Heather Wolpert-Gawron

Viewing: school accountability

Teacher Evaluation meets Survivor

Teacher Evaluation meets Survivor

By on May 12, 2009

I’m not a big Survivor fan.  I mean, I really hate what the people become when pitted against each other.  So I don’t watch it…at least not on TV.  So when I read Scott McLeod’s post suggesting that school communities

How to be an Ed Tech Advocate

How to be an Ed Tech Advocate

By on March 7, 2009

OK, guys.  So I got it from the horse’s mouth at CUE.  According to the ISTE Director of Governmental Affairs, No Child Left Behind is not going away.   In the weeks leading up to the election, the Obama administration

Top 10: How to Take Control of Your Teaching

Top 10: How to Take Control of Your Teaching

By on February 25, 2009

How can you take control of your teaching, both literally and internally? Read my Top 10 list that advises a teacher on how to get what you need in this demanding job of ours, how to survive it, and how to love it.

Here’s why test scores shouldn’t be the only criteria…

Here’s why test scores shouldn’t be the only criteria…

By on February 18, 2009

OK, so my first period’s “Advanced” group went up 40% between their 1st district assessment and their 2nd. Another period went up 37%.  Even my Honors class went from 81% Advanced to 97% Advanced, with only 1 student found in

NewsHour with Jim Leher: Michelle Rhee

NewsHour with Jim Leher: Michelle Rhee

By on January 17, 2009

I recently watched John Merrow’s interview with Michelle Rhee on the NewsHour.  Michelle seems like a real mixed blessing for education. On one hand, she’s willing to clean house, and education does seriously need it.  On the other hand, however,

Sesame Street: Word on the Street

Sesame Street: Word on the Street

By on January 12, 2009

OK, so as I write this I’m watching Sesame Street with my 2 year old.  This big-feathered muppet just announced that the Word on the Street is, get this…Struggle.  I kid you not.  I guess times are tough even on

“Hit a Jew” Day. Um, er…

“Hit a Jew” Day. Um, er…

By on October 26, 2008

I’m not sure what one can say about this latest story.  AP reports that a number of students at a St Louis middle school are facing suspension for a spirit day gone awry.  But how “Hug a Friend Day” de-evolved

Kelly Gallagher’s Golden Line

Kelly Gallagher’s Golden Line

By on July 12, 2008

Kelly Gallagher on the simple concept: "Everyone improves."

Joanne Jacobs comment:”Stop facilitating and start teaching”

Joanne Jacobs comment:”Stop facilitating and start teaching”

By on July 6, 2008

The Seattle Post-Intelligencer posts a not-so-intelligent take on teacher vs. student-directed classrooms.

The Carnival #178 is in town!

The Carnival #178 is in town!

By on July 2, 2008

The Carnival #178 has come to town!

Credential Programs: Give us your money and we’ll give you a classroom

Credential Programs: Give us your money and we’ll give you a classroom

By on June 9, 2008

I comment on the Education Week's article, Busywork 101.

Make an Offer They Can’t Refuse

Make an Offer They Can’t Refuse

By on June 2, 2008

How does an administrator control the quality of their staff if the union won't let them transfer an ineffective teacher? According to The Washington Post, some unions are loosening up on their hold over administrator's rights.

Ed Tech is the new Home Ec and Shop

Ed Tech is the new Home Ec and Shop

By on May 27, 2008

McCain and Clinton don't mention Ed Tech in their educational policies. Obama merely mentions it in relations to Maths and Sciences. But Ed Tech is not the elite. It is the Home Ec and Shop classes for this generation.

Don’t Knock the Less Experienced Teacher

Don’t Knock the Less Experienced Teacher

By on May 23, 2008

I know the use of new teachers in harder-to-teach classrooms is frowned upon, but maybe they have some pros in the face of so many cons: energy, passion, and flexibility.

Sacramento’s Got the Students on Board with Learning

Sacramento’s Got the Students on Board with Learning

By on March 25, 2008

In response to the article in the Sacramento Bee, I applaud Kevin MacDonald for daring to ask students why they think there is an achievement gap.