As teachers, we are afraid to speak out. I do not believe that educators will ever rise to the professional level of attorneys and physicians until we are able to voice our frustrations, fears and insightful ideas without fear of losing our careers. So, why are we so fearful of voicing opinions? Simply, because at the campus level, the teacher who voices an opinion is reprimanded. Now, let me qualify that statement. I am not talking about a strident dissident who is constantly complaining... Read Full Story

As is the human habit, at year’s end, I found myself thinking of past educational experiences. And, before the reader rushes to judgement, this experience did not happen in HISD. I add that because I believe that, because HISD is the eighth largest school district in the nation, and because HISD has the unenviable task of educating many, many inner-city and low socioeconomically classified students, the district seems to be the media’s favorite punching bag. In my personal experiences... Read Full Story

I found myself Running and working and searching For all the answers to the Questions in my Life Then I became too tired and Confused to notice the Little things which make each day Special John’s jokes Matt’s giggles Bluebonnets Good books Chicken enchiladas Hot coffee My Christmas gift this year Will not come from Macy’s or Even the Galleria because My best gift is the Peace I’ve felt since I stopped running I’m going to savor the feel of Christmas this year from the delicate flavor of... Read Full Story

As TAKS dictates what children learn in Texas, I wonder what happens to educational foundations that are so important to early learning. Each year, the test is tweaked so that it becomes more and more difficult to achieve success. A few years ago, children read passages on the reading test and answered some fairly basic questions. It was the same with math. I would have no problem with a comprehensive test that covered basic math computation, recognition of clock faces, time to the half hour... Read Full Story

Sorry it’s been so long since I have posted. We’ve had computer issues, but I know it is  unforgiveable to have a brand new website and not to post for three weeks! Also, I have just returned from a doctor’s office where I had a painful cyst removed from my back, so, even though it hurts, it’s a good, healing hurt and I feel like I am ready to be human again. Also, of course, it was great to have a couple of days off of work! Teachers I talk to all seem so very frustrated with the amount of... Read Full Story

TAKS has to go, and here's why. TAKS is not measuring student performance. It measures how much money your students' parents have in their bank accounts. Year after year, test performance predictably peaks in affluent areas across the state. The Suburban enclaves post great test scores. Then the Urban schools - with children whose vocabularies and experiences cannot begin to compete with children whose parents have advanced degrees and six-figure salaries — then play catch up There will be a... Read Full Story

Wikizines are interactive magazines that anyone can create or edit - and this one is called "No TAKS". Here you can find fresh voices and respond in real time. Some members write articles about recent news and trends related to the wikizine's topic, others recount relevant personal stories or share their favorite pictures and video clips. Got an interesting idea or story to share with other members of this wikizine? Well, then put on your journalist's cap and add your own article... Read Full Story

TAKS has to go, and here's why. TAKS is not measuring student performance. It measures how much money your students' parents have in their bank accounts. Year after year, test performance predictably peaks in affluent areas across the state. The Suburban enclaves post great test scores. Then the Urban schools - with children whose vocabularies and experiences cannot begin to compete with children whose parents have advanced degrees and six-figure salaries — then play catch up There will be a... Read Full Story

I ordered bumper stickers today, October 10, 2007. They are really sharp looking. They look a little like the Texas flag. On the left side, they have a royal blue background with one word in big, red, capital letters:  TAKS.  On the right side, there is a white background with : NOT ONE MORE DAY!  They should be here within a week. I am only ordering 250, but after they are gone, I will use any proceeds to order more. Each bumper sticker is $3.00, because I will have to buy postage... Read Full Story

There are several reasons that I am concerned about the influence of TAKS in Texas. For one, there is a disconnect between affluent and homogeneous students and minority students. In non-educational, laymen’s terms, read that: the rich white kids are always going to have better test scores than the minority kids. There is, in my opinion, no difference in intelligence between the two groups. One group is just as smart as the other. There is, however, a vast difference between students whose... Read Full Story