Preparing for a Successful 'Back to School'

The Evolving Role of Interim Assessments

Let's talk about school tests. Remember those pop quizzes, final exams, and everything in between?

• Today, I'd like to introduce you to a type of assessment you may need to learn about - interim assessments.
• In an ever-evolving education landscape, these play a crucial role.

Canva generated this picture of a teacher with her students.

Understanding Interim Assessments

Interim assessments are like temperature checks for learning.

They happen a few times throughout the school year, helping teachers gauge where students are in their learning process.

Unlike the pop quizzes that check daily learning or the end-of-year exams that measure what a student has learned, interim assessments sit snugly in between. These can be benchmarks to compare student learning against standards, diagnostics to pinpoint specific gaps, or progress monitoring tests to see how well a student is advancing in their learning journey.

Interim assessments are a type of educational assessment that is conducted at specific points during the school year to gauge students’ progress and provide feedback to teachers and administrators. Source: TAO

The Importance of Interim Assessments

Think of your child's learning journey as a road trip.

• You wouldn't want to drive across the country without a GPS or roadmap, right?
• Interim assessments are like GPS, providing regular updates on where the students are.
• They help teachers navigate the teaching

Understanding the Consequences of Banning Books in K-12 Education

Our children were born in the early 70s. There was no Internet. Indeed, there were no smartphones, computers, or tablets.

• Instead, our kids had a mother who read to them when they were a few weeks old.
• She also taught them how to read. We had books everywhere.

As a result, our children became voracious readers. They read fiction and non-fiction.

• It's no wonder both daughters earned degrees in American Language and Literature.
• That's why we must take the current controversy over book banning seriously.

The freedom to read is a fundamental right that forms the cornerstone of a robust democratic society.

• However, banning books in public K-12 schools has periodically surfaced throughout history, bringing this freedom under scrutiny.
• The American Library Association (ALA) records numerous instances of censorship challenges, highlighting the pervasive nature of this issue.

This video from PBS News reports on the top 10 books people have tried to ban.

Historical Examples

The negative impact of banning books in education becomes apparent when examining historical cases.

• A notable example includes Ray Bradbury's dystopian novel "Fahrenheit 451."
• Ironically, it is a commentary on the dangers of censorship itself, which frequently landed on the ALA's list of challenged books due to its "offensive

Segregation in K-12 Education: Post-Revolutionary War Era (1776-1865)

Segregation in K-12 education has been a persistent issue throughout American history, with its roots tracing back to the Colonial Era. This essay examines the origins of segregation in K-12 education during that time and explores the differential treatment experienced by Native American, African American, and white students. By delving into the historical context and citing relevant sources, we can better understand how educational disparities based on race and ethnicity were established and perpetuated.

The Post-Revolutionary War Era marked a critical period in American history when the foundations of segregation in K-12 education were solidified. This essay delves into the historical context of this era and explores the consolidation of racial disparities in education. By examining the policies, attitudes, and events that shaped educational segregation, we can gain insights into the enduring consequences of this era.

The transition from Colonial to State Control

The Emergence of State Control over Education

With the end of the Revolutionary War, control over education shifted from colonial and religious institutions to state governments. This transition facilitated the consolidation of power in shaping educational policies.

Early State Laws and Segregated Education

Many states enacted laws during this era that explicitly segregated education based on race. For example, Massachusetts passed a law in 1789 requiring the establishment of racially separate schools, perpetuating educational disparities.

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Expanding Racial Disparities in Education

Limited Educational Opportunities for African-American Students

African-American students faced severe limitations in accessing formal education.

Segregation in K-12 Education: The Jim Crow Era

This second in my series of articles about K-12 segregation covers The Jim Crow Era from 1877 to 1954, a dark time in American history characterized by widespread racial segregation and discrimination. This essay explores the historical context of the Jim Crow Era and its impact on K-12 education. By analyzing the policies, legal decisions, and struggles faced during this era, we can gain insights into the challenges and resilience of individuals and communities in the fight for educational equality.

Step back in time and delve into the dark period of American history known as the Jim Crow era, where racial segregation pervaded all aspects of society, including education. We'll look into the segregated schooling system that existed during this time, examining the disparities faced by African-American students. Explore the historical context, discriminatory policies, and the impact on educational opportunities for marginalized communities. Uncover the struggles, resilience, and pivotal legal battles that ultimately paved the way for progress in dismantling segregation. Gain insights into the enduring legacy of this era and its implications for the fight for educational equality in the present day.

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Legalization of Racial Segregation

Plessy v. Ferguson and "Separate but Equal"

The Supreme Court's 1896 decision in Plessy v. Ferguson established the "separate but equal" doctrine, endorsing racial segregation in public facilities, including schools. This ruling legitimized the practice of segregated education.

Plessy v. Ferguson was a landmark