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|
Date:
| Sun Nov 30 17:55:46 2003
| Name:
| Luann Rouff
| E-mail:
| lrouff@bignet.net
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| Ferndale, MI
| How the site | was found: Punished By Rewards
| Comments:
| Your book has radically altered my view of education,
parenting, and mentoring. After applying some of your ideas during a
difficult period with my six-year-old (and very bright) son, I noticed
immediate improvement, not so much because of what I did, but because of
what I stopped doing. Recently, my son's private school sent home a notice
about a Pizza Hut-sponsored reading incentive program! Armed with my new
knowledge, I immediately sent a letter to the teacher, the principal, and
all the parents of the primary class students. I didn't get much response,
but I sure spoke up, and will continue to do so! The ideas in your book
made immediate sense to me and seemed so self-evident, I was surprised
that I hadn't thought of them myself. But I didn't, and am deeply grateful
for your thoughtful and well-researched books.
|
|
Date:
| Wed Nov 26 16:44:23 2003
| Name:
| Dr. Rhoda N. Chalker-Speck
| E-mail:
| Speckboarder@cs.com
| Organization:
| Kappa Delta Pi, College of Education, Florida Atlantic
University
| Location:
| Boca Raton, Fl 33431
| How the site | was found: KDPi Convocation - St. Louis, MO
| Comments:
| Your speech on assessment was right on target. I quote from
the Nov. 24, 2003, Fort Lauderdale, FL Sun-Sentinel article: "Number of
Florida children locked up under Baker Act increased 32% in 4 years".
Quoted in the article: David Dashev, chief operating officer of mental
health services at Columbia Hospital in Palm Beach County: "Dashev
theorizes that more working parents mean more children left home alone
without proper supervision, which can lead to conduct problems. "HE ALSO
THINKS INTENSE FOCUS ON CHILDREN TO PERFORM ACADEMICALLY LEADS TO MORE
INVOLUNTARY COMMITMENTS AROUND THE TIME OF THE FLORIDA COMPREHENSIVE
ASSESSMENT TEST OR SAT EXAMS" (sic, capitals). This statement is very
disturbing and calls attention to the extreme and alarming state we have
reached in the focus on testing, accountability, and assessments. Thank
you for your continued efforts to "speak out on behalf of children,
educators and parents in today's test-driven educational system.
|
|
Date:
| Wed Nov 26 14:55:24 2003
| Name:
| Rushfeldt
| E-mail:
| rushy82@hotmail.com
| Organization:
| Grant Macewan College
| Location:
| Edmonton, Alberta Canada
| How the site | was found: Networking
| Comments:
| Doing a paper on Alphies Article "Why Incentives Cannot
Work"
|
|
Date:
| Wed Nov 26 09:48:24 2003
| Name:
| Dkent
| E-mail:
| dkent@cc.edu
| Organization:
| Carroll College student
| Location:
| Waukesha,WI
| How the site | was found: Instructor
| Comments:
| Doing a paper/presentation on rewards vs no rewards. Thanks
|
|
Date:
| Wed Nov 26 01:16:46 2003
| Name:
| Shuba Vasan
| E-mail:
| svasan@ccny.cuny.edu
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| New York
| How the site | was found: While search for information on my research topic.
| Comments:
| Hi, I was kind of aware about the pit falls of the praise
and rewards system. What I would like more is to see research studies on
special education students that show that rewards and praise do not have a
long term effect. I do agree with the facts about the effect of reward
system at work places and with graduate students.
|
|
Date:
| Tue Nov 25 17:18:02 2003
| Name:
| Dr. Carole V. de Casal
| E-mail:
| decasalc@winthrop.edu
| Organization:
| Winthrop University
| Location:
| Rock Hill, South Carolina
| How the site | was found: under Alfie Kohn
| Comments:
| none yet
|
|
Date:
| Mon Nov 24 01:42:40 2003
| Name:
| Sheila Jones
| E-mail:
| sjones0007@aol.com
| Organization:
| Pearl Harbor Christian Academy
| Location:
| Honolulu, Hawaii
| How the site | was found: I received a letter from Mr. Kohn and he told me about the
website.
| Comments:
| I am interested in reading more of Alfie Kohn's books. I
really enjoy your idea of disciplining children.
|
|
Date:
| Sun Nov 23 13:40:00 2003
| Name:
| Tom
| E-mail:
| Though@abswebmail.com
| Organization:
| WPO
| Location:
| Allentown PA
| How the site | was found: Researching for a thesis paper
| Comments:
| I would like to thank this site, and mr Kohn for opening my
eyes to the problems with education and giving me lots of good information
for my paper
|
|
Date:
| Sun Nov 23 05:26:56 2003
| Name:
| krishna
| E-mail:
| mailto:krishjeej%20@yahoo.co.in
| Organization:
| schoo;
| Location:
| chennai , india
| How the site | was found: searching for research topics
| Comments:
| i havent still gone through anything may be next time i can
tell u
|
|
Date:
| Fri Nov 21 23:27:19 2003
| Name:
| Jeremy J. Seehafer
| E-mail:
| cheesehafer@hotmail.com
| Organization:
| Hong Kong International School
| Location:
| Hong Kong, CHINA
| How the site | was found: Google...
| Comments:
| I've been a huge Alfie fan for a number of years and have
read numerous books authored by him. Great, thought provoking reads...
|
|
Date:
| Wed Nov 19 22:37:28 2003
| Name:
| kamarudin bin mohamed
| E-mail:
| kamarudin@kolejlegenda.edu.my
| Organization:
| Legenda group of colleges
| Location:
| malaysia
| How the site | was found: yahoo
| Comments:
| i am start learning your theories.
|
|
Date:
| Wed Nov 19 12:42:15 2003
| Name:
| Robert A. Clancy
| E-mail:
| rclancy@ic.edu
| Organization:
| Illinois College
| Location:
| Jacksonville , Illinois
| How the site | was found: Colleague
| Comments:
| None
|
|
Date:
| Sun Nov 16 20:46:15 2003
| Name:
| Sarah Smiley
| E-mail:
| v_ballspiker@hotmail.com
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| James Madison University in Virginia
| How the site | was found: researching
| Comments:
| I am a college student doing a research term paper on
standardized test, I saw your book, and now your website, and I think it
is very very good and useful for my topic! Please let me know if you can
refer me to any other similar sources. Your message portrays my same
feelings on the topic! keep up the great work!
|
|
Date:
| Sun Nov 16 20:39:19 2003
| Name:
| Sarah Smiley
| E-mail:
| v_ballspiker@hotmail.com
| Organization:
|
| Location:
|
| How the site | was found:
| Comments:
|
|
|
Date:
| Sat Nov 15 09:05:52 2003
| Name:
| Andy DeJong
| E-mail:
| adejong@pisd.edu
| Organization:
| Hughston Elementary School
| Location:
| Plano, TX
| How the site | was found: searching
| Comments:
|
|
|
Date:
| Fri Nov 14 13:41:59 2003
| Name:
| Marv Marshall
| E-mail:
| Marv@MarvinMarshall.com
| Organization:
| Dr. Marvin Marshall and Associates
| Location:
| Southenr California
| How the site | was found: Response to my e-zine below
| Comments:
| Here is how I found out about your newsletter: I am an
elementary school librarian who was given the task of creating a parent
resource library. I was examining selections on Amazon.com and was
impressed by the written reviews of those who had purchased your book. I
think I may have seen your name on Alfie Kohn's website as well. At any
rate, I purchased three copies of your book to add to the library and all
have been checked out (one by me). The e-mail info was on a green insert
in each of the books. I am about 1/4 through the book and I plan to
purchase my own copy to highlight and mark up. Sincerely, Ginny Beall
---------- Where can find a reference to MarvinMarshall.com on you site?
|
|
Date:
| Wed Nov 12 20:35:31 2003
| Name:
| William Conway
| E-mail:
| billconway@sbcglobal.net
| Organization:
| Cleveland State University
| Location:
| Cleveland, Ohio
| How the site | was found: Search
| Comments:
|
|
|
Date:
| Wed Nov 12 13:47:09 2003
| Name:
| Santo Nicotera
| E-mail:
| snicotera@elpueblointegral.org
| Organization:
| El Pueblo Integral - Teaching and Learning Collaborative
| Location:
| Tucson, AZ
| How the site | was found:
| Comments:
| My partner and I are designing a small K-12 school to open
in Fall 2005 with grades 6-7. We have always been inspired by the work of
Alfie Kohn and would love to have input as we design.
www.elpueblointegral.org
|
|
Date:
| Sat Nov 8 19:08:58 2003
| Name:
| Ruth Fell
| E-mail:
| rarefell@msn.com
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| Abington, PA
| How the site | was found:
| Comments:
| I am a parent of a second grader and I was able to see you
last week in Doylestown. Your talk was fabulous. I left feeling energized
and ready for a fight! I just bought 3 of your books and can not wait to
devour them. Thank you for sharing the word of the demise of the education
system so passionately. I hope you come back to the area so I can bring
some teachers with me.
|
|
Date:
| Sat Nov 8 10:47:34 2003
| Name:
| Erin Mowers
| E-mail:
| mowerse@earthlink.net
| Organization:
| Fargo Public Schools
| Location:
| Fargo, ND
| How the site | was found: The Case Against Standardized Testing
| Comments:
| I was fortunate to see your presentation at MSUM and
purchase 2 of your books. I am working on my doctorate degree at North
Dakota State University. I find your website full of information I will be
using as part of my research gathering. Thank you for all you do on behalf
of teachers and students everywhere! Your message is what I have always
believed and your words are gifts to those of us who work with students
everyday. Keep up the mission for those of us in the trenches. We need you
speaking for us. Sincerely, Erin Mowers Fargo, ND 58104
|
|
Date:
| Fri Nov 7 12:04:28 2003
| Name:
| Fran Schmidt
| E-mail:
| fschmidt@gopherpeace.org
| Organization:
| Peace Education International
| Location:
| Miami
| How the site | was found:
| Comments:
| Dear Alfie, First of all, let me say how impressed and
proud I was to hear your presentation at Barry U. I want to thank you for
your stand on discipline, punishment, consequences ad nauseum.
