Invest in Children, Not Testing. It’s That Simple.

Wonderfully written. Mentioning a good old boy Hattie and for those of you who know me and worked with me in the past. I still have night mares about “effect size.” 😂

Creative by Nature

“The best schools keep their eye on the prize—the kids—not just whether they are pleasing higher civil authorities. They see the job of adults as one of nurturing intelligence and empathy, openness to the world, while cherishing their children’s uniqueness. They stay close to families, and see teachers and parents as allies not adversaries.” ~Deborah Meier

Here is what the research tells us: We don’t need more money for state testing and national standards, what is needed is greater investment in successful teaching approaches, support services and innovative programs, so that high quality learning opportunities can be provided to all children.

Provide money for skilled teachers, support staff, dental and medical care, books, school trips, community building, lunch programs, arts programs, sports programs and whole school reform- not for Pearson, PARCC, private charter school investors and Common Core.

Decades of research has shown that solutions to education problems are not unknown or complicated, they just require a shift of priorities, and a willingness to…

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Proud to be a Senator!

Today was the district wide get together for the Capital School District.  All school districts that I know of have this event to start each school year, a motivational “We Rock!” before the first day with kids. Being new to the district, it was awesome for two reasons.  

1. Students were part of the event.  The drum line performed, the ROTC presented the colors, and the choir sang the National Anthem.  They were wonderful and it made sense.  We teach, why would students not be involved somehow.

2. The speakers spoke from their hearts.  They were genuine, real, and not rehearsed.  I felt comfortable, calm, ready to move forward.  And one sentence spoken repeatedly really sat well with me, “what is best for our kids?” It is an easy question reallt, but the Delaware Educational System makes it ssssssoooooooo hard.  My administrator said that the event was very “grassroots.”  And it was, and as it should be.  We the people… We are a family, a team, and it truly felt that way.  
There is always an opportunity for change in new beginnings.  The music was great, but I didn’t see any art….  An opportunity for ME!!!!

I am proud to be a Senator!!!