007-04-29T08:22:00.000-04:002007-04-29T08:24:20.177-04:00

originally posted at dailykos. Also crossposted in a number of other venuesEducation is the subject about which I most often write, about which I most often think. When I get a chance to speak with a public office holder, it is the subject almost certain to come up. I write about education and not only here. Last year I urged Yearlykos to have a panel on education and took the responsibility

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-24151436618944911042007-04-21T11:26:00.000-04:002007-04-21T11:27:17.632-04:00

crossposted from dailykosMy message to you tonight is simple. Stay true. Hew to the facts and to your ideals. Listen with respect, but do not cede an inch to intolerance and lies.Those words were near the end of don’t back down, the diary last night by the wonderful kid oakland. The title is also the last line of the diary.I have written before on what was important and non-negotiable. Last

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-51364688733980955012007-04-15T08:01:00.000-04:002007-04-15T08:02:21.384-04:00

It seems, as one becomes older, That the past has another pattern, and ceases to be a mere sequence— Or even development: the latter a partial fallacy Encouraged by superficial notions of evolution, Which becomes, in the popular mind, a means of disowning the past. The moments of happiness—not the sense of well-being, Fruition, fulfilment, security or affection, Or even a very good dinner

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-64302876475859857292007-04-10T00:07:00.000-04:002007-04-10T00:12:59.672-04:00

is the content of this diary. I will, below the fold, reproduce what a friend sent out across an educational list last night. Before you read it, let me note the following1) this is but one of many examples that can be used to explain so much of what is wrong about our current approach to education, one exacerbated by NCLB2) If you pass it on, please be sure to give credit to the good Rabbi who

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-34401791397993100932007-04-09T07:40:00.000-04:002007-04-09T07:42:41.902-04:00

crossposted from dailykos and neverinournamesPrivacy, the dictionary says, is the state of being free from unsanctioned intrusion. But that definition seems anachronistic, with ubiquitous intrusion a new fact of life. For security, or mere efficiency, we Americans are sanctioning the end of our right to deny sanction to such invasion.That is a quote from the final paragraph of Fingerprint

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-16284785350194585662007-04-06T18:05:00.000-04:002007-04-06T18:07:12.042-04:00

originally posted at DailykosEducational software, a $2 billion-a-year industry that has become the darling of school systems across the country, has no significant impact on student performance, according to a study by the U.S. Department of Education.The long-awaited report amounts to a rebuke of educational technology, a business whose growth has been spurred by schools desperate for ways to

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-38670064550778067662007-04-06T18:00:00.000-04:002007-04-06T18:05:00.980-04:00

this was originally posted at dailykos on April 5The tug of war for talented teachers heats up every spring as graduation nears, particularly among the Washington suburbs, which demand far more teachers than nearby education schools can deliver. Virginia's teaching programs produce about 3,100 graduates a year in a state with more than 7,300 job openings, according to recent data. Maryland's

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-7693682086900195272007-04-01T08:18:00.000-04:002007-04-01T09:29:14.898-04:00

On Monday April 1, 1985 Villanova was about to play Georgetown for the NCAA championship. It was the Monday of Holy Week. At lunch I went outside to buy a Philadelphia paper to see how they were covering the game. And then I saw a story which shook my world. A man named Leon Moser had the day before, Palm Sunday (as it is today) had shown up at the church where his estranged wife Linda was

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-12029066268772967152007-03-25T05:54:00.000-04:002007-03-25T05:57:09.062-04:00

Actually, I am not going to issue grades. I will offer more informal assessments. Given how tough a grader my students say I am, the candidates should probably thank me in advance.I have long felt that education is an important issue for our future, and thus should be an important part of the campaign of any progressive candidate. In this diary I will examine what I found on the websites of

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-67380898370166582622007-03-18T14:57:00.000-04:002007-03-18T14:58:52.645-04:00

crossposted from dailykosEach moment we live never was before and will never be again. And yet what we teach children in school is 2 + 2 = 4 and Paris is the capital of France. What we should be teaching them is what they are. We should be saying: "Do you know what you are? You are a marvel. You are unique. In all the world there is no other child exactly like you. In the millions of years

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-7965134872311674162007-03-10T07:49:00.000-05:002007-03-10T07:51:29.357-05:00

I STROKED my mother's short, soft hair for many minutes. Her eyes were closed. I had not seen this much peace in her still-beautiful, velvet face for many years. She sat motionless on her nursing home bed, erect as a Buddha. A fresh spring breeze whispered through the window.I thought to myself, my mother's final journey has begun.The words are not mine. I do not write that well, and my own