Unfortunately, most educators don't get it. All of their techniques have
been used for years, and misbehavior hasn't changed. When will they ever
learn? What do you know about the program - Discipline with Dignity? Some
one told me that it's the best program around. I'd like to hear from you.
Peace, Fran Schmidt
|
|
Date:
| Thu Nov 6 21:22:14 2003
| Name:
| Nancy McElwee
| E-mail:
| nlmcelwee@aol.com
| Organization:
| Central Bucks Education Association
| Location:
| Doylestown, PA
| How the site | was found: Your speech
| Comments:
| Thanks so much for all your thoughts tonight here in
Doylestown. You have given me renewed desire to get out there and make the
changes we need for our children. I teach Kindergarten and really want to
protect their childhood. Have you heard/read the book, Einstein Never Used
Flashcards? My children do have play in the room and recess outside! I am
teeth clenchingly convinced that this is right for them. Thank you!
|
|
Date:
| Thu Nov 6 14:11:08 2003
| Name:
| phyllis greenleaf
| E-mail:
| greenleafp@yosemite.cc.ca.us
| Organization:
| grandmothers opposed to standard. testing
| Location:
| sonora
| How the site | was found: Ive read your great books, Alfie.
| Comments:
| Id like your email so we can communicate ASAP re the field
testing of a new Standardized Test for Headstart Children...See New York
Times Oct 29/03: NOW STANDARDIZED ACJOEVEMENT TESTS IN HEADSTART by Sara
Rimer. Im hoping NAEYC and Nat'l Headstart will be proactive in organizing
to stop stand. testing in Headstart before its institutionalize. Please
email me. p.s. What do you know about Craig T. Ramey, advising the Bush
Admin. about this new Headstart Test. I know that he's a psychologist with
Georgetown Un.
|
|
Date:
| Thu Nov 6 13:39:05 2003
| Name:
| Daniel Sloan
| E-mail:
| daniel.sloan@asu.edu
| Organization:
| Arizona State University West
| Location:
| Phoenix, Arizona
| How the site | was found: google search
| Comments:
| I just want to say how glad I am that someone is standing
up for teaching and learning for our schools and students. I decided to
become a teacher because I wanted children to have a better educational
experience than I had--an experience that is in line with that Mr. Kohn
has to say.
|
|
Date:
| Wed Nov 5 17:31:07 2003
| Name:
| Sheila J Dillard
| E-mail:
| 4857catz@webzone.net
| Organization:
| OSU Grad Student
| Location:
| Tulsa, OK
| How the site | was found: internet search for Alfie Kohn
| Comments:
|
|
|
Date:
| Wed Nov 5 15:39:09 2003
| Name:
| Arnell Dowret
| E-mail:
| arnell7@juno.com
| Organization:
| Equaltime for Freethought
| Location:
| New York City
| How the site | was found: recomended by a friend
| Comments:
| I firmly agree!
|
|
Date:
| Wed Nov 5 00:45:05 2003
| Name:
| bing balayon
| E-mail:
| bbalayon@yahoo.com
| Organization:
| De La Salle University
| Location:
| Manila, Philippines
| How the site | was found: through Darlene Larson
| Comments:
| Hi, I agree with you in all your endeavors! Yes! It is
about time to look at different ways for students to learn instead of
competing with others, why not compete with one's self!
|
|
Date:
| Sun Nov 2 20:39:35 2003
| Name:
| Clare Christie
| E-mail:
| diyparenting@iinet.net.au
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| Australia
| How the site | was found: Searched for book id
| Comments:
| I have always believed that rewards and punishments are
more about the needs of the enforcer than the needs of the recipient.
Unfortunately because we are rewarded and punished from the very
beginning, we lose our sense of ourself and become reliant upon the
opinion and beliefs of others. There is much to be 'lost' by giving up the
belief that these actions actually cause damage. This loss is probably the
sense of ourself that has been manufactured and coerced through the the
ignorance of those around us. I feel really grateful that there are people
like Alfie Kohn who challenge this perception and continue to do so
regardless of the force of great community resistance. Lets free our
children from the tyranny of control and instead teach them the essential
skills and sense of themselves that they need to survive in the real
world! Clare
|
|
Date:
| Sun Nov 2 18:44:15 2003
| Name:
| Lisa VanDenBerg
| E-mail:
| lvandenb@warwick.net
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| New York
| How the site | was found:
| Comments:
|
|
|
Date:
| Sun Nov 2 16:39:21 2003
| Name:
| Nancy L. Uxa
| E-mail:
| nlu1234@aol.com
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| Chicago
| How the site | was found:
| Comments:
| I am currently researching the impact of financial
incentives on a teacher's attitude and engagement in professional
development activites for teachers. Can you suggest any qualitative
studies which have looked at one's attitude and/or engagment in work
related activities? Thank you.
|
|
Date:
| Sun Nov 2 12:12:17 2003
| Name:
| BRUCE ROBEY
| E-mail:
| robey@botsnet.bw
| Organization:
| KGASWE SCOOL
| Location:
| PALAPYE, BOTSWANA, AFRICA
| How the site | was found: INTERNET SEARCHING
| Comments:
| SO INCREDIBLY STIMULATING AND INSPIRING TO HAVE FOUND
LIKE-MINDED PEOPLE AFTER 24 YEARS OF TEACHING UNDER STUFFY ARCHAIC
SYSTEMS!!
|
|
Date:
| Sun Nov 2 06:22:32 2003
| Name:
| Cindy Clough
| E-mail:
| tookidz@aol.com
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| home
| How the site | was found: Book
| Comments:
| I have learned a great deal from the books of Alfie Kohn
and would like to find a way to diminsh the use of standardized testing in
the public schools
|
|
Date:
| Thu Oct 30 07:26:57 2003
| Name:
| Randi Feldman MacBride
| E-mail:
| randi57@aol.com
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| Surfside, FL
| How the site | was found: Searched by your name
| Comments:
| I was there in 1967 and the five other years at (Central
Beach) Leroy D Feinberg Elementary. I recently overheard my husband (who
is an Assistant Principal) speaking with one of his teachers about several
books they had read by you. I hadn't heard your name in a long, long time.
Very interesting stuff Alfie. Well, I have scanned your website, read a
few articles as well as your bio; and it brought back memories of
elementary school in Miami Beach. I can see these words coming from the
Alfie I knew back then, it was your destiny to reform something,
especially education. Keep up the good work, you are making a difference.
|
|
Date:
| Thu Oct 30 06:17:58 2003
| Name:
| Jack Stronstad
| E-mail:
| jstronstad@mahnomen.k12.mn.us
| Organization:
| Mahnomen High School
| Location:
| Mahnomen, MN
| How the site | was found: After an appearance in Moorhead, MN
| Comments:
| This is an excellent site for educators. It reflects many
educator's feelings about high stakes testing in words better than many of
us can express. Thank you.
|
|
Date:
| Tue Oct 28 11:30:32 2003
| Name:
| Roberto Bahruth
| E-mail:
| roberto@mac.boisestate.edu
| Organization:
| Boise State University
| Location:
|
| How the site | was found:
| Comments:
|
|
|
Date:
| Mon Oct 27 07:07:29 2003
| Name:
| Tom Williams
| E-mail:
| four-williams@msn.com
| Organization:
| None
| Location:
| Warrrenton, Va.
| How the site | was found: Reference in The Miami Herald
| Comments:
| I came to the site to verify that you were the Alfie Kohn
that I knew as a member of the debate team from Miami Beach High School. I
remember listening to your Original Oratory in the 1974 State final round,
to this day it is the most moving and eloquent speech that I have ever
heard. I will endaevor to read your works. I have passed the link along to
my wife, a elementary school educator of 25 years. By the way I recently
heard that my old debate coach A.J. Navarro retired from teaching last
year. Best of Luck, I hope I can get to one of your lectures in the near
future.
|
|
Date:
| Mon Oct 27 06:48:17 2003
| Name:
| joette Weber
| E-mail:
| weberj@ohio.edu
| Organization:
| Ohio university
| Location:
| Athens Ohio
| How the site | was found:
| Comments:
| Hello Alfie Kohn, How is parenting? As I dropped my child
off at Middle School today she yelled "I thought you didn't believe in
punishment!" This was directed at me after I told her I wouldn't pick up
her back pack before she went uptown looking for a Halloween costume
because she couldn't take the time to put my make up away after using it.
