[[{“type”:”media”,”view_mode”:”media_small”,”fid”:”2265″,”attributes”:{“alt”:””,”class”:”media-image”,”typeof”:”foaf:Image”}}]]

Politics Makes You Tired. Even when you win more than you lose, the melodrama and the nonsense… Oh Dear God.

BUT NOT TODAY! Today, my #11FF, I Bring Thee Wonderful Bursts of Edu-Bloggery from the Past Week which YOU SIMPLY SHOULD NOT MISS!

The Compliments Project – Jennifer Gonzalez, goddess of Cult of Pedagogy, shares this… this… THING that… that… OMG.

I don’t really DO positive feely touching-the-soul kinda stuff here, or in my class, or ever. The twin pits of Cliche and Platitude too often loom on either side while the broken glass of Forced Sentiment gets stuck between my toes. 

BUT THAT’S NOT WHAT’S HAPPENING HERE. Instead, some fab teacher (who nevertheless seems to have avoided having her own Twitter account?!) has stumbled onto a simple way to unlock genuine, powerful, peer affirmation. Gonzalez gives us the overview, includes an amazing video and a brief interview with the teacher in question. 

I sorta lost it. Lots of blurry vision and snot. Kinda ruined my second Pop Tart. Probably more issues in play than how much I loved this piece, but still – you should absolutely check this out. Because… IT’S WHY.

Follow @cultofpedagogy on the Twittering for more learnified goodness. You won’t regret it. 

Day Two / The Impossible – Rebecka Peterson on One Good Thing reflects on her first few days of the school year. And math.

Peterson has that ability to be genuine and introspective while still sharing in a way that makes what she writes applicable and stirring for the rest of us. And math.

Follow @RebeckaMozdeh on the Twittering and get stirred while discovering several more “good things.”

And math. #oklaed 

Who Profits From A “Broken Public School” Narrative? – Alison Collins, aka SF Public School Mom, does not brook manipulative nonsense even a little – especially when it impacts education or the culture in which her kids are growing up.

Here she targets the same old-school advertising strategy used to sell mouthwash and hamburgers, and the way it’s employed to disparage public schooling and feed for-profit charters and their ilk. 

Plus, she writes with such style. She could be explaining rotary dial phones to me and I’d be fine.

Follow @AliMCollins on the Twittering and see what other shenanigans she disembowels with such ease. 

A Short Note From OKEducationMom – I suppose it should be no surprise that Rick Cobb of OKEducationTruths comes from good breeding. This guest post from his mom is certainly proof enough of that.

Mom has a few things on her mind, the biggest of which are #OKElections16. She remembers a time when teachers weren’t involved, education wasn’t valued or even attempting to be equitable, and she’d like to see us keep what momentum we have going in the right direction.

Also, she’s adorable. Sorry, Rick – she just is. 

Follow @OKEducation on the Twittering and talk more about his m- 

Actually, scratch that. Do follow him, but be careful how you bring up someone’s mom. I mean, that’s just good general advice, right?  #oklaed

And finally, a series from a man not known for his fuzzy warmth or perpetual unicorns & rainbows mirth. 

Peter Greene, of Curmudgucation, has committed himself to “refreshing his resolve.” The resulting series of posts should be collected and cross-stitched into little hanging something-or-others for the walls of every educator. 

Maybe with a background picture of a hand flinging a starfish or two back into the ocean.

Despite my snarky comments – probably a subconscious attempt to emotionally distance myself from so much legitimately stirring and emotional brilliance packed into one wrap-up – they really are that good. I have no idea whether there will be more, but you should take a few minutes and check out the series so far. 

And, I mean, if you DO cross-stitch, for real, maybe send me one or two to hang…?

Refresh the Resolve

Resolve to Breathe

Resolve to Listen

Resolve to See

Resolve to Be Present

I’m so proud of you, my #11FF – in your classrooms, your offices, and exercising your wild-eyed suffrage. Because we choose to believe. Because reality just hasn’t caught up yet with what we see and know.

Don’t stop.

