New address for The Disruptive Teacher blog

http://disruptiveteacher.blogspot.com/ I have a new address for The Disruptive Teacher blog.

“This teacher bashing must stop!”

Brent Staples of The New York Times is correct in saying: “the many complex problems that have long afflicted public schools are being laid almost solely at the feet of the teachers’ unions.” He proclaims how the many attempts to demonize teachers are “cartoonish.”

Study: Teacher bonuses fail to boost test scores

Research has shown that offering bonuses or cash rewards does not improve performance. Teachers perform at their best when they are not worried about trying to survive on a small salary. Treat and pay educators like professionals, and you will see a dramatic increase in performance, but don’t hold their income hostage. http://www.eschoolnews.com/2010/09/21/study-teacher-bonuses-failed-to-boost-test-scores/

Here is a video by Daniel Pink which further illustrates this reasoning.

How to excite students about STEM

Schools should be looking at new and innovative ways to teaching science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). An exciting and proven program is the FIRST LEGO League and Tech Challenge.

Why American schools should be more like Finland’s

“Finland came from behind to become the world leader in student achievement. Their strategy is the opposite of what we’re doing in America.”

YouTube College Admissions Application?

http://education.newsweek.com/2010/09/12/applying-to-college-on-youtube.html

A Formula For Changing Math Education

Coming soon to a classroom near you: Robot teachers?

“To help spur interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, many schools have begun to integrate robotics into the curriculum—but are younger students and their teachers ready for a new wave of robotic teaching assistants?”

Iraq says sale of computers donated to schools by the U.S. legal

“Computer equipment worth $1.9 million which the U.S. military says was a gift for Iraqi schoolchildren but was auctioned off for less than $50,000 was sold legally, Iraq’s customs authority said Sunday.”

U2 in Space and On Tour with NASA