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-76216991951595631282007-02-03T19:24:00.000-05:002007-02-03T19:25:58.540-05:00

This is a diary I do not expect to get read by many people, even though it will be posted in several places: dailykos, raisingkaine, teacherken .. Despite any confidence in its finding an audience, I have nevertheless decided to write it and offer it to the wind.The title refers to my visit to the DNC winter meeting, largely today, but also including a social visit with bloggers and others last

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1167278858405685362006-12-27T23:06:00.000-05:002006-12-27T23:07:38.646-05:00

It may be when we no longer know what to do,we have come to our real work,and that when we no longer know which way to go,we have begun our real journey. Wendell Berry That is the Epigram with which Jon Kabat-Zinn opens his latest book: Coming to Our Senses: Healing ourselves and the world through mindfulnessI have just begun the book. There are a few passages I’d like to share.

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1167181370730922382006-12-26T20:02:00.000-05:002006-12-26T20:02:53.906-05:00

I have had several thoughts rattling around in my head for the past hour or so. So I sat down and started writing. Since I had no other topic on which I wished to write today, I decided that I would post this as my daily offering.I am hoping that this will have value for at least one person. If not, I apologize in advance for the electrons I have consumed. Feel free to read or not as suits

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1166973721797977872006-12-24T10:21:00.000-05:002006-12-24T10:22:02.093-05:00

crossposted from dailykosThe Servant-Leader is servant first. It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead. The difference manifests itself in the care taken by the servant: - first, to make sure that other people’s highest priority needs are being served. The best test is: do those served grow as persons; do they, while being

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1166874900722063192006-12-23T06:54:00.000-05:002006-12-23T06:56:13.500-05:00

crossposted from dailykosThe motives of the drivers behind NCLB—which fixes in law our misplaced obsessions—vary, but between them they have helped create a climate that removes democracy from our schoolhouses. Folks like us who advocate a different kind of childhood are on occasion labeled elitist, failing to confront the gap between advantaged and disadvantaged that requires that we throw

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1166800574119197462006-12-22T10:14:00.000-05:002006-12-22T12:01:44.886-05:00

this is crossposted at Dailykos and elsewhere. Please post any comments over thereFrom the King James Bible, Matthew 5:34-37:But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1166362049744437262006-12-17T08:26:00.000-05:002006-12-17T08:27:29.970-05:00

I have chosen to offer a few thoughts from one who for a change will welcome the break. Normally as a teacher I get somewhat depressed being apart from my students, because it is a time when I cannot make a difference. But this year I find I am not alone in being glad for a chance to recoup. In my case there are some things that are specific for me. But for many of us who would otherwise be

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1166361844874650802006-12-17T08:23:00.000-05:002006-12-17T08:25:46.343-05:00

this diary was originally posted on 12/16 at dailykos and at RaisingKaine. It was on the recommended list at dailykos for more than 12 hours, and I have posted in text from that versioncrossposted at RaisingKaineOne aspect of Jim Webb that I do not expect to change once he is sworn in on January 4th is that he will say what is on his mind.Certainly this has bee true of him in the past, as he was

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1165756366298136552006-12-10T08:10:00.000-05:002006-12-10T08:15:22.600-05:00

The material below is the comments and suggestion offered by the dailykos community in response to several diaries soliciting input for what we should address in our attempts to redesign American education. Thanks go to DeweyCounts for organizing these by topic. And if you have read this far, I apologize for the poor html of this blog.1. History2. Where we are now (standardization, punishment,

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1165268836931431632006-12-04T16:45:00.000-05:002006-12-04T16:47:17.613-05:00

Staff in these schools struggle to educate students in conditions that few corporations, much less building inspectors, would tolerate. Mold, leaking ceilings, extreme temperatures, raw sewage seeping into hallways, mice droppings, severely overcrowded classrooms - these unhealthy and/or unsafe conditions plague tens of thousand of old and new school buildings where millions of Americans age 5

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1164431000704970772006-11-25T00:01:00.000-05:002006-11-25T00:03:44.376-05:00

Crossposted from dailykos, which is a political blog, which will explain at least some of the verbiage,XM Radio Channel 110 played what its two hosts, Paul Bachman and Martin Goldsmith (who is a dailykos participant) considered the top 25 classical works of all time. I have to admit that much of my Friday was consumed by listening. Especially when they got to the last 8, about which I will talk

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1162009952340896952006-10-28T00:31:00.000-04:002006-10-28T00:32:33.316-04:00