The interaction was either a pareneting low or high...sometimes I am not
sure. joette weber PS the Institute for Democracy Conference was great
this year.
|
|
Date:
| Wed Oct 22 21:07:08 2003
| Name:
| Monique Richoux
| E-mail:
| mrichoux@aol.com
| Organization:
| on-leave teacher
| Location:
| B.C., Canada
| How the site | was found: originally, by google search
| Comments:
| I have commented here before. I just wanted to add that I
just wrote a letter to the editor in my local paper in which I quote you
Alfie and list this website. I hope it will spark some of our citizens to
do a bit of reading. BC is in the throes of being set back 15 years by our
Liberal Government and their keyword "achievement". We have been extremely
progressive but the worldwide pressure for "accountability" is sweeping
blindly across us too. Our very poorly educated Minister of Education has
said that teachers will be rewarded for excellence in teaching (read: high
test scores in classes). I am on leave right now and wonder if I want to
go back. My son enters Kindergarten next year. I worry about everything.
So good to hear the voices of others.
|
|
Date:
| Tue Oct 21 11:52:42 2003
| Name:
| Julie Petersen
| E-mail:
| gojmp@iglide.net
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| Huntington Beach, CA
| How the site | was found: link from Susan Ohanian's Website
| Comments:
| Before I even peruse your website, I just have to say that
your book Punished by Rewards has been so influential to me as a teacher.
I love it, I love it, I love it! I never even thought to find out if you
had a Website. I am so excited you do and I cannot wait to see what's
here! I just need to say it one more time...Thank you from the bottom of
my heart!
|
|
Date:
| Sun Oct 19 22:58:39 2003
| Name:
| Sarah Puglisi
| E-mail:
| puglisi@uia.net
| Organization:
| well, human race I suppose
| Location:
| Temecula CA
| How the site | was found: From Susan Ohanian site
| Comments:
| At one time I passed out Punished by Rewards to teachers as
presents thinking this might help us stop something that you could feel
was coming, dehumanization in its newest form. Sure I'm a teacher, and it
was so great to have a book, that wonderful thing I love above all, to
hold and think with as I did my work. It's a great book. But then in the
last three years as I aged to 20 years in the profession, watched my own
children in school, I watched the biggest blunder in education (something
more onerous than Family Values political agendas)come along, something I
find frightening in a new and almost apocrophal way. My training
originally in the arts and then as a teacher told me whenever you do
something you know to be "wrong" or outside your moral structure but
justify and do it anyway "because", then the fall out is the destruction
of lives and humanity. One can look at 1940-45 world history and "get it".
It's a full press now to eliminate public education. This is not reform,
it is privatization movement, coupled with the notion that the poor will
assume permanent status in their position.Social sorting flying its colors
boldly as political agenda. A standard based education is imposition of a
"caste"-if you know the history of the British Empire and their
educational system you might relate to our test culture and the creation
more than ever of a structure to ensure permanent class failure, you can
understand with history the magnitude of what these "changes" really mean.
It dismantles democracy. It helps to have public advocates, but
unfortunately now we are asked to do a little more. Teachers now have to
advocate. I hope these sites and this work helps to empower that , it's
late, dark and the times dictate rising up on an individual level with our
intelligence and humanity to honor those that came before us. To that goal
teachers have an obligation to show our young people that we can live out
the ideals we have.I have tried on some small personal scale with 20 years
in public service, but what lies ahead will be far more important, and it
is such an uneasy time, insecure time, time of bitterness, difficulty
finding trust and strength and especially clear direction. That above all
is our issue , finding effective ways to answer the clarion call which no
sane teacher can miss. It is the time when what we do now (or don't
do)will help to shape the kind of nightmare we face tomorrow. And I hope
that it is appreciated for what it is. For a long time I've read Mr. Kohn,
it surely matters to see teachers find ways to explicate in every way they
can,hopefully anecdotally, what crushingly disappointing behaviors are now
a daily part of the lives of the children and our working with them.
Teachers are becoming obsolete actually. At least that would be my
assumption from scripted learning. Why should such a thing occur, and who
benefits? This is sadly a very hard thing and yet really simple...... Our
future is just merchandise now. Is this monetary driven model really worth
the loss of human valuing? To such this site sends its beacon. Hope with
me there is a listener.
|
|
Date:
| Sat Oct 18 11:56:07 2003
| Name:
| Robert L Gresham
| E-mail:
| rgresham@cox.net
| Organization:
| retired educator
| Location:
| McPherson, KS
| How the site | was found: From one of your papers that I had
| Comments:
|
|
|
Date:
| Fri Oct 17 18:26:42 2003
| Name:
| Angela Cloward
| E-mail:
| acloward@dallasisd.org
| Organization:
| Dallas Independent School District
| Location:
| Dallas, TX
| How the site | was found: AK's books
| Comments:
| HELP! I teach third grade in Texas and am ready to abandon
public education. The testing of my students is out of control. I am no
longer an educator, I am a test prep coordinator. Not only does the state
mandate that I teach the standards they have deemed most important, my
district also demands that I use only their chosen curriculum and follow
their scope and sequence so we are all "on the same page." Teaching is no
longer creative and exciting, it is a drudge. My students are stressed
over the tests, and I'm constantly under the threat of losing my job if my
students don't pass the reading test in March. I want to fight these tests
and stand up for the children, but haven't a clue how to do so. Bush holds
up Texas as his shining example of the success of high-stakes
accountability testing, but it's a scam. These tests are ruining an entire
generation of our nation's children. What can I possibly do to stop these
horrible, damaging, anti-child testing policies that have taken over in
education?
|
|
Date:
| Wed Oct 15 07:57:29 2003
| Name:
| MRS CHRISTINE HUBBERSTEY
| E-mail:
| HUBCAP@NTLWORLD.COM
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| ENGLAND
| How the site | was found: the parentalk guide book
| Comments:
| I am looking forward to finding things for my five year old
daughter to explore.
|
|
Date:
| Tue Oct 14 09:24:14 2003
| Name:
| Tim Dalton
| E-mail:
| timdalton@aol.com
| Organization:
| Dalton & Associates
| Location:
| Hewitt, New Jersey
| How the site | was found: From an old e-mail from Alfie
| Comments:
| Hi. I'm a fan. Keep up the good work.
|
|
Date:
| Tue Oct 14 07:44:23 2003
| Name:
| donna randolph
| E-mail:
| donnnar_19027@yahoo.com
| Organization:
| Abington Sch. Dist. Parent Council
| Location:
| Abington, PA
| How the site | was found: searching internet
| Comments:
| Our group is interested in hearing more about the issues
around the standardized testing and the stress on our students
|
|
Date:
| Mon Oct 13 08:34:39 2003
| Name:
| Maria Silvia Pichardo
| E-mail:
| m.pichardo@comcast.net
| Organization:
| Student Metro State University
| Location:
| Mpls. M.N.
| How the site | was found: Searching Interner
| Comments:
| I would like to know the more about Behaviorist Model in
Head Start. I will readed to night.
|
|
Date:
| Sat Oct 11 17:17:10 2003
| Name:
| Lisa Wynen
| E-mail:
| lmwshw@yahoo.com.au
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| Timaru
| How the site | was found: Through a college lecturer
| Comments:
| I'm a student teacher currently doing a course in
'classroom methods for reducing inappropriate behaviour.' My lecturer
suggested that I go into your website mainly to find out about your
opinion and thoughts on assertive discipline. I must say that when I read
through college stuff and text books and internet sites some of the
imformation can be quite contradictory and confusing and it is hard to
know who is right and what I should REALLY be doing in my classroom. I
think I need to keep reading.
|
|
Date:
| Fri Oct 10 10:54:58 2003
| Name:
| Alison McIntee
| E-mail:
| akm2064@sjfc.edu
| Organization:
| college
| Location:
| Rochester
| How the site | was found: name search (google)
| Comments:
| I have been watching the video tapings of Alphie Kohns'
presentations for more than a month now. I find his lectures to be very
useful for my upcoming teaching positions.
