In the Lou

I’m currently in Chicago for a training on AVID for school, but this article appeared in the paper today. It discusses how, on the whole, middle schools were the best performers in the state. In particular, three St. Louis Public Schools’ middle schools were the best performers in the region. Among them… my school!

St. Louis Public Schools had some of the worst scores in the state, but three of its middle schools — Stevens, Long, and Bunche International — posted some of the most improved scores in the area. “We’re going to find out why those increases occurred, and work our tails off to replicate,” board president Rick Sullivan said.

I don’t have the detailed numbers yet, nor do I have the science results. But when I do, I’ll share them.

I can’t legitimately say that I need some time to think what I should be typing right now since I haven’t updated anyone in quite some time. So I won’t put it off, but I am needing to think along the way. Fortunately or unfortunately for you, this is going to be lengthy.

Part 1: 10 am today

In my effort to ban mediocrity, I avoid at all costs talking about finishing eighth grade as a graduation to high school. Yes, as a student, one is promoted. But the transition to high school should be met with much less fanfare than graduation or college commencement. (more…)

Nothing is more exciting as a teacher than having a very real-world example for my students in order for them to connect their classroom knowledge to the world around them. At approximately 4:37 a.m. Friday the opportunity came knocking. This is the approximate time that (more…)

Even though it was 70 degrees and sunny on Sunday, it is snowing like the dead of winter in St. Louis today. In fact, this is our biggest storm of the year. More than 8.5 inches has already blanketed the airport, the place of our official readings. Eating Ted Drewes while wearing short sleeves seems so long ago as I look out my window on a world of white.

The occurrence of this snow day means that, this week, I will not have been in my classroom for even one lesson. This is strange, but true. (more…)