Look folks, I normally don't give a darn about what someone said or did 27 years ago.  Heck, in 1979 I was 2 religions back, still living in Pennsylvania and working in data processing.  That should be too far back in anyone's life for it to matter now.I don't care about 27 years ago or 30 years ago or even 20 years ago.  I don't care, unless the words and actions are part of a pattern that

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1160310098884758362006-10-08T08:21:00.000-04:002006-10-08T08:21:40.126-04:00

I am a teacher. My blogname clearly indicates that. Many people I encounter electronically presume that I choose to teach because of a burning desire to inculcate knowledge into the mind of others. Had I confidence in what I know such a desire might play a far larger role than it does. The reality is far more complicated. It is also relevant to my participation in a political blog. At

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1159018563231941852006-09-23T09:35:00.000-04:002006-09-23T09:36:12.933-04:00

It ain’t easy. This week I had a candid discussion with my AP Government students. I noted that there is something horribly gone wrong with our system if the primary discussion is how much of what the world considers to be torture we will accept as justifiable.I also can get quite demoralized by what I see in our political discourse, and that I lay at the feet of both parties. It does not

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1158493715112562602006-09-17T07:47:00.000-04:002006-09-17T07:48:35.716-04:00

Yesterday was the (almost always annual) Mark Warner Pig Roast. Mark and his wife Lisa Collis open up their Rappahannock Bend Farm in King George County Virginia to large crowds of people who come to eat, drink, schmooze, and let their kids play (face painting, hay rides, other activities), while the former Governor and his wife stand on line forever to greet people. Yesterday was my first time

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1157856841013799932006-09-09T22:53:00.000-04:002006-09-09T23:07:51.626-04:00

Please note, I do not consider myself a Christian, although I did spend 17 years of my life in overtly Christian denominations, the Episcopal Church and the Orthodox Church in America (in which I held national, diocesan, and local elected and appointed positions),and I have a master from a Catholic Seminary. Thus I can only speak now now from the perspective of an outsider, albeit one with a

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1157284081153730112006-09-03T07:47:00.000-04:002006-09-03T08:45:46.143-04:00

this was drafted to be posted at THE WALL - a group educational blog. However, I had major problems with getting html links to work on that blog, so the version posted there is slightly different. I hope people here will find this of some value.I have wrestled for quite some time with finding a topic on which to focus for this, my time to be the official poster. I thought I had decided

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1156598375994515152006-08-26T09:18:00.000-04:002006-08-26T09:19:36.520-04:00

Dear readers, I have not been able to spend much time with you, here or at other sites, because this first week of classes has been all-consuming, more than any other year in my teaching experience, of which this is the 12th year. There are some unique aspects to this week, which I will discuss further down. And as always, soccer practice had begun before the students arrived for classes this

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1155987211069097872006-08-19T07:32:00.000-04:002006-08-19T07:33:31.966-04:00

As some may know, besides serving as a teacher, I am also involved in educational policy issues - as an advocate, occasional writer, and advisor to political candidates.  This coming Wednesday I am appearing at a Blue Ribbon Commission in the county in which I teach which is concerned about our schools' performance on mandatory state tests.  I am presenting primarily on my perspective as a

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1155467111961957252006-08-13T07:03:00.000-04:002006-08-13T07:05:12.233-04:00

The Outlook Section of the Sunday Washington Post has a page called "Close To Home" on its back, with pieces on the local community.  The title of this diary is the same as that of this week's section, and contains a subtitle which saysWe asked teachers, students, and education officials to tell us what they hope the new academic year will bring.   You will see a variety of views if you read the

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1154164485064249332006-07-29T05:13:00.000-04:002006-07-29T05:26:50.110-04:00

It seems to me that we need to establish where we stand. So I will in this diary offer a suggestion of how those of us who support education should approach any discussion on ANY topic of education. I have decided that it is the framework within which I will henceforth carry on my own discussions, public and private.If you care about this issue, I suggest you continue reading.teacherken’s

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1153907641657288412006-07-26T05:53:00.000-04:002006-07-27T14:58:54.930-04:00

Our First Amendment begins with two separate clauses about freedom of religion, one which says that there will be no establishment and the other which guarantees free exercise. Both restrictions were applied only to the Federal government (“Congress shall make no law”) because to have attempted otherwise would have doomed any chance of getting a meaningful Bill of Rights. Religion, like

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1153773150857081932006-07-24T16:32:00.000-04:002006-07-24T16:32:31.323-04:00