[[{“type”:”media”,”view_mode”:”media_small”,”fid”:”2270″,”attributes”:{“alt”:””,”class”:”media-image”,”typeof”:”foaf:Image”}}]]

Why, yes – I AM a bit behind on the weekly wrap-ups lately. It’s just that, with the time of year, and state elections, and some uncertainty regarding, you know, how much anyone – I’m genuinely sorry. I should try to stay more… I mean, not that it’s any reflection, I just –

DON’T JUDGE ME!

Not to get all deep and meaningful, but that same dichotomy – recognizing our own faults and shortcomings, while at the same time feeling rather hostile towards anyone from the outside who wants to point fingers – is the norm for many of us in education. 

I don’t think it’s unique to our profession. Watching my Dallas Stars struggle their way through Stanley Cup Playoffs, I read the frustration and targeted criticism alongside the celebration of faithful fans on social media. If Coach Ruff says our performance in a game was embarrassing, we nod and agree and love his honestly. If one of our own analysts points out weakness in our defense, we tweet our validation because we said that EXACT SAME THING only with more cuss words during the game.

But let those hacks from NBC say the same things in their game recap and our venom and defensiveness will FLY – because WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT IT YOU OLD RETIRED SUCKY LIAR PEOPLE?!?

It doesn’t help that they can’t seem to get any of our players’ names right, or keep their facts straight, or demonstrate any real understanding of what THIS team is about. It doesn’t help how clearly they favor some of the other teams in the running. So yeah – we’re probably a bit defensive, but that doesn’t mean they’re not also full of $#@&. 

This is the season during which, as educators, many of us are simultaneously beating ourselves up for yet another year in which we didn’t manage to do or be all the things we’re sure we could do or be if we’d just get it right. There were a few small wins along the way, but sometimes it seems there are fewer and fewer each year. We didn’t cover everything we meant to cover, or fix all of the things we tell ourselves we’ll fix next year… every year. Not that we’re all that sold on the system itself, you understand – it’s just that no one’s come up with a better one that doesn’t cost 10x as much to run. 

At the same time, when those from the outside think they should have something to say about it, well… let’s just say we can get a bit touchy. It doesn’t help that they can’t seem to get our kids’ values and essential natures right, or do a little basic research on good pedagogy. It doesn’t help how clearly they favor some of the other systems which could be tried – systems with entirely different goals and priorities. So yeah – we’re probably a bit defensive, but that doesn’t mean they’re not also full of –

Well, you get the idea. 

Nevertheless, there are some moments from the world of edu-bloggery over the past few weeks which you simply SHOULD NOT MISS. Hang that ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign on the back of your laptop or tablet and get comfortable.

What Do Teachers Want? – Rob Miller, A View From The Edge. Miller has been on fire lately, covering state edu-politics, explaining national reformy-type issues, and writing inspiramotivatemotional essays about kids and teaching and feelings, warm and broken. If you’re not reading him regularly already – no matter WHERE you live in this corrupted world – then you’re doing it wrong. All of it. 

In this piece, he tries again to explain what the rest of us know but no one outside the profession seems to understand – yes, the money matters, but it’s not just about that. It’s about marginalization and agency and expecting professional results from fast food treatment. We’re not claiming to be miracle workers or martyrs, but we DO have degrees and stuff. Some of us even read.  #oklaed 

Redouble Our Efforts? You Go First. – Rob Miller, A View From The Edge. “Subjecting millions of American children to a regime of test, rank, sort and punish has simply turned many of our public schools— particularly in urban areas— into joyless, drill-and-kill test factories completely disassociated from real learning and the development of meaningful employment skills. Yet, the message we are supposed to read from these NAEP results is we need to “redouble our efforts” one more damn time! Maybe we should start giving 110% while we are at it.”

