The Daily Riff - BE SMARTER. ABOUT EDUCATION.

What is the "right" kind of parent?

"It is sad to me when I hear parents feeling bad that they aren't doing "x", or feeling bad or embarrassed that they are doing "y"or doing too much of "x", or reluctant to ask questions and convey their concerns." Read more

The Case for Distraction . . . or Ritalin?

"It is the attempted standardization of a human being and of a notion of achievement that is limiting, prescriptive and bullying." Read more

Jon Stewart & Arne Duncan: Two Different Conversations

Last night on The Daily Show, Sec'y of Education Arne Duncan joins Jon Stewart. Video. Read more

Are Teacher Education Programs Irrelevant?

"The most innovative teachers are drawing on experiences and skill sets they developed outside of education." Read more

What Makes Kids Creative? A Box or a Spaceship?

Just tell me what to do. I want to be right. Read more

BIG SHOES: The "de facto national model of the digital school"

the genuine heartfelt desire of young people to be in the company of adults who are doing adult work, and the way our institutions and adult lives are structured more and more to keep us at a distance. - Diane Meier, "In Schools We Trust" Read more

Have The Jetsons Arrived?

From "Connect A Million Minds" Initiative - 3 Minute Video. Read more

"What happens to all the Asian-American overachievers when the test-taking ends?"

"Let me summarize my feelings toward Asian values: . . .F--- grade-grubbing. F--- Ivy League mania. F--- deference to authority. . . . F--- earnest, striving middle-class servility." Read more

The Dark Side of Our Achievement Culture

New "Race To Nowhere" Trailer Video Read more

"It's Disengagement, Stupid"

The 10 Essential Rules for Engagement Read more

Noam Chomsky: The Purpose of Education

"Education is really aimed at helping students get to the point where they can learn on their own. . . " Read more