Dear Friends,

For most of my career, I worked with elementary aged children, and there are a few things I learned as a result. One is that kids have a low tolerance for anything that smacks of any action that seems unfair. They don’t object, for the most part, to your setting rules and boundaries for them, but by golly, you better apply the rules fairly and enforce the boundaries with an even hand or they will call you out in a hurry. They will also lose respect for you if they think you are being “unfair.” Their sense of fair play is finely tuned from the very beginning. Just try to pull a fast one on a group of 6-year olds and hear them howl.

It seems to be an innate trait--and one that we all share--the expectation is that the rules are important in order to be able to play on a “level playing field.” Cheaters are called out and shunned by the group. There is no patience for those who would try to game the system to their own individual advantage. It just doesn’t fly.

Those of us who live in Virginia have been witness this week to a bunch of grown men and women in the Virginia Senate who have lost all sense of fair play and “playing by the rules.” Indeed, they have broken the rules in order to benefit themselves and we Virginians have been quick to cry “Foul.”

If you don’t know to what I am referring, you should take a look here. On Monday, the Republicans in the Virginia Senate took advantage of Senator Henry Marsh’s absence (he was attending President Obama’s inauguration) and rammed a vote through that fundamentally changes the redistricting map in a way that heavily favors the Republicans. They had to be sneaky about when they took the vote because they already knew that if everyone were in attendance when the vote came up, it would result in the typical 20-20 tie. Lt. Governor Bill Bolling, who had been approached earlier with the scheme had indicated that he was not inclined to approve the measure and wouldn’t vote for it...so the Republican leadership laid in wait until the Democrats were short a member and sprung the vote on the remaining Democrats who were totally blindsided.

This is not what we teach children about fair play. This is not statesmanlike behavior. This is NOT how Virginians expect their legislators to behave. And thankfully, what they have done has already received so much negative attention that there is a chance—a slim one, most likely, but still a chance--that the Governor will veto the bill when it comes across his desk.

People should also know that Virginia is about to join the handful of other states seeking to change the way electoral votes are counted in Presidential elections. Their attitude is simple. If we can’t win by playing by the rules, change the rules to better suit our needs.

I can’t speak for anyone else, but I, for one, am sick of this kind of gamesmanship, and I am committing to doing whatever I can to make a change in the next election. People who expect better from our leaders, I urge you to do the same.

Until next time.

Kitty

Dear Friends,

I started thinking about how we use language in our society, and I wrote the following.

The Power of Words

            Words matter. Remember when you were a kid and sometimes you would hear (or perhaps say) “Sticks and stones can break my bones but words can never hurt me.” Those were brave words used by the kids who wanted to appear to be above the taunts of teasing or bullying.  No one wants to be seen as a wimp, after all. No one wants to invite the humiliation of letting your tormentor know that they have hit a sore spot.

            But the fact is that words do hurt. Some words sting. Some bite. And worse, those particular words work their way into our psyche in a way that no physical wound can. Yes, words matter, so we need to be mindful of the words that we use...always.

            I have always tried to be mindful of the power of words. I love words. I live with a dictionary close by (well, now, mostly a dictionary app) so that I can check the meaning of new words...and I love the language of beautiful prose.

            I am also aware of the limitations of words. Sometimes it is simply impossible to adequately explain a feeling or articulate a passion. Words fail us in the moments when we feel the closest to our Deity or when we are overwhelmed with the feeling of love for someone—a child or a parent.

            But at the end of the day, what I have learned is that words do matter and we should select the words we use with one another very, very carefully. Words of encouragement can uplift someone in a way that we can never measure in the same way that words of disparagement can discourage someone long after the moment they were uttered.

            As teachers, we need to be particularly mindful of this simple fact.  It is easy to forget when harried and hurried and pressured and overwhelmed. It is easy to be sarcastic or biting when we are rushed or frustrated. It is all too easy to reach for negative words, especially if we feel under attack. But at the end of the day, it is important to try to keep words positive. Encouragement should be the order of the day. You will feel better and you won’t have any regrets, wishing you could take something back. And if you do find yourself being unkind, correct it as soon as you can. Three of the most powerful words you may ever use are “I am sorry,” along with “I love you.” Use those words when you need to, and the rest will take care of itself.

