Stuck in an elevator with 11 social studies teachers and being the obvious fat guy isn't fun. It was a million degrees. One of the passengers was "elevator expert guy". Every five minutes he would explain that we could just use our credit card to hit a release switch. One man was real upset with the doorman (William Gomes) who refused to call the FDNY. Apparently doorman are not allowed to call anyone... Its not in their job description. After several calls to NYPD, and FDNY we were saved... Read Full Story

To all those in favor of critical thought, You have most likely heard about the situation in the Bronx at IS 318. On May 13 six classes of 8th graders staged a boycott in protest to being forced to take another standardized test, one of over two dozen this year. They boycotted one of the practice tests. An 8th grade social studies teacher, Douglas Avella, was falsely accused of instigating the students to boycott, and he is already in the rubber room and likely to lose his job entirely. READ... Read Full Story

Former QHST hotshot Joanna Vogel shares: "I know the changes that need to be made in my school to make it better but the power to make these changes is out of my hands." More than three-quarters answered yes. Read the article Read Full Story

DEE WRITES: I left QHST yesterday mortified and deeply affected by the dismal outcome of the Physics regents my sophomore students sat to take. Poor Barkan witnessed my meltdown with tears and all and in him I could not ask for a better shoulder to cry on. I was also fortunate enough to have Camille Gardner around as to listen I tried to piece together what lead us to such results. As the three of us were getting ready for Nigel’s party I decided it was better for me to go home to be with... Read Full Story

Feeling comfortable is not the pathway for growth. I’m not implying we as teachers should be uncomfortable but we should grow. Being uncomfortable sucks. Growth hurts. I remember when I was six years old; I used to get these night time leg cramps. Even now as I write this post they send shivers down my spine. I would lie in bed, unable to sleep, stare and the bottom of the bunk bed above me, and inevitably scream out for my parents to help me. When I told my dad about the pain he responded... Read Full Story

"Testing is the only real way to measure student progress and teacher effectiveness" This afternoon, I inadvertently brought up a discussion about measuring teacher effectiveness with colleagues. I'd intended on posting my reaction to the discussion here, but I'd like to open it up more to others first- as not to lead the discussion. so, as the end of the school year comes to a close: What does it mean to be effective? Read Full Story

Lori writes: One thing that I learned from being in other people’s classrooms is that many of us don’t distribute letters, like the one about cell phone policies during Regents week, to our advisees. I found stacks of them (why are we given so many copies?) in several rooms I was in. All of that information belongs on a website that parents could check; the kids leave them on the tables when we actually do give them out. When I proctored in Lieber’s room, however, I found some more pleasant... Read Full Story

"Adolescents entering the adult world in the 21st century will read and write more than at any other time in human history. They will need advanced levels of literacy to perform their jobs, run their households, act as citizens, and conduct their personal lives." – Richard Vacca (Quoted by Mike Schmoker in Results Now) "Imagine. . .all students, regardless of socioeconomic circumstance, having spent most of their class time in English, social studies, and other courses closely and carefully... Read Full Story

At the heart of the philosophy of QHST are several key concepts. Structured SLC meetings, Critical Friends Groups (to those who are new to QHST we used to have these), Inclusive Mixed Ability Classrooms, Advisory/DEAR, three small learning communities, and supporting distributive leadership throughout the building are pillars in our school. We just voted to continue having SLC meetings. We are staying the course. But there is concern among some of the professionals in the building... Read Full Story

The following article appeared in the NYPOST. Last night I was involve in a disscussion with teachers from the high school and teachers from other schools about this issue. The question that was possed was, "How are students, teachers, administartors, department officials, police and parents held accountable when something like this happens?" By YOAV GONEN, Education Reporter 'Kids are talking about bringing weapons to protect them - selves.' - Parent Kenneth Martinez May 27, 2008... Read Full Story