|
|
Date:
| Thu Oct 9 23:17:57 2003
| Name:
| Rob Sparks
| E-mail:
| sparks-ferguson@ak.net
| Organization:
| parent and secondary teacher
| Location:
| Sterling - Alaska
| How the site | was found: internet search
| Comments:
| thank you for a refreshing and much needed discussion of
the standards movement and test driven policies infecting our schools
today
|
|
Date:
| Wed Oct 8 09:39:10 2003
| Name:
| Angela Kerns
| E-mail:
| teacozy-inor@juno.com
| Organization:
| Child's Way School
| Location:
| Culp Creek, Oregon
| How the site | was found: surfing the net for info re: Alfie Kohn
| Comments:
| I've been teaching for over 20 years, just now going back
to get my Master's and my credentials. I believe in your philosophy but
still don't know how to change my ways and make application. I would
appreciate any suggestions of how to move past a practice of using
rewards. In other words, how does one wean a class from such a mindset
effectively and swiftly?
|
|
Date:
| Mon Oct 6 15:53:15 2003
| Name:
| Raphael Jean-Charles
| E-mail:
| Jnchrls7@cs.com
| Organization:
| Student
| Location:
| Barry University
| How the site | was found: Dr. Joyce Warner, EdD
| Comments:
| I will be attending your conference on 10/28/03.
|
|
Date:
| Sun Oct 5 09:17:51 2003
| Name:
| David N. Campbell
| E-mail:
| Dncamp105@aol.com
| Organization:
| California Univ. Penn
| Location:
|
| How the site | was found: Ed. Week
| Comments:
| I have some recent books published on Lulu.com which might
be of interest. You cited one of pieces in Kappan awhile back. The
Socrates Syndrome & What Everybody Should Know-an alternative to std.
tests.You can get them from Lulu in:Print/CD/Download or I can mail you
print copies. I enjoyed the piece on Merit Pay.
|
|
Date:
| Mon Sep 29 12:35:00 2003
| Name:
| Lori Lancaster
| E-mail:
| llancaster@adrian.edu
| Organization:
| Adrian College
| Location:
| Adrian, Michigan
| How the site | was found: Search Engine
| Comments:
| Looking forward to having you visit Adrian College on
October 22nd. I will be getting together information to present at
Convocation.
|
|
Date:
| Sun Sep 28 08:31:15 2003
| Name:
| Lucy
| E-mail:
| lucylacey@fsmail.net
| Organization:
|
| Location:
|
| How the site | was found:
| Comments:
| i'm in my last year at primary scholl and i find learning
fun
|
|
Date:
| Thu Sep 25 11:14:20 2003
| Name:
| Karla Christensen
| E-mail:
| kchris@midrivers.com
| Organization:
| Garfield County Supt. of Schools
| Location:
| Jordan, Montana
| How the site | was found: Education Week
| Comments:
| Just finished reading "The Folly of Merit Pay" (Education
Week, Sept. 17,2003). What a wonderful article, full of common sense.
(something our current administration has very little of) There is a very
real danger of false public perception of No Child, influenced by huge
amounts of advertising, both insidiuos and blatant, controlled and paid
for by the corporate machine. The article asked a very good question - who
benefits. Taken beyond teaching, Who actually benefits from all this
hogwash? The corporate machine reaps huge profits is sales and marketing
of edcational material, tutoring programs and so on. They would love it if
our schools were privatized. This type of corporate modeling is
detrimental to our educational system. How can we change course? We need
to have a different model to focus on. How can we influence public
perception and reach large numbers of people? Our whole educational system
is on the brink of disaster unless a positive alternative can replace the
current driving force.
|
|
Date:
| Thu Sep 25 09:07:58 2003
| Name:
| Cindi Gortner
| E-mail:
| cindigortner@mindspring.com
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| Oak Park, CA
| How the site | was found:
| Comments:
| Thank you Alfie for speaking with me this morning. Your
work and teachings are so valuable for our nation's children. Please don't
ever stop doing just what you're doing! Thanks again!
|
|
Date:
| Thu Sep 25 05:53:40 2003
| Name:
| Bill Larson
| E-mail:
| blars@isd917.k12.mn.us
| Organization:
| intermediate District #917
| Location:
| Rosemount, Minnesota
| How the site | was found: Education Week Article on Merit Pay
| Comments:
| Your point of view on merit pay reflects what I have
believed for some time. Several years ago, I was the interim
superintendent of the St. Paul, Mn schools. During a Board retreat to
formulate the terms of a contract for the new superintendent, I told the
board that if I were an applicant and my potential contract had a
performance bonus clause, I would be insulted at the implication that in
order to do my best for the district I would have to be paid extra.
|
|
Date:
| Tue Sep 23 10:17:23 2003
| Name:
| ksray
| E-mail:
| katraymuth@yahoo.com
| Organization:
| mother
| Location:
| home
| How the site | was found: former teacher
| Comments:
| Thank you to those who responded to my research questions I
posted Sunday. I am currently conducting action research that deals with
students' perceptions of themselves as learners and high-stakes testing.
The question came to me when I was a multiage teacher a few years ago.
After MEAP scores were sent to our school, there was an assembly
recognizing the MEAP "winners." Almost all the students in our class
received an award, but about three students remained seated next to me
while the "winners" lined up. One of the students that remained seated (a
bright child) asked me, "Mrs. Ray, am I a loser?" I recall telling the
child that his effort was more important than a MEAP award, but I'm not
sure he believed me at the time. This award seemed to be such a powerful
statement that I would not be surprised to learn that his future
self-efficacy was destroyed. In other words, how will he do when he takes
the MEAP again in 8th grade? Is he already convinced that he will fail?
What is this doing to his learning potential? Thank you again.
|
|
Date:
| Mon Sep 22 06:57:56 2003
| Name:
| Michael Weinert
| E-mail:
| MichaelWeinert03@aol.com
| Organization:
| Sayreville War Memorial High School
| Location:
| Parlin, NJ
| How the site | was found: by reading "The Schools Our Children Deserve"`
| Comments:
| I am a first year teacher straight out of college, and I
have to say that I am glad I decided to read your book so early in, what I
hope, will be a long tenure as a teacher. Many of the topics you bring up
in your book are topics that my college classes spent many hours dwelling
on. Not to long ago, when I was in the classroom myself, it seemed like
common sense for teachers to adopt a teaching style that would allow
students to think on their own. Who cares about test results? Do the
students have a love of learning? Are students gaining the skills that
will allow them to continue their education in an unforced enviornment?
Are teachers just "filling pails", or are they "lighting fires"? It seemed
to me that every teacher would want to be the kind that would "light
fires", however after attaing my frist teaching position I quickly found
that this is not all that easy to accomplish. Here I am, full of
enthusiasim and great ideas teaching classes that amount to an amped-up
test-prep course for the NJ HSPA. Not only are my students bored (after
two weeks) of timed readings and informational texts, but they are
disgruntled by the fact that they even has to be in this class. They feel
labled, dumb, and unmotivated. They know why they are here, and it bothers
them. Still I am determined to get the job done (If anything, all my
students will pass this test and be removed from these classes, thus
lowering the total number of students in the program). But how does a
teacher "light a fire" in a setting such as this one? I find it ultimately
ironic that a teacher with the ideas and excitement that I am filled with,
is teaching to a test, while reading your insightful book about "Tougher
Standards". I always wondered why there was such a high turnover rate for
begining teachers, but now I see why. We come in bubbling over with ideas,
and by the end of the first week relaize that nothing we ever wanted to do
will be accepted by the majority of professionals in our school. After
teaching for such a short time and reading your book, I have become
determined to change the attitude of many of these people. Hopefully
someday in the near future I will get the pleasure of meeting at a
conference or something along those lines. Until then, keep writing and I
will keep learning. M. Weinert
|
|
Date:
| Sun Sep 21 15:17:46 2003
| Name:
| ks ray
| E-mail:
| katraymuth@yahoo.com
| Organization:
| mother
| Location:
| home
| How the site | was found: search engine
| Comments:
| Can you help me locate recent research on high stakes
testing and student perceptions of themselves as learners? Does such
research exist? Does a student who scores low develop low self-efficacy?
If s/he scores low, does s/he develop negative perceptions about her/his
learning ability?
|
|
Date:
| Sat Sep 20 18:36:09 2003
| Name:
| Chuck Fellows
| E-mail:
| cgflef@aol.com
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| South Lyon, Michigan
| How the site | was found: The Case Against Standardized Testing & No Contest
| Comments:
| Common sense, is unfortunately, not that common. Mr. Kohn's
work should be studied carefully and every person who does should act upon
the profound knowledge gained.
|
|
Date:
| Thu Sep 18 17:14:16 2003
| Name:
| Jewel Brown
| E-mail:
| jewel_brown@charleston.k12.sc.us
| Organization:
| James Island Elementary School
| Location:
| Charleston, SC
| How the site | was found: web search
| Comments:
| I have long been an admirer of alfie kohn's ideas. i'm glad
there is someone who speaks so passionately about what is happening to the
education of our children. i found and read numerous articles because i
needed a reality check. thank you.
|
|
Date:
| Thu Sep 18 08:40:58 2003
| Name:
| betty Jones
| E-mail:
| bjones@Cazenovia.edu
| Organization:
| Doug Flutie Jr Early Childhood Center
| Location:
| Cazenovia College, Cazenovia NY
| How the site | was found: Friend
| Comments:
|
|
|
Date:
| Wed Sep 17 22:32:34 2003
| Name:
| Monique Richoux
| E-mail:
| mrichoux@aol.com
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| BC
| How the site | was found: Google Search
| Comments:
| I've read several of your books, Alfie, and I feel deep
down that you are right. Now is the hard part - changing my ingrained
behavours as a parent and teacher.Thank you for your courage and your
vision.
|
|
Date:
| Wed Sep 17 10:00:49 2003
| Name:
| Kathleen Steffen
| E-mail:
| kathleens@sopriswest.com
| Organization:
| Education Publisher
| Location:
| Colorado
| How the site | was found: Reading Education Week
| Comments:
| Always read your stuff, Alfie. Having been an elementary
principal for fifteen years, I couldn't agree more about merit pay.
