David Lista Films Girl’s Restroom

Stories such as these really make me sad to even be reporting to you. However as an education blogger it is my duty to report the good along with the bad. Again a fellow educator has brought shame to the profession. Mills High School teacher, David Lista, has been accused of filming high school girls in the restroom. Lista is an English teacher at the school with a classroom adjacent to the girl’s restroom. The discovery came about when the technology coordinator realized that a server had been overloaded. Once he checked into the problem, he found over thirty graphic … Continue reading →

School Battles Art Cutbacks with “Big Draw”

There is no denying that the NCLB Act has increased most every school system’s view on language arts, reading, and math. These two subjects have been labeled time after time as being the core subjects. So what label does that leave for everything else? I am not exactly sure. I do know that the idea for science and social studies in the lower grades is usually to be taught in the form of a reading or math lesson. Therefore the students are receiving a touch of the subjects wrapped up in the subjects that are believed to be really important. … Continue reading →

Television Test Prep

Most school staff members and teachers will claim that students watch too much television. However, one middle school claims that television is the way to test preparation and learning. After the 2007 test scores showed William Wirt Middles School falling short both in English and math, the school decided a new review and test prep study was needed. Each Thursday, the school shows a one hour prerecorded lesson to its students. The teachers at the school alternate teaching the lesson. The lesson is televised to all classes and students in the school. This way the teachers can be assured that … Continue reading →

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

As many of you know, a very famous author celebrates a birthday in March. Dr. Seuss, as most of us know him, was born on March 2. Each year schools, teachers, librarians, and many more honor Dr. Seuss’s work through fun activities and readings of his stories. The day surrounding his birthday has even been given a special name, Read Across America Day. The first Read Across America Day was held in 1998 on March 2. Among some of the special first Read Across America activities were an Oregon Head Start Dr. Seuss reading by a retired school teacher which … Continue reading →

Brooklyn Schools Hand out Cell Phones

In my previous article, I discussed how the cell phone debate continues with students and now has involved teachers and administrators. While most schools are debating whether or not to allow students to carry cell phones at school, one area is debating giving students cell phones as an incentive. A pilot program in Brooklyn is designed where schools actually give students cell phones as a reward for good grades, attendance, and good behavior. The program is taking place in three of Brooklyn’s middle schools and four of its charter schools. About 2500 students will be receiving cell phones equipped with … Continue reading →

Students Lack History Knowledge

People have various strengths and weaknesses. This variety falls into almost every life category. People have different abilities when it comes to sports, arts, academics, and more. Some people are good at mathematical computing and others are better at remembering history facts. I am a mathematical person. I enjoy logic and reasoning activities. However, my strengths do not carry over into historical facts and dates. It seems that many teenagers into today’s classrooms must also share my weakness in history. A recent survey found some very disturbing results when it comes to how much students actually know about their past … Continue reading →

Unique Learning Experiences

It amazes me more and more each day the things that children can now experience. Schools, teachers, and organizations are giving children now more opportunities in life than ever. Considering some of today’s family situations, I am glad that the experiences are coming from somewhere! Many students would not have these experiences without the aide of their teachers and school. I know that there are many districts and classes out there that take children to wonderful places for real life experience and knowledge. Children in my area have taken trips to places such as Washington D.C., New York, and even … Continue reading →

Southern Belle Schooling in Tennessee

Many years ago children were thought to need to learn more than academics at school. Boys were taught survival skills and girls were taught to be ladies. While more than academics are taught at schools now, much of the etiquette has been lost. Teachers are now teaching street survival skills about sex, drugs, and more. However, Columbia, Tennessee is one of the few places where a girl can still learn to be a proper lady. For one week during the summer, girls ages 14 through 18 can attend a Southern Belle school for girls. The school takes the girls back … Continue reading →

Students Paid to Attend Tutoring

It seems as if schools and teachers will do almost anything now to get students in school and learning. Each and every day educators are working on ways to get children actively involved in their academics. However, the challenge is getting greater and greater. It is harder and harder to compete with the world’s action and troubles. Lack of discipline, lack of parental involvement, and drugs all play a part in the competition that teachers face. Georgia has created a plan in which students cannot afford not to attend school. Two schools, one a high school and one a middle … Continue reading →

Get Rid of Lice from School with the Lady Nitpickers

It is that time of year when the school nurses begin making their way around to the classrooms and sending out those dreaded “lice letters”. These letters inform the parents that their child has lice and cannot return to school until treated with medication. It seems that winter is worse for lice because children are wearing hats and coats. These usually hang closely together in the classroom and the bugs spread. Parents usually buy the shampoo medication and sit for endless hours picking the nits from their child’s head. Clothing, bedding, and carpet also have to be treated. This can … Continue reading →