Valiant, Etc.

Pro-Reform

Dr. Bob Valiant — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 22:19:51 +0000

Pro-Reform

I am unabashedly pro-reform, and proud of it. The public schools in the U.S. are headed in the wrong direction and must be redirected to a new course. The evidence is clear that things have gone unquestionably wrong. Failing schools, increasing drop out rates, a badly deteriorating infrastructure, and demoralized teachers are all indicators . . . → Read More: Pro-Reform

Where Do You Stand?

Dr. Bob Valiant — Sun, 27 Jan 2013 23:59:20 +0000

One could argue that the primary function of the public schools is the cognitive development of the children who attend. It seems reasonable that those who are in charge of said cognitive development would have a solid understanding of what the concept means and of the current research in the field. As I observe current . . . → Read More: Where Do You Stand?

Full Disclosure

Dr. Bob Valiant — Fri, 21 Dec 2012 17:53:18 +0000

Full disclosure: I spent 36 years in public education as a high school math/science teacher and as a district-level administrator responsible for curriculum, instruction and assessment. At the university level I have taught graduate-level classes in curriculum, instruction, and especially in the teaching of higher-level thinking. My background includes speaking in venues across the continent . . . → Read More: Full Disclosure

Problems: High-Stakes Standardized Tests

Dr. Bob Valiant — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 16:25:08 +0000

Our friend, Marion Brady, put together a comprehensive list of what is wrong with high-stakes standardized tests. Feel free to copy and pass around to parents, teachers, and othe r concerned citizens.

PROBLEMS: HIGH-STAKES STANDARDIZED TESTS A partial list of problems with standardized, machine-scored tests, problems which should be addressed before such tests are used . . . → Read More: Problems: High-Stakes Standardized Tests

A Message to Local School Boards Across America (Present Company Included)

Dr. Bob Valiant — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 17:55:51 +0000

A Facebook friend who is a college professor and father of school-age kids in Pennsylvania recently posted this message he delivered to his local school board. It is so well done I thought it needs to be shared with others. So with Tim Slekar’s approval:

Diane Ravitch, former Assistant Secretary of Education under President . . . → Read More: A Message to Local School Boards Across America (Present Company Included)

Open Letter to Michelle and Barack Obama:

Dr. Bob Valiant — Tue, 13 Nov 2012 20:11:28 +0000

Open Letter to Michelle and Barack Obama:

Here is what the experts say our kids will need to be successful in the 21st Century:

Basic, scientific, mathematical, and technological literacies. Inventive thinking including curiosity, creativity, and risk taking as well as higher order thinking and sound reasoning. Effective Communication including teaming, collaboration, and interpersonal . . . → Read More: Open Letter to Michelle and Barack Obama:

Dear Mr. President

Dr. Bob Valiant — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 22:57:00 +0000

Dear Mr. President:

Do you really want to go down in history as the president who killed public education? If not, it is time to stop listening to your advisors, including Arne Duncan, who are busy selling what has been the greatest public education system in the history of the world, to corporate interests that . . . → Read More: Dear Mr. President

Parent Alert!

Dr. Bob Valiant — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 21:14:57 +0000

Parent Alert! Do you really believe the nightmare of high-stakes testing of children as young as 5, the grade retention policies that fly in the face of decades of research, scripted curriculum, narrowed offerings, larger class sizes and lack of classroom resources is going away on its own? Have you heard of ALEC, Broad, DeVos, . . . → Read More: Parent Alert!

Pro-Reform

Dr. Bob Valiant — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 14:15:48 +0000

Farmers Call it “Sucking Hind Teat”

Dr. Bob Valiant — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 18:19:16 +0000

There are lots of ways to organize a school and provide a curriculum for the students. Take a look at the curriculum described below and think about how this might work for your children and grandchildren.

Elementary School

The school provides an academically challenging curriculum with flexibility to meet the needs of individual students. The . . . → Read More: Farmers Call it “Sucking Hind Teat”