Teachers deserve respect--that's what they want. Met you years ago when I
worked for the DOE in Hawaii. Hope your family is well.
|
|
Date:
| Tue Sep 16 08:42:46 2003
| Name:
| Dr. Paul Foster
| E-mail:
| Headmaster@plumsteadchristian.org
| Organization:
| Plumstead Christian School
| Location:
| Plumsteadville, PA
| How the site | was found: Ed. Week
| Comments:
| Dr. Kohn, Thanks for your piece in the current Ed. Week on
merit pay. I heartily concur. One qualification however: while merit pay
proponents are (sadly) often conservatives; it is not necessarily cause
and effect. I am a rock solid conservative (politically, economically,
religiously), but, like you, am adamantly opposed to merit pay. One of my
arguments has always been that you can't (and shouuldn't) put a price tag
on what makes a good teacher -- it is certainly a whole lot more than
simply test results. Thanks for your work. Sincerely, Paul Foster
|
|
Date:
| Mon Sep 15 18:43:23 2003
| Name:
| rosavelle gregorio
| E-mail:
| rosvelle_15@yahoo.com
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| phils.
| How the site | was found: search engine
| Comments:
|
|
|
Date:
| Mon Sep 15 13:01:31 2003
| Name:
| Joe Batory
| E-mail:
| batoryjoe@cs.com
| Organization:
| Retired School Superintendent
| Location:
| Philadelphia, PA
| How the site | was found: It was listed with the recent Education Week article
| Comments:
| The article on "The Folly of Merit Pay" was superb! I have
always enjoyed your insights! Please keep on doing what you do so well.
This nation desperately needs voices like your own. You may want to check
out my cynical perspectives re the NCLB act at http://batory.neti2i.org
Also, I think that you will really enjoy my three unusual books on school
leadership(Yo! Joey Joey's Story & Joey Lets It All Hang Out!) via
www.scarecroweducation.com or 1-800-462-6420 There's nothing else like
them. Joe Batory
|
|
Date:
| Sun Sep 14 20:06:41 2003
| Name:
| Norma Zink
| E-mail:
| normz@excite.com
| Organization:
| Elementary School Teacher
| Location:
| Arizona
| How the site | was found: Referred by master's program University of Phoenix
| Comments:
| Right on! I am only in my second year of teaching, yet I
already am looking for another career. I am frustrated by this garbage of
"No Child Left Behind". As if these fat cats in Washington could even
teach a class with 30 kids!
|
|
Date:
| Thu Sep 11 13:02:14 2003
| Name:
| Andrew R Bos
| E-mail:
| ttpp@surewest.net
| Organization:
| Turn The Page Press
| Location:
| Roseville California
| How the site | was found: We sale Alfie Kohn products.
| Comments:
| Thank You. Bev Bos sends her regards.
|
|
Date:
| Wed Sep 10 08:21:38 2003
| Name:
| David McMillan
| E-mail:
| mailto:www.waynesvilledl@earthlink.net
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| Waynesville, North Carolina
| How the site | was found: I read "Punished by Rewards" and found it on the net
| Comments:
| This needs no reply. In the 60s and 70s, my father pitched
the idea to automotive dealers throughout the country that money does not
motivate salesmen. He claimed that pride and ego motivates, something to
do with competence and mastery of one's job. My father's name was John B.
McMillan, owner of The McMillan Company, distributor of "The Motorvator."
In later life, he became a tax protestor. And, on his birthday, 9-30-82,
he was gunned down by a swat team in a little place called Winder,
Georgia, 45 minutes outside of Atlanta. Since his death I still think
about motivation. Dad's message was controversial. Your message makes me
think. The subject makes me feel closer to him. Thanks.
|
|
Date:
| Wed Sep 3 06:27:29 2003
| Name:
| Relling Westfall
| E-mail:
| rellingrw@aol.com
| Organization:
| education student, secondary english
| Location:
| South Bend, Indiana (Charlottesville, VA)
| How the site | was found: my education professor, M Heck
| Comments:
| I agree with your views on testing and discipline. But I
think in order to truly implement them we need to totally restructure high
schools and move them toward Deborah Meier's early CPESS and other
independent,public schools. How can you implement your views in a regular,
public high school with 32 students per class, with teachers teaching five
classes a day!
|
|
Date:
| Tue Sep 2 15:08:29 2003
| Name:
| Joyce Clay
| E-mail:
| the7cs@myway.com
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| Long Island
| How the site | was found: your plug @ Plainview
| Comments:
| Your theories have value, but my motto is "Everything in
moderation."
|
|
Date:
| Tue Sep 2 09:35:53 2003
| Name:
| tom sharp
| E-mail:
| tsharp@nl.edu
| Organization:
| national-louis university/ substance
| Location:
| 2840 Sheridan Rd. Evanston, IL 60202
| How the site | was found: Attended lecture by Alfie Kohn.
| Comments:
| Arne Duncan, Chief Executive Officer of the Chicago Public
Schools and his counterpart in New Orleans have initiated "Rewards
Systems" to improve attendance via sporting events tickets, etc. I know
Alfie's stand on these things, but would like 1) a quote from him to use
in our paper (Substance)about these rewards systems and 2) any studies he
may know about that I can access that refute the viability of these type
of rewards systems. Thank you.
|
|
Date:
| Mon Sep 1 21:02:55 2003
| Name:
| richard sloan
| E-mail:
| rsloan@marin.k12.ca.us
| Organization:
| lagunitas school district
| Location:
| marin co. california
| How the site | was found: from the case against standardized testing
| Comments:
| how do we stop the tests
|
|
Date:
| Sat Aug 30 07:46:11 2003
| Name:
| anymous
| E-mail:
| i don't have one
| Organization:
| i just read some comments in the guests
| Location:
| mazo
| How the site | was found: causei go to your school
| Comments:
| it is important that kids learn even if they have a
disabilaty. there are pentay of kids that have disabilaty but they still
learn.i'm thankful that you work with them it's very generis and
giving.thank you teachers and staff!you get stars for your awesome
work***!
|
|
Date:
| Fri Aug 29 07:20:32 2003
| Name:
| Claire Hires
| E-mail:
| jhires@student.gsu.edu
| Organization:
| Georgia State
| Location:
| downtown
| How the site | was found: class
| Comments:
| I really like the debate topics for parentingf, maybe there
will be an additional reading posted soon?
|
|
Date:
| Thu Aug 28 19:59:01 2003
| Name:
| Paula Hawkes
| E-mail:
| jandphawkes@paradise.net.nz
| Organization:
| Interested person
| Location:
| Christchurch, New Zealand
| How the site | was found: Book bought "Punished by rewards"
| Comments:
| Book bought as was concerned about negative behaviours
towards others.
|
|
Date:
| Wed Aug 27 15:47:23 2003
| Name:
| Gina Zahn
| E-mail:
| merlin8777@yahoo.com
| Organization:
| parent
| Location:
| Bainbridge Twp, OHio 44023
| How the site | was found: A friend who went to one of your speaking engagements
| Comments:
| You have information about today's education I am
interested to hear about. I believe we are in a crisis situation and too
many people are brain washed by the system.
|
|
Date:
| Wed Aug 27 07:55:12 2003
| Name:
| denise fletcher
| E-mail:
|
| Organization:
|
| Location:
|
| How the site | was found:
| Comments:
|
|
|
Date:
| Fri Aug 22 22:22:58 2003
| Name:
| Martin Vassallo
| E-mail:
| martinv@netspace.net.au
| Organization:
| National Australia Bank
| Location:
| Melbourne Australia
| How the site | was found: searched Google
| Comments:
| Mr Kohn, as part of my research into the effectiveness of
monetary rewards, I have read your essays etc on this site. It has given
me reason to review my research topic. I certainly appreciate your plain
views which are refreshing compared with most published works. I am
interested in your views on the difference between motivation and reward
in the context of a token of thanks or achievement as opposed to carrot
and stick approach. Some of your views will form part of my research in
this area, as well as being put into practice in my position as a people
leader.
|
|
Date:
| Thu Aug 21 21:05:21 2003
| Name:
| Clint Jones
| E-mail:
| clintj@bellsouth.net
| Organization:
| Cedartown High School
| Location:
| Polk County, Georgia
| How the site | was found: My professor, Dr. Pearl McHaney
| Comments:
| Amen Brother!!! Amen.