As a social studies teacher, at times I have taught both US and World History. As person from an educated family (both parents graduated from Cornell in 1930’s and both did substantial graduate work) I grew up reading widely. As a recipient of a liberal education (including a degree from Haverford where though my major was music my minors were history and philosophy) I have learned to read

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1153267370460323142006-07-18T20:02:00.000-04:002006-07-18T20:03:41.216-04:00

As I write this, I sit at a desk in a darkened dormitory room at the College of William & Mary, the only illumination from the screen on the computer upon which I write, and the green l-e-d on the speaker that is attached, playing late Piano Sonatas by Beethoven. I begin this not quite sure what I intend to say, nor if anyone other than me will ever read this words. I will make that decision

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1153053087422770112006-07-16T08:29:00.000-04:002006-07-16T08:31:31.410-04:00

I am at the College of William & Mary relatively early on Sunday morning.  My seminar comes to a close on Friday. I will head home to attend a teach-in on impeachment that evening.  I will have until August 9 before I return to formal school activities, with the time until then split between planning, doing the reading for which I will not have time during the school year and relaxation and

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1152362942959243602006-07-08T08:48:00.000-04:002006-07-08T10:31:26.726-04:00

Perhaps it is that I am now officially a senior citizen.  It may be not having children and having a wife who  makes more than me and hence is economically self-sufficient.  Perhaps as a result I may feel more at liberty to act on principles and damn the consequences.  Maybe it is that I have reached a point where I want to set into the movie “Network” and be like the character Howard Beale

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1152092884930769902006-07-05T05:46:00.000-04:002006-07-05T05:48:06.026-04:00

Pete Hamill is a New York legend whom I was fortunate enough to know slightly from hanging at the Lion’s Head on Christopher Street and from living briefly in Park Slope at the same time as he did. He was a terrific writer for both the New York Daily News and the New York Post, for both of which he served as editor in chief. He also wrote for Newsday, the New York Times and the New Yorker. He

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1152022069448746522006-07-04T10:06:00.000-04:002006-07-04T10:07:50.116-04:00

The Forum for Education and Democracy is an important new endeavor to reinvigorate public education.  Leading with a headline of Strong Schools for a Strong Democracy, their webpage has a brief one paragraph statement of their purpose:The Forum for Education and Democracy is committed to the public, democratic role of public education - the preparation of engaged and thoughtful democratic

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1151495162200807652006-06-28T07:45:00.000-04:002006-06-28T07:46:02.456-04:00

My diary today will be on an educational subject. I am writing in response to an op ed in today’s Boston Globe. The piece is written by David Crane, who is a co-founder and teacher of the Josiah Quincy School, which is a “pilot” upper school in the Boston Public School System. I will use some of the words from his piece, which argues against a one-size-fits-all approach as a rationale for

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1151255103888337382006-06-25T13:04:00.000-04:002006-06-25T13:05:13.623-04:00

Far too often people think teachers have it easy. After all, we get two months off in the summer, right? Well, we get two months when we do not have students in our classroom, but we are rarely completely off. So I thought I would make some comments about this teacher and his summer.For the record - I am offering this as the perspective and experience of one teacher, and make no claims that my

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1151124779330006822006-06-24T00:52:00.000-04:002006-06-24T00:52:59.660-04:00

Yesterday, Friday June 23, I participated in what was supposed to be a bloggers conference call with Peter Goldmark, the Democratic candidate for the 5th Congressional District in Washington, who is my college classmate (Haverford ‘67). McCranium, a well-known Washington State blogger, was not able to join us, so for about an hour Peter and I had an extensive conversation on his campaign, on

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1151048257335834332006-06-23T03:36:00.000-04:002006-06-23T03:37:37.570-04:00

Yesterday I wrote a diary entitled I am tired, but not that tired in which I expressed my resolution not to support those who would support the Flag Amendment. I wrote in partCongressmen, Senators, and candidates -- if you support the Flag Amendment you will forfeit my vote and my support -- and should it become a part of our Supreme Law of the Land, my rejection of you will be permanent.

