COVID: Education Smoke. Not Fire.
COVID is a minor educational problem. There, I said it. Truth. For decades, in the 7th largest district in the US — and in many schools around the world — the majority of kids are not mastering the basics (especially Black/Brown boys). Truth. COVID isn’t the crisis. It is short-term smoke from a long-term raging […]
The Death of Tiger Mom (Part 1 of 2)
It’s been over a decade since Amy Chua launched her notorious writing career describing the benefits of being a Tiger mom. In her book, she told how Asian moms were “better” and pointed to the exceptional academic performance of her children — and Asian children generally — as proof. And she’s right. Asian kids have, […]
3 Ways to Survive The Education Jungle (No Fear!)
The future is fuzzy and uncertain, yet your child’s school stays stuck in the past. Your child is going to The Jungle… are they ready?
Past, Present, and Future Fathers
It’s time to re-think Father’s Day. No more cards… do something radically useful instead.
The Short Order Cook and Her Two Daughters (and other commentary)
Dr. Scott discusses the soft bigotry of low expectations, the return of the “Graduate Profile,” and getting kids back in school.
Putting It All Together: Parent Upskills for Smarter and Stronger Kids
The Education Game promised parents a series of coaching points around “upskilling.” This is a collection of 7 articles written by Dr. Scott and Matt to help parents build life-long, independent learners.
It’s All About Relationships
We all know that “without relationship, learning suffers.” Can’t we do better building relationships among learners and educators? It turns out that we can…
Habits of Mind Drive Success
Any parents looking to build Character into your children? We have found that the “Habits of Mind” overlap with key character qualities. Build the Habits of Mind in your kids and you build their Character!
Math, Science, and Social Studies is All About Problem-Solving
This week Dr. Scott takes on problem-solving skills in the areas of science and social studies.
You’re Not a Rogue Parent (or Teacher) if You Want the Best for Your Kids
Dr. Scott takes on traditional decision-makers in this essay, whether they are the school principal or the President of the United States. Parents are the public in public schooling, make no mistake about it.
Don’t Teach Your Kids to Read (Part 2 of 2)
I continue the provocative idea of prioritizing Self-Control over Reading. This week, I describe how self-control can be built through “student engagement” and include examples and strategies for families to consider.
Hey John King! Let’s start a neighborhood tutoring corps before we take on a national one.
Dr. Scott responds to past Secretary of Education John King’s idea of forming a national tutoring corps to help kids catch up during this nasty pandemic. Dr. Scott offers the idea of families starting neighborhood tutoring programs, using next door friends as tutors for a group of neighborhood kids.
Don’t Teach Your Kids to Read (Part 1 of 2)
His mother yelled his name as he raced past me. She was close on his heels. The child, probably around age 4 or 5, was holding a package of sausage under his right arm — I’m not making this up — and, given the smile on his face, it was clear that he was having a great time grocery shopping with mom. Mom, not so much.
Is School Blockbuster or Netflix?
Blockbuster failed because they didn’t realize that our world was moving towards “Anytime, Anywhere, Everything.” If your child still sees school as “the place where learning happens,” then they may suffer the same fate as Blockbuster. Learning is now Anytime, Anywhere! Here’s how to do it.
The Great Parent “Up-Skill” (8 Essential Skills for 2021)
Matt and Dr. Scott present an 8 week bootcamp plan to develop adult learning leader skills within the most important person in the life of a child – the parent.
When drowning on dry land, jump into deep water
If your child doesn’t want to learn over the holiday break, it’s likely because they have been “drowning” in a school environment that is dull and uninspiring. Now’s your chance to push them into the “deep water” where the excitement to learn can be reignited! Here’s how…
Two Pathways to a Learning Pod
Learning Pods — which are a form of “Microschool” — are set to revolutionize learning. Parents keep asking us, “how to establish a FUN, FAIR, and POSITIVE learning pod?” Here’s how.
Looking for the “Sick and Tireds of Being Sick and Tired”
Are you a parent who is dissatisfied with your child’s learning? We mean, REALLY dissatisfied? Are you “sick and tired” of 1) schools that produce students who can’t learn on their own, 2) of feeling ignored by your school, 3) of a school system that is stuck in time? If yes, then for the sake of your child, it’s time to build a new approach.
(Part 2) Blame Thomas Friedman
Part 2 of “Blame Thomas Friedman” contains a simple “baby step” suggestion to help parents build self-motivation and self-direction in their children. (Maybe you’ll even thank Mr. Friedman… one day.)
Parents ≥ Teachers
I was a middle school and high school principal for 10 years. During that time, I saw many parents who allowed teachers or principals to make all the decisions about their child’s learning, with little or no input from the parent. It’s time to flip the script.