|
|
Date:
| Sun Aug 17 21:12:37 2003
| Name:
| James Chandler
| E-mail:
| Chandlertq@aol.com
| Organization:
| U S. Navy
| Location:
| Port Hueneme CA
| How the site | was found: surfing for Alfie Kohn site
| Comments:
| I am not sure if Alfie will see this, but tell him I am a
friend of Peter Scholtes who use to see him at the Cincinatti Deming User
Group Conferences. I would love to keep in touch with him. I continue to
talk about him often. I look forward to see how he will be raising his
child because I have a couple of grand kids that I don't want to have a
bad educational experience. I am the one who sent my bonus check to Vice
President Gore suggesting he go to a Deming or Alfie Kohn seminar with it.
|
|
Date:
| Sun Aug 17 11:08:58 2003
| Name:
| Maya Doyle
| E-mail:
| contact@mayacsw.com
| Organization:
| Children's Hospital at Montefiore
| Location:
| Bronx, NY
| How the site | was found: after reading "Punished by Rewards"
| Comments:
| I am a social worker in a Children's Dialysis Unit and have
worked with chronically ill children for the last 10 years (gearing up to
go back for that PhD). "Compliance" with medical treatment is of course a
critical issue, especially with teens. The problems with incentives,
praise, criticism, and punishment translate pretty clearly into the
medical setting. I spent some time last week trying to explain to our
research fellow why giving the children movie tickets, in exchanging for
taking a nutritional supplement which they should be taking anyway, might
not be a good idea... Any thoughts or recommendations for reading
material, would be most appreciated.
|
|
Date:
| Fri Aug 15 21:31:15 2003
| Name:
| Paul Lechner
| E-mail:
| Paul@northstarrotaries.com
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| Central Minnesota
| How the site | was found: My wife sent me here
| Comments:
| Alfie, you've changed my life and the lives of my entire
family. My wife was the first to introduce me to your works and logical
systems of theories. As a result, my own education has greatly benefitted
from it, as I now require more out of my educators. My children have
gained the most benefit, as I can now see how detrimental my ideals were
before learning what you have to offer. Luckily, they are only 3 and 5, so
I have enough time to make up for it. In the last month or so, I have been
doing everything I can to advocate for the education of others, anywhere
between preschool and post-secondary levels. I would love to see an
organized movement in any part of the nation to implement necessary
changes to help education. If anybody knows of anything in Minnesota, or
would be interested in starting something, please email me and we'll find
a way to get something started.
|
|
Date:
| Fri Aug 15 19:03:25 2003
| Name:
| Bruce Wright
| E-mail:
| brucewright@cogeco.ca
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| Oakville, Ontario
| How the site | was found: after reading Punishment by Rewards.
| Comments:
| Such an impactful book. It has seriously challenged and
sheped my ideas on teaching and parenting. I am grateful ......and
saddened. -- to now realize that the truth, the wisdom, and the knowledge
around motivation, caring, and at a deeper level the fundamental
appropriateness of democracy is understood by so few of us.
|
|
Date:
| Wed Aug 13 17:31:48 2003
| Name:
| alyson reilly
| E-mail:
| gareillys@mindspring.com
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| georgia
| How the site | was found: search
| Comments:
| I am continually motivated by Mr. Kohn's articles. He
provides insight to many topics that are on the mind of educators today.
Thank you for being a voice to the often silenced educator.
|
|
Date:
| Mon Aug 11 21:17:22 2003
| Name:
| Ian MacKay
| E-mail:
| i.mackay@xtra.co.nz
| Organization:
| Retired teacher
| Location:
| Blenheim New Zealand
| How the site | was found: Word of mouth + return from last year
| Comments:
| As a reliever (substitute teacher) I keep hearing the same
concerns from teachers re discipline. They still rely on "Assertive
Discipline" processess and I suggest that they follow up on your ideas and
books. But any change needs a whole school philosophy dream on!!
|
|
Date:
| Wed Aug 6 20:08:19 2003
| Name:
| Linda Haugen
| E-mail:
| lhaugen@wideopenwest.com
| Organization:
| University of St. Francis
| Location:
| Joliet, IL
| How the site | was found: typed your name in Search function
| Comments:
| I am a grad student- education. This Saturday I will be
making a 5-minute presentation to my "Classroom Management" class on the
discipline models in your book "Beyond Discipline." If there is one key
point that I should be sure to include, what would it be? Thanks!
|
|
Date:
| Wed Aug 6 17:42:19 2003
| Name:
| MJ
| E-mail:
| jmramer@bellsouth.net
| Organization:
|
| Location:
|
| How the site | was found: Search engine
| Comments:
| Thanks for your site. I recently switched from teaching at
a community college to a high school because I was offered a better
benefits package. The shock is enormous. The Florida system of
standardized testing, the FCAT, destroys any real learning, infantalizes
and humiliates the students, and demoralizes the teachers. It is
especially unfair to the students who are recent immigrants. If this
really did improve standards, it would be one thing, but in fact, it
lowers standards. I don't teach algebra any more. I teach FCAT. Instead of
devoting time to a detailed exploration of word problems, how to analyze
them, set them up, and solve them, I now devote my time to teaching
hundreds of disconnected facts for this test. If my kids ever do attempt
to go to college, nothing they learn for this test will transfer.
|
|
Date:
| Tue Aug 5 07:43:58 2003
| Name:
| Julie Anderson
| E-mail:
| Julie_Anderson@catawba.k12.nc.us
| Organization:
| Catawba County Schools
| Location:
| Hickory, NC
| How the site | was found: link from NC Democratic Schools website
| Comments:
| THANK YOU!!
|
|
Date:
| Tue Jul 29 01:26:24 2003
| Name:
| Arie Stuijt
| E-mail:
| thorin@xs4all.nl
| Organization:
| AMN Consultancy
| Location:
| The Netherlands
| How the site | was found: In the book Schluss mit Lustig by Judith Mair
| Comments:
| Thanks! Motivation will never be the same!
|
|
Date:
| Sun Jul 27 17:41:54 2003
| Name:
| Carmela Brown, Ed.D.
| E-mail:
| carmela@softcom.net
| Organization:
| Chapman University
| Location:
| Sacramento, CA
| How the site | was found: computer search
| Comments:
| Our university is finally including your book Punished by
Rewards in its reading requirements! (I've been working on this for at
least five years!)
|
|
Date:
| Fri Jul 25 09:57:02 2003
| Name:
| steve hein
| E-mail:
| steve@eqi.org
| Organization:
| EQ Institute
| Location:
|
| How the site | was found: search
| Comments:
| Keep up the good work. I have put a link to your article
about "pseudohoices" on my site. It is similar to what I call "natural vs
fabricated" consequences. see http://eqi.org/Eqtbklet.htm Your writing on
punished by rewards also was very enlightening. My site is now one of the
top sites on emotional intelligence, by the way, and am known as the rebel
in the field, but I still don't have the influence you do! I am working on
it though! These kinds of things need to be publicized.
|
|
Date:
| Tue Jul 22 16:17:55 2003
| Name:
| Stacie Shepherd
| E-mail:
| sta2sweet0@aol.com
| Organization:
| Richmond Community Schools
| Location:
| Richmond, Indiana
| How the site | was found: aol search
| Comments:
| I want to know if there is a movement that is taking steps
to make the kinds of changes that Alfie talks about in his lectures? If
so, how do I learn more about this? I love my teaching job, but would be
the first to apply for a teaching position at an Alfie Kohn school.
|
|
Date:
| Wed Jul 16 15:43:54 2003
| Name:
| Lesa Vasquez
| E-mail:
| lesatiger44@yahoo.com
| Organization:
| none/ college student
| Location:
|
| How the site | was found: from my professor: Tim Rush
| Comments:
| This is a nice website with a lot of information. Thanks
for the help.
|
|
Date:
| Tue Jul 15 07:29:44 2003
| Name:
| Michael Cohen
| E-mail:
| michaelcohen1@bigpond.com
| Organization:
| Bialik College
| Location:
| Melbourne, Australia
| How the site | was found: At CAJE Conference, Hofstra University, Long Island, June,
2003
| Comments:
| I heard Alfie Kohn lecture at the recent (June,2003) CAJE
conference and subsequently attended one of his conference sessions. His
presentations were outstanding.
|
|
Date:
| Tue Jul 15 05:01:45 2003
| Name:
| Margo E. King
| E-mail:
| 494delta68@bellsouth.net
| Organization:
| University of West Florida
| Location:
| Pensacola
| How the site | was found: Google Search
| Comments:
| Your site is incredibly valuable. I have a presentation to
give in one of my grad courses and your site resources are my best find
yet. Thank you for putting together such a comprehensive site.
