Author Archives: sutterlearn

Tech Has Its Place

There is so much banter about educational technology. Teachers are pressured to use technology even through our evaluation systems, while plenty of educators (and the public) don’t completely understand how easily pedagogical tech and novelty tech can be confused. For … Continue reading

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You’re Not The Only One

She called me an idealist like it was an insult. We were co-workers in an office world of cubicles that she may have been in too long. I’m not sure. The rest of the conversation stung more, degrading comments like, … Continue reading

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Data Tells Stories…

The Mackinac Center for Public Policy recently released their 2013 Michigan Context And Performance Report Card. They also provide a handy, searchable database on their website to find your specific district and school results. BEFORE you start exploring, here are … Continue reading

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Book Review – Your Life in Rhythm

For the past two years, I have kept Bruce Miller’s book, Your Life in Rhythm, as my “second”. I tend to keep a transitional book that I read between or along with others to avoid fatigue of one subject. This … Continue reading

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Unfunded Mandate

Here’s a quick update on the CCSS in Michigan. In June 2010, Michigan adopted the Common Core Standards, replacing the Grade Level Content Expectations (GLCEs). Shortly after, Michigan became one of the lead states in the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium, … Continue reading

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Book Review – Outliers

I first heard about Malcolm Gladwell’s book Outliers from the parent of a former student, and friend. The way she described it was, “It’s about how really successful people aren’t just lucky, they practice a lot.” Nearly two years later, … Continue reading

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Design Thinking from a 1st Grader

Earlier this week I was invited to visit the Henry Ford Academy Elementary School in Detroit. This site visit appealed to me because they are one of the few elementary schools that fosters Design Thinking. Design Thinking is different from … Continue reading

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Twitter: My Newest PLC

I’ve bemoaned Facebook for all providing more information than anyone needs to know about each other. I’ve realized why the Me Generation is, after hearing about celebrities tweet their every pathetic thought for tweens to gush over. High school reunions … Continue reading

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EdCamp Detroit

On May 4, a friend and I went to a dynamic professional learning called EdCamp Detroit. The premise of EdCamp.org is grassroots professional learning among educators in a vendor-free environment (“Edcamps should be about learning, not selling.”) Picture this, we … Continue reading

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Right to Work OR Privilege to Serve

In December 2012, ugly things happened inside and outside the capital building in Lansing, Michigan.  As with any human interaction, where you stood determined what you saw or knew and how you formed your opinion.  Inside the building, lawmakers quickly … Continue reading

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