Crabby wonders about form and substance...The more I think about college access and success for underserved students, the more I find myself reading and thinking about primary and secondary education as well. Too often, I've found, even students at the top of their classes struggle to write a decent essay for an application--not understanding how … Continue reading What’s the Frequency, Kenneth?
teaching
Outsourcing Ourselves
Crabby wonders what's left for us to do ourselves... A recent article in the New York Times suggests that teaching handwriting may be losing ground to teaching typing in elementary school, the better to ensure that young people become chained to computers at earlier and earlier ages. The article cites studies suggesting that handwriting may actually … Continue reading Outsourcing Ourselves
Achievement and Standardized Testing
Back in 2001, Richard Atkinson, then president of the University of California system, sent shock waves through the testing community by suggesting that he would recommend dropping the SAT I in favor of the SAT II. The SAT II, unlike the SAT I, is more closely related to what students actually learn (or should learn, … Continue reading Achievement and Standardized Testing
Fishing in Deeper Waters
"See you now; … Continue reading Fishing in Deeper Waters
Putting the Heart Before the Course
Several high school seniors from first generation-college, low income families were sitting together with The Awakening, by Kate Chopin, one of my favorite novels and one I've taught several times. Caught in a loveless marriage in New Orleans in the mid-19th century, Edna Pontellier escapes her gilded cage through art and a passionate affair. Atmospheric, … Continue reading Putting the Heart Before the Course
College Counseling Culture 