Joe Nathan / 2011, Columns (J. Nathan) / advice to families, back to school /
What can families do to help make this a great year for their youngsters? School leaders from around the state other school had creative and sometimes unexpected suggestions when asked about this last week. John Phelps, principal at Blaine High School recommended, “Don’t ask if they have homework, ask if you can see what they […]
Joe Nathan / 2011, Columns (J. Nathan) / learning from students, new school year, What Kids Can Do /
What have students taught me? Over the last 40 years of teaching in elementary, secondary and college/university, I’ve learned a lot from students. I know, it’s supposed to work the other way – the students learn from me. But today I want to share some of the best advice I’ve ever heard from students. Try something […]
Joe Nathan / 2011, Columns (J. Nathan) / Reach for the Stars /
“Reach for the Stars 2011-12” is one of the finest free resources I’ve ever seen for families, educators or young people. The 28-page booklet is an amazing array of what its compilers describe as almost 100 “academic programs, challenges, competitions, events and enrichment opportunities for k-12 students in Minnesota.” See the Reach for the Stars, […]
Joe Nathan / 2011, Columns (J. Nathan) / Gallup poll, Phi Delta Kappa poll /
When there is deep division in this country about some issues, a new national poll released last week shows strong, and sometimes surprising support for several key ideas in public education. Young people and families in Minnesota gain from the way these ideas are being applied here. The results come from the 43rd annual collaboration […]
Joe Nathan / 2011, Columns (J. Nathan) / undereducated /
“Police, prisons and food stamps.” Those were several of the responses when I recently asked urban youngsters visiting Macalester College how tax money is spent to help students and families. It was a forceful reminder that we need to do a better job of communicating. Despite tough economic times, a new report from Georgetown University […]