During the past two months 12th Graders in my Government classes have become Modern Day de Tocquevilles. After having spent the first quarter of the course inquiring about democracy we used Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America as a model for students to research and present detailed observations and analysis about the state of democracy in […]Read Post ›
[Cross-posted on Edutopia] Learning is a messy process — and authentic, project-based learning immerses us in unique parts of this mess. There are days when my check-ins with students reveal that many young people are lost or unclear about how to proceed with the early stages of a project. “What topic are you going to […]Read Post ›
Talking to my dad on the phone today I found myself searching for words to explain my excitement about Bill de Blasio’s choice of an educator who is skeptical about the value of standardized testing as the new schools Chancellor in New York. I have strong feelings about the misuse of testing and the so-called […]Read Post ›
[Cross-posted on Edutopia] I had been trying to start class for several minutes. Our normal post-weekend check-in had failed. Instead of hearing updates from each other, students were having side conversations about the school dance. Once I regained everyone’s attention, two girls walked in late and the whole class stopped to watch as they gave […]Read Post ›
[Cross-posted on Cooperative Catalyst] Earlier today my American Government students watched the amazing film The Democratic Promise: Saul Alinsky and His Legacy. The documentary, which is framed around Frederick Douglass’ famous quote that “Power concedes nothing without demand,” is a powerful reminder that democracy is an ongoing process and continual struggle. While watching the film I […]Read Post ›
Mr J Block 