I really support this: “Instead of No Child Left Behind policies, how about every child deserves the best education possible? Instead of the constant testing and measuring in the vain attempt to get everybody to the same point at the same time, how about looking at each child’s individual needs?” That’s a big carrion cry in gifted ed, as you may know. The new value-added analysis is supposed to help but…I’m not hearing great things about it right now.

As for the Hil/Barack thing, yeah – I know – I suppose we shouldn’t be surprised that two candidates who are a bit yin and yang are out there – it’s pretty rare that someone with it all reaches the stages they have. But working together? I don’t know – I have to tell you, I think Obama has shown some serious, serious intense dislike for Clinton. At times, it’s been almost as scary to see on his face as the steel fortitude of Clinton that seems so cold and calculating.

What do you think??

It’s all about how to get the young bird out of the nest and able to soar on her/his own. Our wonderfully diverse and gifted students have also achieved Excellence on every NCLB report card.

I would support the idea of more looping in elementary and middle schools. In urban schools especially, many students need a constant in their chaotic young lives.

Richardson was correct to be campaigning for more arts (especially more drama and dance) in the schools. Add in teaching methods that incorporate the multiple intelligences and other progressive education policies. Instead of slapping uniforms on kids as an attempt to gloss over problems, it is time to focus on individual needs. Instead of No Child Left Behind policies, how about every child deserves the best education possible? Instead of the constant testing and measuring in the vain attempt to get everybody to the same point at the same time, how about looking at each child’s individual needs?

As for Hil the problem solver vs Barack the poet-orator, I’d like them both on the same ticket. That would neatly side-step the gender vs minority quandary. Can’t we have change and experience at the same time? What we need are intelligent, creative and dedicated people who are able to work together to solve problems. (The latter are skills that are learned effectively through the arts.)

You managed to place a few doubts in my mind, but after giving it some more thought, I am still willing to pass up the path well-trod for the path not yet taken.

Looping only works for the good when you are on the right track. Otherwise, you just get dizzy.

Cheers!