How do you get students to buy into an education that has already failed them? (Chaz’s School Daze)
An analysis of NAEP scores finds that higher standards don’t hurt weak students. (Education Sector)
An illicitly closed door at a S.C. school sports board meeting did not deter reporters. (Post & Courier)
Three Brooklyn mothers are organizing a citywide charrette for parents to set the agenda. (Insideschools)
A recent study suggests that stereotypes about CTE or vocational classes might be changing. (Shanker)
A Brooklyn teachers says his students were affected by Sandy, even though they weren’t hurt. (Edwize)
A psychology professor offers suggestions about how to talk about Sandy with children. (SchoolBook)
When transfer students are counted in college completion rates, the numbers improve. (College Bound)
A.S.Neill
Given the extremely excessive use of the word “rigor” (i.e. a cliche) especially in ed reform documents and blogs, I was hoping to copyright the word, so for a penny per usage royalty I could retire by Christmas. Unfortunately, my application was denied since the word appears to be in the public domain. Since as teachers we have the standard to meet of good writing, I have found the following synonyms in Merriam-Webster that may be used instead of “rigor”. Harsh inflexibility, severity, unyielding, cruelty, a condition that makes life difficult, exactness, and rigor mortis. I encourage the educational community to use these words in lieu of “rigor”, so that our standard of good and clear writing remains high by avoiding hackneyed cliches. Thank you.
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