Clair D.'s Comments

Lesson In Group Responsibility by Clair D.

Jan 6, 2007 | comments: 4

Clair D. Jan 6, 2007, 6:25pm EST

true. but some times we don't realize our choices when we have them.

A Brief Appearance by Clair D.

Jan 6, 2007 | comments: 5

Clair D. Jan 6, 2007, 5:05pm EST

=)
thanks carol!
i've been trying to not sleep, but for some reason i just can't stay up forever . . .

If Students Don't Learn the Way We Teach, Why Don't We Teach the Way They Learn? by Clair D.

Jan 6, 2007 | comments: 15

Clair D. Jan 6, 2007, 4:49pm EST

Some teachers are in the wrong profession . . . I think many people enter teaching because they don't know what else to do.

Kate, I'll caution you to do your research on the Alt Ed program in your district-- not all Alt Eds are created equal. There are two programs in surrounding districts that run their programs very traditionally (too traditionally in my never humble opinion), with the advantage being small classes more than anything. And there's a third Alt Ed that is all self-paced independent study booklets-- we get many students who tried these schools before joining ours. So, short story long, just make sure you've done your research and that it IS a better fit.

A Brief Appearance by Clair D.

Jan 6, 2007 | comments: 5

Clair D. Jan 6, 2007, 1:50am EST

It does feel nice to be spending time with hubby =) It's been kind of a reminder of why I chose to marry him.

I am pleased. Tired, but pleased thus far. And I'm kind of looking forwards to the fun parts of next semester.

Standardized testing should be eliminated or brought down a few pegs by LittleMissSunshine - Shel & Barney Rule L.

Dec 30, 2006 | comments: 40

Clair D. Jan 6, 2007, 1:13am EST

There are so many components that go into how effective a standarized test is. Many students blow off high school (and all associated standarized tests) because they don't see it as important. This may not be a reflection on what they know (or don't) or on the teachers they have.

I teach Adult/ Alternative High School. The darlings we get there are often very bright, but all they care is "did i do enough to pass?" If of 10 students in my class, 8 got D's, 1 got a C and 1 got an A, what does this say about me as a teacher? And what does it say when I offer bribery for students who pull their final grade up to an A or B and four DO?

The rest of the world doesn't use standardized tests. You can get a job without ever being able to take a standarized test. Whether or not we administer these tests won't change whether or not high schools "graduate" students who can't read at high school level (learning disabilities not withstanding!) Whether or not we have these tests will not change that there will be mediocre teachers, just as there are mediocre people in every profession.

And even the best teacher cannot get all the little students in a line if the students don't want to. I know. I spend a lot of time with the motivationally-challenged.

Witty, clever and sarcastic fare by Clair D.

Dec 29, 2006 | comments: 2

Clair D. Jan 6, 2007, 12:22am EST

I've always toyed with the idea of putting some of my favorate experssions and musings and such onto shirts and came across cafepress.
I find myself funny . . . and don't mind laughing at my own jokes. =)
I don't know if there's much more story . . . just an overworked, underpaid teacher, retail clerk, and wife. That's enough ammunition for dry commentary on the world around me.

Guys Are Stupid by Mike L.

Nov 8, 2006 | comments: 9

Clair D. Nov 8, 2006, 1:12am EST

i don't think you could be more accurate! the saddest part, i think, is that both sides are ao ADAMANT that the other is "stupid" or whatever word they decide to use.

guys and girls really have to learn that the other side IS different. guys are different from girls-- and it's OKAY. but, since we are all different, we need to learn how to work with each other. guys can't expect girls to act like girls and vice versa.

personally, i tend to think both sides are stupid. . . =)

still, nicely written =)

End the liberal menace by jay jacobs

Sep 21, 2006 | comments: 4

Clair D. Sep 21, 2006, 9:53pm EDT

wow. that seems a pretty extreme statement. as a liberal, i totally disagree. see, liberals are usually in favor of EQUALITY for all. if we weren't we might call ourselves conservatives. (Just kidding about that. but seriously, i've never met any liberals who are out to make anyone second class or slaves. it's against what being a liberal is about. if they do say that, they're not a liberal. not sure what they are, but it's not liberal)

CDC Recommends HIV Testing for Ages 13 to 64 by MrElf 1961

Sep 21, 2006 | comments: 10

Clair D. Sep 21, 2006, 9:51pm EDT

i agree with you cat-- IF kids are going to have sex (which there are plenty who will for both good and bad reasons) I totally think they should be educated about being safe.

and i totally don't understand the argument of "if you teach kids about it, they'll do it." ask ANY high school kid (and i'm a high school teacher, so i do) and they'll tell you that's total BS. They do what they want, based on their own beleifs. Better to give them the tools they need to be safe than pretend they're beleifs will always aline with our own.

i also read that the LARGEST group of people coiming down with new STDs are those later in life, like 50-80 years olds. Not too old to get a little busy . . . but also not to old to catch something nasty. we have the technology to keep people healthy, i like the idea of doing something about it.

Panda Bites Man, Man Bites Back by MrElf 1961

Sep 21, 2006 | comments: 10

Clair D. Sep 21, 2006, 9:39pm EDT

there's an imporant lesson (or three) in here! funny, though.

Letters to My Daughters by Amy just hangin' out M.

Sep 21, 2006 | comments: 16

Clair D. Sep 21, 2006, 9:36pm EDT

that's a totally sweet idea! i love it. in fact, i may just have to steal it when i have kids. =)

SOMETIMES THINGS *DO* WORK-- A REFLECTION ON A CLASS PROJECT by Clair D.

