In a new report released this week by the Center on Education Policy, student state test scores were found to have increased in the last 5 years.

Though this report has several things going for it, like many other studies on student test scores it must be approached with caution. I have written before about what most standardized tests REALLY measure as well as the fact that these scores can be manipulated. As more and more educators are "encouraged" to teach to the test, the scores have gone up. Not surprising.

But what sets this latest report apart is that the primary authors are some of the most outspoken critics of NCLB in general and standardized testing, in particular. So, it does have a certain amount of legitimacy.

Bottom line: Students' scores on state tests have increased over the last five years, but we can't be sure it is due to NCLB because we have no control group.… Read More

This weekend my 4-year-old daughter was a little weepy. She cried more easily than usual and was quickly frustrated with every day tasks.

She burst into tears at one point and said, "you're making me sad!"

I had committed the egregious sin of asking her not to stomp her foot while talking to me.

Then she collapsed in my arms and sobbed.

My razor sharp mom instinct finally kicked in and I asked her if perhaps she was sad about something else.

"My . .… Read More

Recently Newsweek magazine published its annual Top Schools issue where it lists the best high schools in the U.S.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12532668/site/newsweek/

Just like U.S. News and World Report's annual college guide, it's important to read the fine print. Especially when examining HOW schools get rated. The criteria on which the schools are judged are not necessarily the tools a parent needs to determine which school is best for their child.

For example, one criterion the Newsweek people use is how many… Read More

Ever since my daughter was an infant, my husband and I have marveled at her lack of physical affection.

Well, let me explain.

Annie is not what you would describe as cuddlesome. As soon as she could sit up, she tried to scoot away from us. Once she was walking, she would wiggle free from our arms. She's just one of those people who does not like to be held.

Every once in awhile I wish she were a helpless baby, just so… Read More

I know it might sound strange to those who are not dog people, but yesterday we hosted Labrador Gus' birthday party in our backyard.

It all started a few weeks ago when my 4-year-old daughter was asking me when certain family member's birthdays were. Finally she got around to Gus, who joined our family last summer as an adorable 8-week-old ball of chocolate fur.

"Well, let's see, when will Gus turn one?" I racked my brain trying to remember, "I think Gus… Read More

Well, not exactly.

I just signed-up Annie for 8 consecutive weeks of swim lessons this summer. Am I crazy? I just couldn't help it. She's been taking lessons twice a week for the last 8 weeks and I've really noticed improvement: I mean, she's sort of putting her face in the water and kind of dog-paddling.

So, in a wave of enthusiasm, I signed up for all four sessions at our local city pool. That's 8 weeks of swim lessons,… Read More