Standardized Testing: Separating Wheat Children from Chaff Children was an
awesome foreword!!
|
|
Date:
| Sun Jul 13 09:34:30 2003
| Name:
| Denise Dixon
| E-mail:
| neecy734@msn.com
| Organization:
| Teacher at Dultuh Jr. Academy
| Location:
| Duluth, Georgia
| How the site | was found: Reaserching current assessment trends
| Comments:
| I'm writing a paper on the No Child Left Behind school
reform and found from viewing one of your videos and reading some of your
online articles that you are a great opposer of this movement, and I love
your perspective on things. I feel the same way.
|
|
Date:
| Fri Jul 11 21:00:40 2003
| Name:
| Yvonne Dufault
| E-mail:
| mailto:Yvonne.Dufault@yrdsb.edu.on.ca
| Organization:
| Teacher with Y.R.D.S.B. in Ontario
| Location:
| Markham, Ontario, Canada
| How the site | was found: specific web search
| Comments:
| I was introduced to your works by Don Trent Jacobs a
pioneer for whom I have the deepest respct. Your carrots and sticks
philosophy has had a profound approach on my own teaching. Intrinsic
motivation for doing good is far more powerful. My area is character
education. See http://www.caslt.org/research/stern2003b.htm and
http://www.byronchild.com/current.htm . even the 'tough' kids walk in
beauty when we give them a chance.
|
|
Date:
| Fri Jul 11 08:37:11 2003
| Name:
| Carolyn Kreger
| E-mail:
| kregercs@jam21.net
| Organization:
| classroom teacher
| Location:
| Rainy River Ontario
| How the site | was found: searched for it
| Comments:
| I read a short article about you and your video "Talking
about Testing" and I thought you might enjoy the poem I wrote at the end
of this school year that expresses my thoughts on the very same subject. I
used is as part of our staff breakfast entertainment on the last day of
school. The teachers on my staff thought it was worthy of publication.
When I saw your name in Link, I decided to track you down. I would prefer
to fax the poem to you if possible. Do you have a fax number? Thank you
for taking the time to respond. Carolyn Kreger, fax 807 488 5714
|
|
Date:
| Tue Jul 8 15:39:37 2003
| Name:
| Amy B
| E-mail:
| agbean@opusnet.com
| Organization:
| Northwest Attachment Parenting
| Location:
| Pacific Northwest
| How the site | was found: search engine
| Comments:
| I had the privalege of hearing Mr Kohn speak in Seattle in
May 2003. I was already a fan, and this just cemented my devotion to his
theories. Thank you much for the work you share with us!
|
|
Date:
| Tue Jul 8 13:28:12 2003
| Name:
| Stephen Booth
| E-mail:
| steevbooth@hotmail.com
| Organization:
| a testing-besieged 3rd grade teacher
| Location:
| Laporte, Minnesota
| How the site | was found: Google search for bio info on Mr. Kohn
| Comments:
| I've been working on my Masters in Educ for a few years,
and I find your articles keep popping up for various papers I write for
classes...I find that your essays contain the most feeling and, since I
happen to agree with you on most topics, I enjoy them a great deal. At the
moment, I'm very happy to read your anti-standards rationales. I'm ready
to quit over the NCLB testing/labeling pressures that have me in their
grip...I'm the only 3rd grade teacher at a small, rural elem. school in
no. Minn. Congress has now legislated mandatory school bashing on an
annual basis with the NCLB "needs improvement" list. Our state educ.
secty. has spent the last two days publicizing "the list" (251 Minn.
schools you shouldn't send your kids to), valuable PR capitol that could
have been spent honoring the schools and students that have done well.
Thanks for your voice of reason and wisdom.
|
|
Date:
| Mon Jul 7 14:43:36 2003
| Name:
| Mary Margaret Small, Ed.D.
| E-mail:
| mmsmall@ogdensburg.neric.org
| Organization:
| Ogdensburg City School District/ SUNY Potsdam
| Location:
| Ogdensburg, New York/ Potsdam, New York
| How the site | was found: internet search looking for biographical info
| Comments:
| One of my grad students was looking for biographical
info...and based on this site, is still looking. I would tyake issue with
your position on standards!
|
|
Date:
| Sat Jul 5 11:33:19 2003
| Name:
| Elizabeth Matchett
| E-mail:
| lizmatchett@yahoo.com
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| Redwood City. CA
| How the site | was found: Beyond Discipline
| Comments:
| After taking off 6 years from teaching in order to be at
home with my children, I'm going back into the classroom. During the time
I have been home, I have been working part time with teachers as a
professional development provider. I have stressed that teachers need to
build community in their classrooms. Now that I am ready to go back into
my own classroom, I want some help putting the ideas espoused in beyond
Discipline and The Schools Our Children Deserve, as well as the Backwards
Design Model from Wiggins and McTighe, into practice. The difficulty is
this: I teach beginning foreign language. One of the premises of second
language study is that the teacher should be teaching in the target
language as much of the time as possible. The theories from the
above-mentioned books make sense to me. However, it is not possible to
create community, allow the students to choose their own curriculum, make
deep decisions, etc. in Spanish if they are just begining to study the
language. In spite of this, I want to do it. I am ready to conduct part of
my classes in English with the hope that the front-loading of building
community and allowing the students a say in what they will study will
allow us to effectively pursue the studfy of Spanish becasue the kids will
be so interested in what they are doing. My request is this: is there
anyone out there who knows of other high school foreign language teachers
who are doing this and who can offer advice. I would be most appreciative
of any resources.
|
|
Date:
| Thu Jul 3 10:01:28 2003
| Name:
| NANCY WOOD
| E-mail:
| literacy@bld.lib.ca.us
| Organization:
| BEAUMONT LIBRARY DISTRICT
| Location:
| BEAUMONT, CA
| How the site | was found: ooeygooey.com
| Comments:
| Keep on keepin' on...... How to change the way most people
view how children learn would be most beneficial..... Each one doing what
they can will make a difference.... if not to all.... to one......
|
|
Date:
| Wed Jul 2 18:31:26 2003
| Name:
| Gay Lemons
| E-mail:
| lemo5876@yahoo.com
| Organization:
| University of Northern Colorado
| Location:
|
| How the site | was found: Alfie Kohn's books
| Comments:
| As a doc student in Ed Psych, I have been trying for days
to find more recent research regarding the effects of competition in
education. Not much so far. One or two recent references to get me started
would be greatly appreciated. Much Thanks. Gay Lemons
|
|
Date:
| Tue Jul 1 18:29:53 2003
| Name:
| brenda katz
| E-mail:
| flbrenda@hotmail.com
| Organization:
| RATPACK
| Location:
| Bradenton, Florida
| How the site | was found: FCAR
| Comments:
| Keep on keepin' on!! We are organizing against the FCAT in
Florida.
|
|
Date:
| Sun Jun 29 15:07:30 2003
| Name:
| A. Rita Goldman Goldberg
| E-mail:
| fred.rita@worldnet.att.net
| Organization:
| Temple Beth Sholom Foundation School
| Location:
| Miami Beach Fl
| How the site | was found: typed in name
| Comments:
|
|
|
Date:
| Wed Jun 25 18:29:34 2003
| Name:
| Brian Torner
| E-mail:
| habbish@msn.com
| Organization:
| Gilmore Middle School
| Location:
| Video Lecture
| How the site | was found:
| Comments:
|
|
|
Date:
| Mon Jun 23 15:52:01 2003
| Name:
| George Viebranz
| E-mail:
| gviebranz@berea.k12.oh.us
| Organization:
| Berea City School District
| Location:
| Berea, OH 44017
| How the site | was found: Did Web Search after reading Education, Inc.
| Comments:
| I have started to use your site as reading for my
Curriculum and Educational Technology courses at the local college. I also
use your materials to provoke thought during my teacher inserevice
workshops. Thank you for posting your research and opinions on testing and
learning.
|
|
Date:
| Sun Jun 22 19:30:47 2003
| Name:
| Kristine Jones-Cecere
| E-mail:
| kjcecere@aol.com
| Organization:
| graduate student and 5th grade teacher
| Location:
| Bergen County, New Jersey
| How the site | was found: From graduate school
| Comments:
| How would you summarize Alfie Kohn's position on brain
based research? Please E Mail any thoughts! Thanks.
|
|
Date:
| Sat Jun 21 03:12:22 2003
| Name:
| HOMEBOY OWERRI ASABA
| E-mail:
| mailto:homeboy%20owerri%20asaba@aba.com
| Organization:
| AQS ORG.
| Location:
| ORLANDO FLORIDA UNITED STATES
| How the site | was found: A LINK FROM ANOTHER SITE.
| Comments:
| I REALLY LOVE YOUR WEB SITE. KEEP IT UP.
|
|
Date:
| Fri Jun 20 22:29:06 2003
| Name:
| Amy Cameron
| E-mail:
| acameron@vvm.com
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| Texas
| How the site | was found: bookmarked- I've been here before- suggested during
graduate school
| Comments:
| Mr. Kohn: I have been a visitor of your site before and the
first time I visited your site, I was surprised. I was surprised that you
shared your articles on-line (thank-you)and that you actually responded to
person's comments. Thank You :) I teach in Texas amongst the high-stakes
TAKS. I have struggled this year (as a first year teacher) to find a
balance between what is required of me and what I believe is good
instruction for my students. I share many of your ideas and beliefs about
education, which is not always popular here in Texas. Luckily I have found
that for the most part I am left alone to teach my students as I see fit.
