Classroom procedures are basically sacrosanct in my classroom; I cannot run it without them. In fact, one of my favorite aspects of the new school year is sitting down to assess my classroom procedures.

I question, “What worked last year?” “What didn’t work out?” “What did other teachers do well?’ “What should I avoid?” And the overarching question is always “How do I want my classroom to run?” Like clockwork. Continue Reading...

UPDATE: Bret Schundler, fired from his post of education commissioner by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, has admitted that the fatal error in his state's Race to the Top application was his and his alone. Continue Reading...

Nettleton Middle School in northern Mississippi has some pretty standard requirements for nominees for class officers. Students must be passing their classes, maintaining a B average, have good attendance and good moral character. And, if they're an eighth grader running for class president, they'd better be white.

What!? Yes, at Nettleton Middle School only white kids can run to be class president. Don't worry, black kids can run to be vice president. However the seventh grade African-American students can only aspire to be secretary, as the top two slots are reserved for whites. And black sixth-graders better not set their sights above reporter, the lowest position. Continue Reading...