Until next time,

Kitty

Dear Friends,

I was just reading an article about some brave and committed teachers in Washington state. I urge you to take a look. This is exciting to me. A small band of teachers have decided that enough is enough. They are refusing to give the state math test, alleging that it is "not good for our students, nor is it an appropriate or useful tool in measuring progress." Amen. 

This is an act of courage. It is what it means to be "teacher leaders." It is looking in the face of authority and saying "no" for all the right reasons.

Take the time to read the full article at the link above. It will be worth it.

Until next time.

Kitty

Dear Friends,

I have been thinking a lot about the term "teacher leaders" lately. What are they? WHO are they? Do they self-identify themselves, or do others see leadership qualities in them and why? What are the characteristics of a teacher leader?

While I have been pondering those questions, this post popped up from Diane Ravitch. I know I post a lot of her stuff, but it is too good not to share.

And since I want you to go to the link and see what she has to say about teacher leaders, I will sign off for now.

Until next time.

Kitty

Dear Friends,

For those who believe as I do that "choice" and "equity" are diametrically opposed concepts when they come to opportunities for access to a high quality education, you may like to read this piece from Katie Osgood, the guest writer for a blog entitled "Living in Dialogue," a blog normally written by Anthony Cody. It was offered in today's Education Week: Teacher blog section.

Enjoy.

Until next time.

Kitty

Dear Friends,

If you know me at all, you know that I have a number of public education heroes (or "sheroes," as the case may be) and Dr. Diane Ravitch is right up there at the top of my list. She blogs daily--most days several times a day--and I read her posts pretty much as they pop up so see what new gem or word of wisdom she has to offer.

Today, she offers a post on a group who is calling for change in the way we deal with high-stakes testing in this country. I urge you to take a look and to follow the links that she offers. The link is here.

I have personally long despaired over the way high-stakes testing has been abused for a number of years now. A few years ago, when a Washington state teacher quit his job rather than to administer the test that was scheduled for that day, I cheered for him and I hoped against hope that others would take his lead. Sadly, that wasn't the case, and in spite of the fact that many teachers know in their hearts that what they are doing to children with the regimented, almost daily barrage of tests is not in their long term best interests, they are caught up in a system that demands "data" so that we can "measure" what we are teaching...while what we are mostly teaching anymore is how to take the dang test!

More recently, another teacher quit his job over his frustration that he was forced to "teach the curriculum" and wasn't allowed to tutor his kids who were struggling on his own time after school. He took to reading his letter of resignation on YouTube because when he wanted to share the letter at his school board meeting, he wasn't allowed to. Here is the follow-up to that event.

Not everyone has the luxury of quitting their job or retiring because they can't take it anymore. I know that teachers are really caught between a rock and a hard place. If we complain outside of our own ranks, we are accused of not wanting to be accountable. We fall into the trap of being part of that "ole teachers' union" that only wants the big pay checks and hefty pensions at the end of our careers. (Note that last bit was written with my tongue firmly planted inside my cheek.)

No, teachers are not the ones who can change this terrible trend, unfortunately, even though most of us would want to be able to do just that. But parents can make a change, and that is, apparently, the group that this new group is targeting.

If you find this idea of pushing back on high-stakes testing of interest, don't forget to check my post from the other day (January 2) when I shared (again from Diane Ravitch) that there is a rally that is being planned by another group urging parents to opt their children out of testing. The rally is planned for the front steps of the US Department of Education between April 4-7, 2013. It is an "occupy-type" event, designed, I am sure to try to gather some media attention to this ever growing problem.

I have felt for too long that the corporate education reformers are winning the battle for the heart and soul of public education in this country. There is a lot of money to be made and the testing companies are making out like bandits while dollars go unspent for textbooks, computers, and other much needed materials in our schools. In the same way that money couldn't the Presidential election in November, I hope and pray that in the end, money won't be able to prevail in this war for America's public schools. It doesn't look good...but the fat lady hasn't sung yet, either.

Until next time.

Kitty

Dear Friends,

I haven't posted for a couple of days, and I don't have a lot to say today, but I will post a brief thought or two about Governor McDonnell's naming 2013 the "Year of the Teacher."

