Reform

Former President of the Science Teachers Association of Texas, Kiki Corry shares insights on how to improve science programs by incorporating exciting phenomena

Jon Cassie questions Betsy DeVos’ track record on education reform

For quite some time now, Election 2016 has taken a dark and lewd turn. Whether it be the aggressive sexualization of women or nasty political rhetoric, media coverage is eating it up and ignoring candidates stances on critical issues that voters need to hear. Education is especially quiet during this election cycle, amongst other issues, both in the media and even in classrooms. Where normally young students are rightfully exposed to civics, the debates are perhaps too inappropriate for young and impressionable minds.

Dr. Thomas Armstrong,  ASCD author of The Power of the Adolescent Brain: Strategies for Teaching Middle and High School Students, as well as, numerous other publications, sat down to discuss the intersection of education with mental health and the effects of teaching methods on the adolescent brain. Dr. Armstrong stresses the need for a better-balanced approach to education that concentrates on both the emotional brain and the reasoning mind.

edCircuit Opinion:

John McLaughlin sits down to discuss recent news surrounding Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) and the unfortunate tendency to pigeonhole the field of autism. McLaughlin warns against limiting therapy methods in favor of a “check box” approach made popular by insurance companies looking to set pricing and organize treatment protocols.

I can remember my college graduation like it was two months ago. Which, quite frankly, it was. I stood alongside my peers, anxiously anticipating walking across the commencement stage. The many families and friends in the audience cheered as my name was called, and the President of the College theatrically shook my hand in congratulations. A photographer took my picture as I proudly held my diploma. “It’s over!” I thought, “It’s finally over!”

edCircuit Opinion:
When I was younger, I often would gather with my neighborhood friends, head into the backyard, and spend hours digging a massive hole to China. We’d all attempt to use the shovels that were two times our size, all while fantasizing about what we’d do when we finally made it – or better yet if we hit the center of the earth! Many would not think twice about this scenario, and simply view it as kids being kids. But, child development researchers would analyze this situation much differently.

The word sabbatical brings to mind connotations of higher education. It’s unheard of for K-12 teachers to take time a one-year leave and dedicate themselves to research. Why is this not widely accepted? If teachers plan on remaining in their profession for an extended period, how will they build relevant knowledge and be better educators for their students?
Should teachers still learn? Scientific American understands the challenges of doing so. Teaching is a labor-intensive profession. It’s challenging to find access to innovative and informative workshops, and a new standard of professional development should be put into place.