Also, veteran teachers and administrators share with me that TAKS is
supposed to be geared towards more holistic teaching and not as
test-driven as in the past with TAAS. This gives me hope as a teacher in
Texas and I plan to continue to teach the way I believe is most helpful
for my students. Thank you for being a light amongst the dark backdrop of
standardized testing in education. Will you be lecturing in Texas anytime
within the next year? I would love to hear you speak. I have not been so
lucky yet to hear you speak. Thank you ---
|
|
Date:
| Thu Jun 19 18:50:21 2003
| Name:
| Brian Speagle
| E-mail:
| bspeagle@uwo.ca
| Organization:
| University of Western Ontario
| Location:
| London, Ontario, Canada
| How the site | was found: back of "The Case Against Standardized Testing"
| Comments:
| Have enjoyed reading The Case Against Standardized Testing
and Punished by Rewards.
|
|
Date:
| Wed Jun 18 23:47:25 2003
| Name:
| Shane Ainsworth
| E-mail:
| shane@vintagevixen.com
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| Sarasota FL
| How the site | was found: The Case Against Standardized Testing
| Comments:
| I am studying to become a music educator and was glad to
have found the above mentioned book. Here in Florida standardized testing
is way out of control (FCAT) and this book enlightened me further to the
dangers of standardized tests.
|
|
Date:
| Mon Jun 16 23:46:24 2003
| Name:
| pauline pramudija
| E-mail:
| pauline_angela@yahoo.com
| Organization:
| postgraduate student
| Location:
| philippines
| How the site | was found: browsing
| Comments:
| I need advise for my thesis. I am planning to do research
for my University international alumni networking. Honestly KM is a new
thing for me. I hope anyone who have experience in similar topic or
perhaps can suggest me on how to do my reseach, please give me advise and
guidence. thanks.
|
|
Date:
| Mon Jun 16 20:25:31 2003
| Name:
| Jason Taylor
| E-mail:
| wajata2001@hotmail.com
| Organization:
| Mississippi State University
| Location:
| Starkville, MS
| How the site | was found: Google
| Comments:
| I am interested in learning more about competition and
standardized testing.
|
|
Date:
| Mon Jun 16 09:36:30 2003
| Name:
| Joe Belinsky
| E-mail:
| franjoe9366@yahoo.com
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| Akron Ohio
| How the site | was found: Google
| Comments:
| Feedback for Alfie: I've been a reader of your books and
articles for a while, and often discuss the premises. I agree that a good
place to start non-rewarding is with parents and schools. On a personal
side, however, some pain with the proposition. I spent 25 years of my
career in bonusable jobs, and 5 years before and after in non-bonusable
positions. When in my early career I found that achievement wasn't equally
rewarded to effort, I went into a position that paid first commisions,
then bonuses. These earnings incredably eased the financial strains, led
to a much better lifestyle, and allowed for a far greater use of my
talents. Five years ago, I left the bonusable position for one which
seemed to be more about freedom. Although I've learned (and enjoyed) a lot
about collaboration (vs. competition), I've found that once again being
under financial strain without looking for the end-of-year payoff has
pressed me to constantly be looking for outside financial opportunities to
'pick-up-the-slack'. And, it has greatly lengthened the time-to-retirement
period. This greatly detracts from whatever intrinsic rewards come from
the job itself. And, still working for a corporation, I find that the
demands are even greater today, and without the rewards, it becomes more
difficult to 'focus' on (corporate) important tasks. One day, when I'm
working for myself, I may have further feedback on the subject. Thanks for
listening, Joe Belinsky
|
|
Date:
| Thu Jun 12 13:10:32 2003
| Name:
| Joseph Callahan
| E-mail:
| jlcxyabc@yahoo.com
| Organization:
| Pima Community College
| Location:
| Tucson, AZ
| How the site | was found: I have read books by Mr. Kohn and wanted to find out more
| Comments:
| I did a small workshop on the 3c's of non-reward based
teaching and find your books helpful. They also help me put a label on
many long term beliefs. Joe Callahan
|
|
Date:
| Wed Jun 11 21:55:18 2003
| Name:
| Michael Whitting
| E-mail:
| michael.whitting@nt.gov.au
| Organization:
| NT DEET
| Location:
| Katherine, NT
| How the site | was found:
| Comments:
|
|
|
Date:
| Tue Jun 10 07:23:06 2003
| Name:
| Cruz "Elva" Jacquez
| E-mail:
| celvaj@msn.com
| Organization:
|
| Location:
|
| How the site | was found: Referred by Jules Ohrin-Greipp
| Comments:
|
|
|
Date:
| Mon Jun 9 19:51:01 2003
| Name:
| Liz Sutherland
| E-mail:
| ambcamlizmike@aol.com
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| Los Angeles
| How the site | was found: fellow co-op nursery school parent,Jennifer Murphy
| Comments:
| still perusing the site...I like what I see so far!
|
|
Date:
| Mon Jun 9 18:40:38 2003
| Name:
| juan antonio vega cuevas
| E-mail:
| j_vega_cuevas@hotmail.com
| Organization:
| liverpool tampico
| Location:
| prolongación ave. hidalgo #4902 tampico tams. méxico
| How the site | was found: trought the note about the punished by rewards in the anne
bruce book motivating employees
| Comments:
| i´m working in a place where leadership is an unknowling
term,there´s no models to inspire the motivation in the employees and
almost all the chiefs thinks that money it should be relationed always
with the good work instead of other options and workers aspirations like
human developing, so your 3 c´s theory its a valid beginning to this
closed brains.
|
|
Date:
| Mon Jun 9 14:54:38 2003
| Name:
| bill clark
| E-mail:
| billclark58@hotmail.com
| Organization:
| Healthy Communities/Healthy Youth of Sheridan
| Location:
|
| How the site | was found:
| Comments:
|
|
|
Date:
| Wed Jun 4 08:42:53 2003
| Name:
| Marsha Keller
| E-mail:
| mkeller@okcu.edu
| Organization:
| Oklahoma City University
| Location:
| Oklahoma City
| How the site | was found: NCTE Inbox newsletter
| Comments:
|
|
|
Date:
| Wed Jun 4 08:39:23 2003
| Name:
| Marc Bachrodt
| E-mail:
| lillyshouse@cox.net
| Organization:
| Child rearing engineer
| Location:
| Wichita, KS
| How the site | was found: Read most of Mr. Kohn's books
| Comments:
| Thank you Mr. Kohn for championing our cause. A cause that
should be every parents concern: the proper education of their child. From
the moment I first read The Case Against Competition my heart skipped a
beat because it was the same message I had been trying to get acorss to
people for years. You put into words the ideas and principles a great
majority of us believe in and we thank you for it. Never stop until
everyone, especially in Washington, D.C., has not only listened to but
accepted and implemented the empirical vidence that will put our
educational system back on track.
|
|
Date:
| Wed Jun 4 01:45:18 2003
| Name:
| Lincoln
| E-mail:
| swiftarrow1@rediffmail.com
| Organization:
| M.A. Math
| Location:
| Kerala, India
| How the site | was found: googles
| Comments:
| Hi! I interested in information as to how I can take the
GED exam while living in India, I'm a US citizen, but don't plan to go
back for a while. Anyone have any ideas? Your help is greatly appreciated!
|
|
Date:
| Tue Jun 3 22:46:50 2003
| Name:
| Mary Smith
| E-mail:
| maryfwsmith@yahoo.com
| Organization:
| Houston Independent School District
| Location:
| Houston, Texas
| How the site | was found: NTCE online
| Comments:
| I enjoy reading articles about high stakes testing.
|
|
Date:
| Mon Jun 2 17:55:01 2003
| Name:
| Jennifer Sweigert
| E-mail:
| jensweigert@aol.com
| Organization:
| Holy Names Academy
| Location:
| Seattle, WA
| How the site | was found: Montessori conference in Shoreline,WA
| Comments:
| I so much enjoyed the talk and workshop,as well as Punished
By Rewards. I'm currently reading No Contest, and have since added Alfie
Kohn to my personal list of "people who can generally be counted on to
make sense"
|
|
Date:
| Sun Jun 1 13:24:02 2003
| Name:
| Mary Ellen Chiccine
| E-mail:
| mechiccine@hotmail.com
| Organization:
| Homeschool mom
| Location:
| 513 School House Lane,Willow Grove,PA19090
| How the site | was found: The Philadelphia Inquirer
| Comments:
| I totally agree with you. I find standardized testing
unnecessary and stress-ridden. I never felt that this type of testing ever
measured aptitude or knowledge. I glad I'm not alone. Thank you,
mechiccine@hotmail.com
|
|
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