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Friday, August 30, 2013

VIDEO: Don't Like the Public School Closings? Put Up or Shut Up.



[VIDEO] School closings have been a hot topic lately and the school year has just started. A longtime YouTube favorite "artist" make has his take on the issue. Many parents and others have been upset about these school closings. The question is are these closings necessary. That's what he takes a look at.

Needless to say there are a number of issues that need to be addressed when it comes to education in Chicago. I wish there were easy answers to these issues. We could talk about academics, social services, parents, economics, crime, etc.

I will say that I'd have been disappointed if for example Bennett/Shedd had been closed, however, I understand why CPS had to close almost 50 schools earlier this year. It's just awful that in closing almost 50 elementary schools there are residual issues and threats of violence with that. I would like to believe children under 14 are too young for that type of non-sense!

Monday, August 26, 2013

Why haven't I added a link to the Shedd Aquarium

I don't know why I never posted a link to the Shedd Aquarium here. I mentioned the school's and aquarium's namesake John G. Shedd here in the past. It's past time that we include a link to the many institutions where many students would take field trips.

Years ago it seemed that all of Shedd School went to the aquarium. It's considered a very fond memory of my time in elementary school. I still remember trying to attract the attention of some dolphins there unfortunately it didn't happen. It was a cool escape and especially doing it with friends.

Sadly I've never been back, but there will be times where looking for something to do this would be a good diversion. I do wonder how many school children visit this aquarium every year.

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Thursday, August 8, 2013

"Curators of Dixon School" - got notice from a local TV station

[VIDEO] Last year I mentioned a documentary film - Curators of Dixon School - in passing as it involved a south side elementary school out of Chatham. The leaders there strived to turn the school into something of an art museum. I missed this story last year from Channel 2 and the reporter - Derrick Blakely - is also an alumni of Dixon School.

It's important because unfortunately there appeared to be no previews of this documentary and there have been many screenings as it was noted this was screened at the Gene Siskel Film Center last year and it was advertised for viewing earlier this year at the ICE Theaters Lawndale cinemas. Having missed the various past screenings for this film, I'm even more curious about the premise.

You know this would be perfect for WTTW if the filmmaker was so inclined!

ALSO, the film will be shown at Cole Park on August 11th according to the summer screenings page of this documentary's official website.

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

WBEZ: Chicago scales back on standardized testing

CPS will eliminate 15 out of the 25 standardized test that students must take between KG and 12th grades. What tests were they taking? I think I could count on one hand the tests we had to take each year every year through 8th it was the Iowa Tests. The IGAP tests would be every year too, however, the testing would be different for example we may have to take a science and social studies one year and then the next math, reading, and writing. In 8th Grade we'd also have to take a minimum skills proficiency test.

Anyway cutting some of these exams will save money another thing I can agree on do these tests allow for learning or are teachers instructing for success on an exam. One of my teachers did that unfortunately even before the need to use standardized exams to determine achievement and learning.