I’m so thankful for people who can make me laugh through my perpetual state of dark, defeated outrage. Follow @edgeblogger on Twitter and have thoughts and feelings with him.  #oklaed 

VAM: Better Never Than Late – Rick Cobb, OKEducationTruths. The problem with teacher evaluation rubrics is that people use them to evaluate teachers. All they manage to do is muddle how insanely subjective the entire concept is and must be. Cobb explains both the mindset and status of this particular inanity in Oklahoma edu-slation – AND works in a dead parrot. So there’s that.  #oklaed 

Two Things: As You Like It (and a hey, nonino) – Rick Cobb, OKEducationTruths. Of Romeo, and Juliet, and oil prices, and edu-budgets. This time we get a double-shot of Willy Wonka old school. There’s no knowing where we’re rowing… but you might as well boat along with @okeducation on Twitter and enjoy the ride.  #oklaed 

You’re Not Alone, Teacher – Jennifer Williams, JennWillTeach.com. Depression, Confession, Expression, and Acceptance. I don’t normally do, you know… FEELINGS and stuff, but this is solid. And essential. If not for you to feel better understood, than for you to better understand. Good stuff.

Follow @jennwillteach on Twitter, but be prepared to keep it fluff-free. It’s her thing.  #oklaed 

I Used To Be A Fun Teacher – Pernille Ripp, Blogging Through the Fourth Dimension. Ripp drifts from her joy and strategy-sharing for a very brief, honest reflection on how teaching a different grade – and a TESTED grade – has changed some of the things she values most about herself as a classroom teacher. Follow @pernilleripp on Twitter and reflect with her. I promise you, this one is a good use of that little blue bird icon. 

ICYMI: Some Edu-Reading For The Day – Peter Greene, Curmudgucation. I realize that linking to a page of links you shouldn’t miss as part of a page of links you shouldn’t miss is akin to using one of your wishes to ask the Genie for more wishes, and could lead to revoked lamp-rubbing privileges. But you should be reading Greene anyway, and – like myself – he’s golden when it comes to highlighting great work from others.

You should already be following @palan57 on Twitter and keeping up on your own – but don’t stop coming here as well. He knows more, and is consistently pithy and hilarious, but I have that certain adorable something…

Finally, a piece from the Washington Post this week – It’s Teacher Appreciation Week. Why some teachers don’t exactly appreciate it. This link was sent to me by someone who noticed one of my tweets was quoted, which of course amused me to no end. It’s a good piece overall, though – especially for legit news. Take a moment and check it out. 

Say what you like about the Post, @valeriestrauss is one of the best edu-reporters out there. Follow her so you don’t miss the good stuff like I almost did. 

I’ll close with this video from Supt. Joy Hofmeister for Teacher Appreciate Week. She goes a little easy on some of our state legis, but, you know – politics and pragmatism. I will say that WE appreciate HER more than I can express here…. but I’m not making a video about it.

[[{“type”:”media”,”view_mode”:”media_small”,”fid”:”2039″,”attributes”:{“alt”:””,”class”:”media-image”,”typeof”:”foaf:Image”}}]]

It’s Testing Season. Shut Up And Be The Same.

[[{“type”:”media”,”view_mode”:”media_small”,”fid”:”1982″,”attributes”:{“alt”:””,”class”:”media-image”,”typeof”:”foaf:Image”}}]]

OK, yeah – I don’t get the video either, but the sound quality is so much better than the remaining options and besides, THAT’S NOT THE POINT. 

Stuff You Shouldn’t Miss From This Past Week

You Are Not A Test – Rick Cobb, OKEducationTruths, with possibly this year’s best dose of perspective regarding state testing and real live children. What can I say about Cobb that hasn’t been said before – at least, that’s safe for publication? He’s such an institution in #OklaEd that I’m not sure we consciously stop and appreciate what he brings to the table anymore, we’re so used to it just… happening. Speaking of which…

Reason to Believe – Rick Cobb, OKEducationTruths – “Sometimes, in the face of despair and overwhelmingly contrary evidence, I still expect something good to happen.” Amen, brother.

Show @okeducation some love this week on the Twitters, or bring him candy and flowers or something. Perhaps a good, stiff drink. #oklaed 

Now Listen Here – Laura McGee, on Cimarron Middle School, does a particularly nice job of rainbow-toasted unicorns here, while never completely cutting the kite string or hitting ‘play’ on the schmaltzy music. There’s no such thing as ‘too many’ reminders this time of year just what it is we’re supposedly trying to accomplish, and so little of it has anything to do with these silly tests. I could read this one daily for the next few weeks and never get tired of it. 

