Bird Droppings August 28, 2015 I wonder if there is such a thing as Essential Education? It has been almost five years since I was discussing various educational philosophies and pedagogies with my son the then education student. One happened to be essential education which per his text is only a slight step from perennial…

Bird Droppings August 27, 2015 What do teachers really know? “Teachers are one of the most important resources a nation has for providing the skills, values and knowledge that prepare young people for productive citizenship – but more than this, to give sanctuary to their dreams and aspirations for a future of hope, dignity and…

Bird Droppings August 26, 2015 Finding the right spot for the puzzle pieces “In order to learn the nature of the myriad things, you must know that although they may look round or square, the other features of oceans and mountains are infinite in variety; whole worlds are there. It is so not only around…

Bird Droppings August 25, 2015 What is the Holy Grail solution/answer in education? “Obsessive search for the holy grail through only that which can be measured and documented effectively diminishes the sacred and leaves us standing empty without souls.” Dr. Grant Bennett A day or two ago I got a bit carried away and wandered…

Bird Droppings August 21, 2015 Sitting, wondering, pondering and dishwashing In a roundabout way several earlier readings on the internet got me thinking and pondering as I do. So often we take our technology for granted. It has been about eight years since we moved into this house and a new dishwasher. About a year…

Bird Droppings August 20, 2015 Being patient takes practice For thirty seven years I have shared my life with my wife Pat. We have had hills and valleys and children and grandchildren and each day seems better than the last. So today I salute my wife Pat thank you so much for your patience with…

Bird Droppings August 19, 2015 It is about telling our grand children A busy weekend of snakes, lizards and turtles ahead for my son and I. I will miss playing with talking to and enjoying the company of my grandchildren this weekend. It was about a year ago my grandson and I learned to crawl…

Bird Droppings August 18, 2015 Why do we have public education? To educate all of our Children. For teachers today is a day of action. Standup for what you believe in. I shared an article that references children as others yesterday. Our children to corporate entities are simply others, consumers and I have seen the…

Bird Droppings August 17, 2015 What is this aspect you cannot teach teachers? “Studies suggest that instructional and management processes are key to effectiveness, but many interview and survey responses about effective teaching emphasize the teacher’s affective characteristics, or social and emotional behaviors, more than pedagogical practice.” James H. Stronge, Qualities of Effective Teachers I…

Bird Droppings August 14, 2015 Within the circle of life a new life coming Resurrection By Susan Thomas Underwood The universe is energy in constant motion. There are ebbs and flows; Outcomes and income, And change…… Always change. The physical world reflects this motion In the cycles of life, There is spring and fall, winter…