Honky Tonk Angel

THE BASTARD SON OF NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND?

I have just recently pulled my head out of the sand (or, whatever), and have become acquainted with the latest in the long list of 'educational reforms', that is the COMMON CORE STANDARDS (cue screeching violins). I'm educating myself on this bucket of bile: where did they come from, who wrote them and why, and what will the impact be on teaching this time around. While my self-education continutes, I found this comment on Ravitch's blog that helps to explain what the hell is going on.

"I tend to think that over time, this will be another “No Child Left Behind” disaster.

I could only hope as much, but CCSS does something no other act or program has ever tried to accomplish, and that is to justify the need for a national database on all students. That is to say, within a generation, all citizens. This is too big and too important of a ball to drop, unless it is replaced by a better ball.

In true Orwellian style, the common core will provide the oligarchy with a much needed tool to control the masses. The information gathered, justified by the CCSS, will be powerful enough to start a war. And not a war on another nation, but a war on our own lower class which, as automation increases, is no longer needed in such great numbers. 

I realize I sound like a conspiracy theorist when I say this, and I’ll admit, everything you read above is made up. The questions remain, though, why does the federal government want such a tool this badly, and why would we submit it to them?"

HAPPY BASTILLE DAY!

ANDY GRIFFITH AND THE DILLARDS

ONE OUT OF 180 AIN'T BAD, I GUESS

Received this email yesterday from a student. She was one of the few bright spots of the school year. She is going on to bigger and better things. This is the type of thing that keeps me going, I guess.

Hello Mr. Werthblergerstein*:

I am writing to thank you for teaching me about ceramics and it's many artists. Today I went to the Oakland Museum and during my explorations in the art exhibit I found many pieces of Peter Voulkos. Along with his work, I also found Micheal Lucero and Ron Nagle. I have to say that without you teaching me about their work I would have not understood their background history. It felt great to be one of the few to know who the artist was and what their method of working with clay was. Thank You. I hope you are having a fantastic summer vacation without us "students".

Love, Tundalejo Magellan*

*Names changed to protect the innocent!