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1151023210893804522006-06-22T20:39:00.000-04:002006-06-23T00:43:03.623-04:00

Today I was reading through some of my old diaries, as I periodically do. It is one way of reminding me of some of the things I thought were important, and often as I reread the comments I realize that there are other thoughts I would like to explore. But even as the school year is now completely over, we are in a lull post-primary in our Virginia Senate race and I do not begin my NEH seminar

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1149169717503820942006-06-01T09:48:00.000-04:002006-06-01T09:48:38.506-04:00

Tuesday May 30 our seniors graduated. I am writing this belatedly because I was very sick then and am still sick, taking my first sick day off from school in four years. But I would not have missed graduation, the chance to share with these wonderful young people. And I want to share with you who read my musing what it means to me as their teacher, coach, mentor, musical director and

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1148371773367119472006-05-23T04:08:00.000-04:002006-05-23T04:10:07.940-04:00

I suppose I should have something profound to offer on this day. After all, it is a significant milestone, the kind where one expects deep thoughts, perhaps pearls of insight. I doubt very much that I am capable of either. But I feel as if I should write something. What I will offer is not intended as anymore than an expression of what I feel now, as I begin yet another year. I have spent

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1148296568011537692006-05-22T07:14:00.000-04:002006-05-22T07:16:13.540-04:00

I have always been very fond of the song from the Mad Hatter’s Party from the film on Alice in Wonderland. After all, we have 264 ( or 365) of these to celebrate each year. Today is the last unbirthday of this my 60th year. I have just a few thoughts I wish to offer today. Since most who will encounter this will not commemorating a natal anniversary, perhaps we can share our celebration of

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1148213322714791002006-05-21T08:08:00.000-04:002006-05-21T08:08:43.190-04:00

Although I have not diairied much recently about education, I have been thinking quite about about the subject. There are several stimuli that have been responsible. I will be leading a panel on education at Yearlykos in a few weeks. I have been working on education policy for Jim Webb. And of course our school year is coming to an end, with our seniors now done with classes, graduation on

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1147608563465496862006-05-14T08:08:00.000-04:002006-05-14T08:09:26.453-04:00

My mother died in 1963, less than week after the high school graduation she was too drunk to attend. It would be easy to remember only the last few years, or her spiraling down, her bad health, her anger and depression, her alcoholism. She was only 47 when she died, and the last few years should not occlude the brilliance of so much else of her life. She is a major part of who I am, why I am

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1147037915519389242006-05-07T17:38:00.000-04:002006-05-07T17:38:36.146-04:00

I am sick today. I have been outside only to pick up the morning paper. I did not get to Meeting for worship, expressing regrets because of the severity of my sinusitis. But since midnight, when awake I have been surrounded by birthday music.I always enjoy May 7th, because it is the shared celebration of two of the major composer. Johannes Brahms was born this day in 1833, Pyotr

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1146919049474487612006-05-06T08:36:00.000-04:002006-05-06T08:37:29.953-04:00

I thought I would brag a bit. I have a brief piece in the “Free For All” section of today’s Washington Post. Since it is my work, I provide this link but also give you the entire text. The title is theirs, not mine.This Battle Wasn't Over IslamSaturday, May 6, 2006; A15In his April 9 article, "In Turkey, a Deep Suspicion of Missionaries," Karl Vick wrote, "The tension dates at least to the

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1146825399323636562006-05-05T06:36:00.000-04:002006-05-05T06:36:40.000-04:00

I have little time to blog right now. I am sick, must still teach because students have an AP exam on Tuesday, and have commitments I must honor this weekend. Part of why I am sick is that I try to do too much, and live with too much stress. I thought about this while reading several things the past few days.I read about the comparison on health between British and American people, where the

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1146477105613998332006-05-01T05:50:00.000-04:002006-05-01T05:51:45.873-04:00

this is widely cross-posted, with permission.On April 22, there was an open memorial service for Tom Fox, the Quaker member of the Christian Peacemaker Team who had been kidnapped and was later killed in Baghdad.  I have posted several; times about Tom, who was a member of Langley Hill Monthly Meeting, as am I.  LHMM is our local congregation, equivalent of a Parish.  It is a constituent member

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1146398034517547132006-04-30T07:52:00.000-04:002006-04-30T07:54:39.196-04:00

This is not a book review. I have just finished reading Jim Webb’s Born Fighting: How the Scots-Irish Shaped America. I found it useful in understanding Webb, who wrote it because it is his heritage. Understanding the nature of the Scots-Irish might help some Democrats - progressive or otherwise - understand why they have lost otherwise winnable elections. Webb notes his belief that Al Gore

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1146046775756055932006-04-26T06:19:00.000-04:002006-04-26T06:20:03.180-04:00

I am hoping that the title got your attention. It is not my title. It is that of an article in The Christian Century by Kermit D. Johnson, a retired U.S. Army major general and chaplain. It is as powerful a piece as I have read about the wrong of what we have done in our treatment of those we think might be terrorists.Put simply, you MUST read this article, and then distribute as widely as