Sep 21, 2006 | comments: 4

Clair D. Sep 21, 2006, 9:27pm EDT

thank you =)

Pain used on my son a Motivator for him to remember homework, he has LD"S and is on medications for them as well as special ed... what do you think? by Matthew Emmett Townsend

Sep 16, 2006 | comments: 34

Clair D. Sep 21, 2006, 9:16pm EDT

homeschooling would work best, i think, if you the parent helps him explore the subjects, rather than "teaching" him. put him on the computer to research (insert subject, concept or idea) and discuss it with him. the better teachers include this type of learning because it works best AND is the most like what anyone would do in real life.

i think it's horrible that a mistake or error in one class is being punished in another-- as far as i'm concerned, each class or subject (and particularly teacher) should be independent of the others. at least where praise and punishment apply.

i'm an alternative high school teacher and sadly, even less extreme measures have detrimental results. you are right to do something about this-- i would seriously suggest writing a letter (or three) to the local papers about this. make it public-- people have a right to know.

pain is only a temporary reinforcers-- and pain in PE has CLEARLY not helped him remember his computer homework. reward had far better success with motivation.

it's too bad you ended up in a school system that is so wrong. teach your son from it. and i do encourage you to not be a homeschool "teacher" but rather a education guide. explore with him. debate, discuss, and make learning an adventure-- whatever his ability is.

Okay, is it still extortion when the "master mind" is in the first grade? by Nonalee ~.

Sep 19, 2006 | comments: 18

Clair D. Sep 21, 2006, 8:50pm EDT

i don't know if it was extortion-- if they're that young, it may have just been modeling the world around them. if you go to the movies, you have to pay money to enter their room and see the show, (etc.) extortion, to me, would require intention. did Cecielia want the money at any cost- was she willing ot threaten, or was it a more-or-less mutual exchange.

as for calling her mom, it's proably a good idea, but i'd approach it carefully. perhaps start with a light toned-- 'did you hear about the little deal our kids made . . ." and express that you're not upset but you would like the money returned if possible. the other mom may or may not be reasonable-- if not, then that too is a lesson to your daughter. some people don't do the right thing. i wouldn't make a federal case out of it-- it's five bucks and a couple of kids learning their world and what they can (and can't) do in it.

your daugher WILL absorb how you react to this. if you get all upset and rant and rave-- she will likely internalize that as the proper way to deal with situations. and that may not be the best thing to teach. (in my opinion. of course, i'm also a "you-get-more-bees-with-honey person, anyway.)

aren't kids entertaining? rarely a dull moment!

Gluten-"Free": It's Anything But! by Carolee E.

Sep 12, 2006 | comments: 9

Clair D. Sep 21, 2006, 8:38pm EDT

i second raymond-- look for gluten-free mixes. i've used rice-flour with success. i make gravy with cornstarch. and i'm totally geeked about brown rice noodles (as a former pasta-addict, this was my salvation). they cook nice, come in many shapes, and don't have any funky taste like corn noodles.

we wheatfree folks have to go back to the days when wheat was NOT so abundant, when coarn bread was made with CORN, rye bread was made wholey with RYE (not wheat flour) and egg rolls were made with RICE PAPER (they didn't grown WHEAT in friggin' medieval china!)

it's a tough switch, no doubt about it, but it can be done. the bread part sucks the most-- so i've resorted at times to make sandwhich wraps (not unlike the new McDonald's snack warp) with corn tortillas. i'm thinking of asking the in-laws for a breadmaker for christmas. i sure miss sandwhiches . . . =)

Chicken Pox by Jacqueline B.

Sep 17, 2006 | comments: 13

Clair D. Sep 21, 2006, 8:26pm EDT

it would be nice if there were more services available to parents, families and caregivers. but it costs money.

hope the little one feels better quickly.

Need more hours in the day by Jacqueline B.

Sep 21, 2006 | comments: 8

Clair D. Sep 21, 2006, 8:20pm EDT

sometimes, we need to be a little selfish. otherwise, we risk losing our selves in the wants and needs of everyone else. whatever you do, enjoy yourself. what are you going to reflect on more favorably-- spending time with your son or working extra hours at work?

i don't know who said it, but i'll quote it anyway: "No one ever looks back and regrets not spending more time at the office." =)

(though i can totally relate to needing more time in the day!)

Speeding on the highway by William M.

Sep 21, 2006 | comments: 27

Clair D. Sep 21, 2006, 8:17pm EDT

i don't understand hating speed traps. if you're not doing anything illegal, then you have nothing to worry about. i never drive more than 5 over, and usually not even the full five. i'm in no hurry. if i'm on the e-way, i'll try to be in the right or center lane so i'm not posing too much of a hazard to the leadfoots.

hating speedtraps is like . . . hating your boss for noticing you were late again. it's not the BOSS that did anything wrong (or the COP) it's YOU.

my two cents.

two cents i do not want to risk having to spend on a ticket and increase car insurance. besides, i'm not in any hurry. i just turn up the radio and enjoy the ride. and really, speeind saves, what 5 minutes out of hour of driving? if that-- less when you encounter traffic lights. (i enjoy when some dude flies past me on the e-way then is ONE CAR ahead of me at the light at the end of the exit ramp. Ha ha!)

I got mad. by William M.

Sep 21, 2006 | comments: 33

Clair D. Sep 21, 2006, 8:10pm EDT

it's too bad this happened to you.

though, it kind of makes me smile because from what i know of you from gather, you probably get mad like my husband. very politely telling them to go screw themselves. (unlike me, who will make sure the next county knows just what i think of said company, person, or idea).

well, all's well that ends well, right? =)

Conservatives have to choose... by Mark F.

Sep 19, 2006 | comments: 10

Clair D. Sep 21, 2006, 8:01pm EDT

sorry mark-- i meant to rate your article higher. my mouse slipped! *sheepish grin* it's me that gave you the 8, but honestly, i mean to rate it higher.