Call me cynical, but this is simply a ploy designed to make it difficult for teachers to complain about the changes that the Governor wants to implement as part of his education initiative and his ultimate "legacy" as Governor. Surely we cannot question his enthusiasm and regard for teachers if he is looking for ways to recognize them and their excellence. Right?

Well, sorry, but color me suspicious. This is a red herring designed to throw teachers off the track of understanding the Governor's real intentions:  to expand charter schools across the Commonwealth; to increase K12, Inc.'s profit margin by continuing to promote virtual learning and reducing the number of teachers needed on-site; and to clear the way for the entrance of Teach for America into Virginia's schools.

Oh, and let's also not forget that he still wants to fundamentally change continuing contract law for Virginia's teachers as well.

I hope that my friends who are the education advocates and activists won't be lulled into thinking that just because it is the "Year of the Teacher" that they don't need to have their guard up as we head into the 2013 General Assembly session. I hate to be so skeptical, but experience, frankly, has taught me to be.

Until next time.

Kitty

Dear Friends,

I was reading my email this morning and saw an early a.m. post sent by Diane Ravitch that included a video of a leader in a movement called United Opt Out National. Apparently, there is a growing group of teachers, parents, and others who are organizing an "Occupy-type" event on the front steps of the United States Department of Education that will highlight their message that parents can [and should] opt their kids out of state and national testing programs. This is being done in order to register the group's growing concerns that testing has been trumping teaching and learning for too long. I am sharing the video here because I wasn't aware of this group or its mission until today, so I thought perhaps you didn't know about it either...but you might like to.

The event is scheduled for April 4-7, 2013. The video is a personal invitation to Diane Ravitch to attend the event, and according to her blog of this morning, she is going.

If you attended the Save Our Schools rally in July of 2011, this might be something you would want to consider attending. At the very least, it offers an opportunity to do something that gives voice to what we all know which is that the over-empahsis on testing is ultimately not helping our kids and it has absolutely no business being used to evaluate teacher effectiveness from year to year.

While I was watching the video that invites Dr. Ravitch to the event, I saw that YouTube has other videos highlighting Dr. Ravitch. One of them is entitled "Diane Ravitch defending teachers" and although it is almost 15 minutes long, I suggest you take the time to watch it if you would like to feel validated for a change. Diane really understands how teachers feel and how painful the last few years have been for us as we have been the subject of so much disrespect, disdain, and disregard on behalf of the "education reform" crowd. Watch that video as well. It may just make your day.


Until next time.

Kitty

Dear Friends,

Happy New Year! I hope that 2013 brings you all that you could possibly wish for whether it be better health, lots of money, a new (or better) relationship...whatever happens to be on your wish list of "I wish I had [fill in the blank]." I hope you find it in this new year. For some reason that I cannot explain, I feel very optimistic about this new year. I have nothing specific to which to point to account for my optimism...I just feel like it is going to a wonderful year.

One of my points of reference for this feeling of optimism springs, I think, from a post I read this morning from Diane Ravitch. For those of you who are my edcuator friends (that includes teachers and support professionals as well as parents who are concerned about public education in our country) you may like to follow her blog. She posts several times a day, and she always has something interesting to say or to share. This morning she shared two specific posts related to last year--the worst things about 2012 and the best things about 2012. I don't need to share the worst thing post...it was about the tragedy at Sandy Hook which I think most of us would agree was a particularly low point for the entire country but perhaps especially for educators who felt so connected to the teachers and principal who acted so heroically and selflessly on that terrible day. So, I won't dwell on that. But I would like to share her "best of" post, so here it is:  http://dianeravitch.net/2013/01/01/a-good-year-for-supporters-of-public-education.

Instead of writing further or elaborating on her post, I will just leave my post at that. I reserve the right to share other people's thoughts when I find it appropriate. So, there you go. Enjoy and take heart. I think there is reason for optimism, but we must all remain hopeful and keep up the good fight if we are to have any hope of preserving public education in this country.

On that note, I hope that wherever you are doing whatever you are doing, you have a wonderful January 1, 2013.

Until next time.

Kitty