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1145959819372253212006-04-25T06:08:00.000-04:002006-04-25T06:10:19.586-04:00

cross=posted from dailykosOn Sunday, Langley Hill Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends approved a Open Letter to Friends Everywhere about our deceased member Tom Fox. I have provided, without comment, the entire text of the letter below. I appreciate the concern that has been shown at this site for Tom, both when he and the others were first seized, and when we received news of

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1145799556248748712006-04-23T09:37:00.000-04:002006-04-23T09:40:00.950-04:00

Comments, suggestions and even rude remarks are welcomed! Email accepted at "kber at earthlink dot net" Preface email messages with "teacherken" so I know they are not spam.If you are surprised to read those words today, one week after you have perhaps celebrated Easter, don’t be. For several hundred million Eastern Christians, today is Pascha, the Feast of Feasts. Russian, Bulgarian, Romanian

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1145707832787101042006-04-22T08:09:00.000-04:002006-04-22T08:10:33.106-04:00

I am by training a musician. I have always loved music, and know few things more magnificent than participating in the performance of a great piece of music. For me the experience is intensified when the performance is by a group, a string quartet, accompanying a soloist, an orchestra, a chorus. Combine that experience with a dedication that carries great meaning for some or all of the

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1145444716102446402006-04-19T07:04:00.000-04:002006-04-19T07:05:46.863-04:00

Anyone paying attention knows that our economy is becoming increasingly unfair. Rich people and corporations are paying an ever-decreasing proportion of our taxes. And this is happening at the same time as both are gaining an ever-increasing share our our national income and our national wealth. This bothers me, and probably bothers the reader as well. It apparently does not bother our

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1145273506661894832006-04-17T07:30:00.000-04:002006-04-17T07:31:47.020-04:00

Today is the last day before we return to the normal pattern of the school year. Our classes recommence tomorrow morning. Today will thus be a transition day. Besides finally filing my taxes (electronically - all the information is ready to go), I will have tasks that I must address today.I want to use this diary to offer a very few thoughts about what I have learned and experienced during

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1145174747156740682006-04-16T04:04:00.000-04:002006-04-16T04:05:47.410-04:00

I offer for your consideration today a book which I read this week. It is entitled, A War Against Truth: An Intimate Account of the Invasion of Iraq by Paul William Roberts, a Canadian who was reporting unimbedded for Harper's, but I warn you the book is devastating. He cites his own experience, provides footnoted information from others, and weaves in appropriate epigraphs. When I read his

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1145103294625333472006-04-15T08:14:00.000-04:002006-04-15T16:29:33.963-04:00

It is Saturday morning. For many today is a day of rushing around to prepare for the celebration of Easter. My small Quaker meeting will have such a celebration tomorrow, but as my wife will celebrate Pascha (Eastern Orthodox Easter) next week I will postpone to participate with her. Thus I will not today meditate or write about the season, or at least, not this season.I approach the end of my

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1145014099094285662006-04-14T07:27:00.000-04:002006-04-14T07:28:21.276-04:00

A day of CrucifixionFor most of the world’s Christians today is the most sacred day of the year. (for Eastern Christians it will be one week from today). Good Friday commemorates the death of Jesus of Nazareth on the Cross. Although I no longer consider myself Christian, I spend over 17 years of my adulthood attending churches on this day, first in the Episcopal Church into which I was baptized,

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1144922555825460532006-04-13T06:02:00.000-04:002006-04-13T06:02:36.083-04:00

A regular part on my internet posting is to make readers aware of useful resources on education. Today I want to make you aware of The Forum for Education and Democracy, which tells us at the top of its home page that it believes in ”Strong Schools for a Strong Democracy” and goes on to state that it is devoted to supporting educational policies and practices that prepare the young of a life of

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1144845455885964072006-04-12T08:36:00.000-04:002006-04-12T08:37:36.316-04:00

I did not plan to write a diary today. But thanks to a link at Atrios I just read the following from Billmon: We can't rule out a major attack on American soil. (A recent report based on Saudi intelligence sources claims the al-Quds Force of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps – probably the most capable terrorist support organization in the world – already has a box on its organizational chart

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1144666553589337382006-04-10T06:55:00.000-04:002006-04-10T10:02:17.316-04:00

ames Carroll has a provocative op ed in this morning’s Boston Globe. Entitled Iraq and the legacy of Abraham it is, as his work often is, worthy of reading by itself. He uses the story of Abraham in Genesis to make a pointed commentary about the meaning of human existence, which he says has its “first measure” in this tale. He notesIf his descendants were more fully in touch with that meaning,

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1144581719884795782006-04-09T07:21:00.000-04:002006-04-09T14:38:48.290-04:00