On the other hand, I have no idea what to call this site. It doesn’t look like an official middle school page, but neither is it your typical blog. Leave it to Edmond folks to ignore orthodoxy in these things. I’m 77% certain, however, that at least some of the blame/credit goes to @CordellEhrich, so follow him on the Twittering and see what other rules he’s breaking. #OklaEd. 

Today I’m A Dad – Scott Haselwood, Teaching From Here, is traditionally one of our go-to positive-way-forward guys. But not this week. This week he’s a dad troubled by what 3rd Grade Malicious Child Standardization Procedure is doing to his pride and joy. 

“WHY ARE WE DOING THIS TO OUR CHILDREN?  WHAT IS THE POINT?  TO DRIVE THE LOVE OF LEARNING RIGHT OUT OF THERE SOULS?” Well… yeah, Scott. You think Educated, Inspired voters are going to keep re-electing the folks making these rules? People with souls don’t do such things. 

Haselwood is right to be troubled, but make sure you notice the picture of his daughter at the end of the post – particularly her expression and all it implies. If you’ve met Scott, or even a photo of him online, you’ll see it immediately. She’s definitely going to be just fine. 

In the meantime, follow @TeachFromHere on the Tweetbooks. I promise, he’s normally quite solution-oriented and leaves the frustration and bitterness to others. Like, for example… me.  #oklaed 

An Open Letter to Private School Parents: Stop Trashing Public Schools – Ali Collins, SF Public School Mom, happens to feel quite strongly about her local public school. She’s not anti-private, anti-charter, or anti-anyone else, but she WOULD appreciate it if you’d stop validating your educational choices by misleading others about hers.

Public Ed advocates from ANYWHERE will appreciate this one. I love her voice and passion, applied to clarity and good sense. I didn’t know they even ALLOWED rational people in San Francisco. 

Follow @AliMCollins on the Twittering and find out what other things she feels strongly about. There are several, I assure you.

Do Look At Me That Way – Rob Miller, A View From The Edge. Teachers remind each other a LOT not to let the gig become about the gradebook or the forms. That’s OK, though, because some of us require regular reminding. 

Notice the kids in your class, and your hallway, and otherwise crossing your path. If the spirits tell you something’s up, start that conversation and take that risk. Sometimes you’ll just end up feeling awkward or foolish (unless that’s just me), but there’s a flip side – sometimes they need you, whether they realize it or not. Sometimes they need to be heard, or asked, or otherwise engaged. Sometimes.

Consult the wisdom of @edgeblogger in the Hall of Tweets and see what else the spirits have to say. #oklaed

Finally – and I really didn’t want to include this one, because it kinda stings – there’s this…

Burning Down The House – T.C. Weber, Dad Gone Wild, has been reflecting a bit lately on education and politics, outrage and empathy. He’s been questioning his own approach to confronting bad policy and attacking real people who aren’t always real to him when he does. Sound at all… familiar, Blue?

While there are a few specifics related to Nashville edu-slation and shenanigans, this one is worth a read for any of us who are trying to speak truth to power, or satirize the evils brought down on our kids in hopes of robbing them of some of their power to destroy. It might hurt a bit to read, however, because many of these doubts and regrets about approach and effectiveness are… well…

Let’s just say I’ve heard that some people wrestle with these closer to home as well.

Wrestle with @norinrad10 on the Tweetness and find out what else Oklahoma and Tennessee have in common, for better or worse. Plus, he writes real good too. 

I’ll leave you with one of my new favorite, um… video things. Adam Ruins Everything?

[[{“type”:”media”,”view_mode”:”media_original”,”fid”:”1983″,”attributes”:{“alt”:””,”class”:”media-image”,”typeof”:”foaf:Image”}}]]

Be amazing, my darlings. Don’t let the system crush you just yet. Those same kids you want to flush… well, one of them will need you this week. Be ready.