There has been much talk, as of late, about the value of advanced academic coursework in public education. MNPS makes the International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge, and Advanced Placement (AP) programs available to kids across the district. This year there was… Read More ›
One of the most frequently asked questions as of late is, “When is the school board going to evaluate the director of schools?” I now finally have an answer. This week, the board completed their assignment, and the results are… Read More ›
‘Stead of treated, we get tricked ‘Stead of kisses, we get kicked It’s the hard knock life! – Hard Knock Life, Jay-Z School starts for MNPS in just over a month. And it may be July, but like a character… Read More ›
Over the last several months, I’ve been highly critical of MNPS leadership and some of the policies they’ve enacted. In talking with teacher friends, they acknowledge the shortcomings of leadership but counter with the argument that in spite of all… Read More ›
Today marks the due date for the MNPS School Board’s evaluation of the Director of Schools. Dr. Joseph has already completed his self-evaluation (SJoseph Summative Self-Eval Evidence Companion – June 2018 to Board 06.1…) and widely shared it with the public…. Read More ›
Too often, MNPS initiatives are driven by outside entities. Our literacy plans are written by outside consultants and our teachers coached by people contracted by the district. We purchase scripted curriculum from the University of Pittsburgh. We have contracted specialists… Read More ›
Have you ever been at a bar or at the airport, sitting by yourself, trying to mind your own business when that guy plops downs next to you and starts talking? You know, the one who seems to have an… Read More ›
“Books are fun, Nicholas, he says, they’re like amusement parks for readers. Yeah, well, maybe they would be fun if I got to pick the rides sometimes, you answer.” – Kwame Alexander, Booked This past weekend, I attended the very… Read More ›
If you watch MNPS School Board meetings, sometimes you’ll see the oddest conversations. This week’s meeting provides a perfect example of what I’m talking about. If you don’t regularly watch board meetings you may not be familiar with the term… Read More ›
I know it’s not a perfect analogy, but every time MNPS rolls out a new presentation, it’s The Picture of Dorian Gray that comes to mind. In the Oscar Wilde-written novel, the character, Dorian Gray, wishes to remain young and beautiful… Read More ›
Dad Gone Wild 