Last night several participants in dailykos drove from various points to Winchester VA to hear one of the community perform.  Someone else will diary about that, with appropriate pictures.  As I drove back through the darkened countryside late last night I was listening to satellite radio and because Easter approaches one station was playing music for the season.  It was a recording made in a

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1144320336421706442006-04-06T06:44:00.000-04:002006-04-06T06:45:36.736-04:00

This is it. As of 3:05 this afternoon we will be done with classes until April 19. The is the last time off before things like AP examinations, senior examinations, and state examinations. Although anyone who can remember high school will realize that many of our students are mentally on vacation already, and more than a few will risk the unexcused absence today to have a slightly longer

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1143978738352658422006-04-02T07:51:00.000-04:002006-04-02T07:52:18.823-04:00

I want to devote my posting today to an op ed by Derrick Jackson that appears in yesterday’s Boston Globe (free registration required). It is at least indirectly about education. It is clearly about science.For those who don’t know, I consider Jackson one of the finest writers working today in newspapers, and long overdue for a Pulitzer (he has been a finalist).The piece is occasioned by

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1143890569389729922006-04-01T06:21:00.000-05:002006-04-01T06:22:50.006-05:00

Often critics of No Child Left Behind, the Federal education law that is due for reauthorization in 2007(and hence SHOULD be part of the debate of every House and Senate race this cycle), focus on things like time drawn away from instruction for test preparation or the costs imposed on states beyond the funds provided by the fededral government. Some, including me, note how the law seems

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1143716288592395162006-03-30T05:57:00.000-05:002006-03-30T05:58:12.630-05:00

One of these days I will offer my own comprehensive view of how I think we should address the issue of public education. As often as I am a critic I feel some responsibility to put my own ideas out for the reactions of others. In the meantime I will continue to offer a variety of other pieces on education. Often they are things from my own experience as a teacher. The offering today will not

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1143543805560398342006-03-28T06:02:00.000-05:002006-03-28T06:03:25.786-05:00

I had read the book. I went to both DC events yesterday. I asked Markos a question which must not have been well-framed, because his answer was not to the point of my question. So I think I should share my own thinking. I’m sure that none of my insights are original, and the things I propose must also be floating out there as well. But since I have not yet seen them elsewhere, I will offer

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1143458804951410352006-03-27T06:25:00.000-05:002006-03-27T06:26:45.233-05:00

I do not mean that sarcastically, or even sardonically. Truly, it is a wonderful day. This morning I took yet another brisk walk (and until I drop at least 10 pounds it will be walking and not running to spare my knees). The vernal signals surround me. Each morning there is a bit more light. The number of birds increases and the species are more varied. I can see yellow of daffodils

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1143378215560329772006-03-26T08:02:00.000-05:002006-03-26T08:03:43.173-05:00

In yesterday’s Washington Post, one could read an op-ed jointly written by Sandra Day O’Connor and Roy Romer (now, that’s an interesting duo) entitled Not by Math Alone. Let me offer the beginning:Fierce global competition prompted President Bush to use the State of the Union address to call for better math and science education, where there's evidence that many schools are falling short.We

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1143296675175464912006-03-25T09:23:00.000-05:002006-03-25T09:24:55.296-05:00

and probably in insight as well.  But it is Saturday morning, and many expect me to write about education, as in my normal practice.  And I was told that the only way to improve as a writer is to write, to subject one's efforts to the vicissitudes of criticism.  And as my far to many prolix and meandering efforts in the blogosphere have demonstrated, my writing is much in need of improvement, so

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1143111578499694112006-03-23T05:58:00.000-05:002006-03-23T05:59:38.730-05:00

crossposted at dailykos, myleftwing, and teacherken.blogspot.comYesterday was an in-service day for our department. One day a year we leave school and go do something together to broaden our knowledge, and to take some time to be together. Our visit yesterday was to the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore, which I assure you is worth visiting if you are in Baltimore. It is quite close

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1142940608408728002006-03-21T06:28:00.000-05:002006-03-21T06:30:08.776-05:00

The title is that of an op ed that in appeared in a North Jersey newspaper. I received a copy of the op ed on an educational list serv, and have been unable to find an online link. I have therefore put fairly large chunks in block quotes, attempting to still abide by fair use by using ellipses and by paraphrasing portions. I have placed in bold those portions about which I will comment

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1142690128808233962006-03-18T08:54:00.000-05:002006-03-18T08:55:29.080-05:00

crossposted at dailykos, myleftwing, teacherken.blogspot.comTests dominate American education. Even before NCLB insisted on evidence that all children in grades 3-8 be tested every year in Math and Reading (and starting shortly in Science) and that schools demonstrate that all disaggregated groups be making Annual Year Progress towards the unattainable goal of 100% proficiency by all groups in

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1142508202162693482006-03-16T06:22:00.000-05:002006-03-16T06:23:22.400-05:00

I get up each school morning at 5 AM. Sometimes, as now, I may choose to write something as a form of meditation. On other occasions I will go outside for a run, or glance at the morning news. Regardless of the action chosen, it is a preparation for teaching, because teaching is life. This will be a brief meditation on that theme. If you are not interested in the personal reflections and

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1142171315180320582006-03-12T08:47:00.000-05:002006-03-12T08:48:37.286-05:00

As a result of the death of Tom Fox, and the additional news that he may have been tortured, I have in the past day plus done some reflection. I know that as I head to Quaker Meeting for Worship this morning, that process of reflection will continue. Perhaps the content - and the processes - of my reflection will be of little interest to most persons who will encounter them here, but if they

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1142082744888906472006-03-11T08:10:00.000-05:002006-03-11T09:09:20.566-05:00

Tom was a long-time member of Langley Hill Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends, where I am also a member. I was not close, as I only began regular attendance in 2002, just about 4 years ago. My wife knew him for a longer period, having worked with him in opposing the death penalty hear in Virginia. Since he was taken captive in November, our Meeting has often been the focal

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1141818951390424022006-03-08T06:54:00.000-05:002006-03-08T06:55:59.736-05:00

crossposted at dailykos, myleftwing, teacherken.blogspot.comIt might seem like a simple statement, but if our schools are preparing our students to be citizens, we should as afar as possible give students in schools the same rights citizens have in society at large. Such has not been the case. Prior to Tinker v DesMoines students were not guaranteed the First Amendment right of freedom of

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1141730081485195962006-03-07T06:12:00.000-05:002006-03-07T06:14:41.746-05:00

cross-posted at dailykos, myleftwing, teacherken.blogspot.comFor those who do not know, No Child Left Behind, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, is due for reauthorization in 2007. Although one may strongly oppose many of the elements of the current law (as I do), there will still need to be a new ESEA act in 2007. While I would prefer that the name (NCLB) be replaced, I believe the

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1141575988026619492006-03-05T11:25:00.000-05:002006-03-05T11:26:28.270-05:00

crossposted at dailykos, myleftwing, and teacherken.blogspot.comI remember a childhood where I got to play, to imagine, to learn how to get along with others. That included the happy year I spent at the Colonial Nursery School on Weaver Street, and my 1/2 day kindergarten at Murray Avenue Elementary School, both in Larchmont, NY, a largely middle-class suburb (the wealthier parts of our

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1141299817671616222006-03-02T06:42:00.000-05:002006-03-02T06:44:24.260-05:00

crossposted at dailykos and myleftwingMy department chair knows, and as of Tuesday my students also know. I am wrestling with the question of whether I can continue to teach government. And after listening to some remarks yesterday by Sen. Pat Leahy, I think I am just about at the breaking point. Let me explain.I heard Senator Leahy complaining that one provision still in the new so-called

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1140961043301204262006-02-26T08:35:00.000-05:002006-02-26T08:37:30.536-05:00

cross posted in diaries at dailykos and on front page at myleftwingAs a result of stopping by the event in DC earlier this month for the Fighting Dems, I have been involved in a process of offering assistance on educational policy for a variety of Democratic candidates for government, not all of whom are among the Band of Brothers / Sisters.   This is an ongoing process, and I am happy to look at

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1140062596641070742006-02-15T23:02:00.000-05:002006-02-15T23:03:17.060-05:00

I don’t have much time to blog, but Anna Quindlen’s piece in the latest Newsweek is worth the price of the issue. I did not find it on their website, so you may have to read it in hard copy. It is entitled “None of the Above.” None.” and was inspired by the recent presidential commission that was recommending the possibility of using standardized tests in college to gauge the level of

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6413016.post-1139552568925259202006-02-10T01:21:00.000-05:002006-02-10T01:22:49.156-05:00

crossposted at dailykos, teacherken, and myleftwingThe recent contretemps between John McCain and Barack Obama has led to a number of people questioning the temperament of the Senior Senator from Arizona. Among these is Mark Kleiman, a professor of public policy at UCLA, who is a well-known blogger, previously at Markarkleiman.com and now at http://www.samefacts.com. On February 7th he wrote

teacherkennoreply@blogger.com0