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Our Old Guestbook Entries
(10/00 through 1/01)

Thank you for viewing our guest book. Entries are organized in reverse chronological order.

Date:	Wed Jan 31 14:27:42 2001
Name:	Lori Phillips
E-mail:	lphillips@eagle-grove.k12.ia.us
Organization:	Eagle Grove Community School
Location:	Eagle Grove, Iowa 50533
How the site was found:	Alfie's books
Comments:	I would like Alfie to comment on Iowa's efforts to reshape teacher compensation. The current plan seems to go against all of Kohn's beliefs: punishment by rewards and higher pay for higher test scores. I am wondering if Alfie has written any recent articles regarding teacher compensation and the manner in which state legislators are damaging teaching/learning by using "the ultimate carrot"--money. Lori Phillips

Date:	Wed Jan 31 12:31:27 2001
Name:	Elisamuel Martinez-Antonetty
E-mail:	elisam@coqui.net
Organization:	University of Puerto Rico
Location:	Río Piedras, Puerto Rico
How the site was found:	Trhough Phi Delta Kappan
Comments:	An excellent resource for information regarding a new way of thinking in education. Will recommend it to my students in the Educational Leadership program.

Date:	Wed Jan 31 11:54:33 2001
Name:	Lisa Nydoske
E-mail:	lisaann33333@aol.com
Organization:	parent
Location:	Tucson, Arizona
How the site was found:	someone gave me a article by Alfie
Comments:	I do agree that standard tests can be used against students ans schools in a manner which is unfair. However, some of your points in your articles do not sit well with me. I read many of the guest list replys and you sure are getting alot of people saying "good job". Are you a praise junkie now? Have you lost interest? Is your pleasure taken away from you? Are your readers manipulating you? Has your desire to write some more articles and books reduced now because of all this praise? I enjoy someone telling me I did a good job. In fact, usually I am motivated to do more. Somewheres along the line I may actually learn something or enjoy the thing I'm doing. There is a balance that can be reached and I feel each parent should decide for themselves what works for their child.

Date:	Wed Jan 31 10:15:47 2001
Name:	Krista Ferdinand
E-mail:	krista@zundesign.com
Organization:
Location:	Oak Park, Illinois (suburb of Chicago)
How the site was found:	Searched by name
Comments:	I just began reading "The Schools Our Children Deserve" in an attempt to better understand some difficulty my 8-year-old daughter is experiencing in school. Although I am still in the discovery process of finding out why my daughter is struggling, I feel like the lights have been turned on and the doors opened to so many obvious problems with how we are teching our children today. According to my child's 3rd grade teacher, the students are expected to complete 1 to 2 hours of homework per day, plus 30 minutes of reading, and writing a couple of reflective sentences about what they have read. That is what the kids who are "getting it" are/should be doing. Imagine the time spent for someone like my daughter who, apprently, is "not getting it." She starts after school, breaks for dinner and then continues until bedtime. Right now, my fear is not whether her grades will ever improve or if she will attend college. It's how she will ever become a life-long learner with natural curiosity and the desire to "find out." Right now, math equals oppressive work, and writing not much better. I'm angry. Where is the passion in teaching? I know there are some treasures out there but why the exception and not the rule? Furthermore, it was my daughter's score on the Stanford 9 test which was given one month into third grade which has identified her as just bordering on average, and in some cases below. Because of this, she will be required to attend "Winter Academy" as (and I'm quoting from the form letter that I received from my school district) "a condition of promotion." My child is already pushed to the limit with the work assigned and now this Winter Academy is thrown on top of it as some sort of intervention to help her. She does need help, that much is clear. Right now, I'm trying to figure out how I can turn this situation around and foster a true love of learning amidst such insanity.

Date:	Wed Jan 31 01:50:36 2001
Name:	Sean Joyce
E-mail:	seanj@azusausd.k12.ca.us
Organization:	Azusa Unified School District and Claremont Graduate University
Location:	Southern California
How the site was found:	from the inside cover of "The Schools Our Children Deserve"
Comments:	I have thoroughly enjoyed your writing and thoughts! Thanks! Your words convey what a few of us have always believed, but found difficult for others to accept and support. The struggle continues, and we celebrate the struggle. Keep The Faith! I also wanted to pass along, as I will to HoughtonMifflin, that the "Reference" section of the book only goes through, Gallimore, Ronald. I know there are more citations further down the alphabet than just to the 'G's'

Date:	Tue Jan 30 20:50:10 2001
Name:	Andrew Arenson
E-mail:	AArenson1@cs.com
Organization:	Teacher
Location:	Pough
How the site was found:
Comments:

Date:	Tue Jan 30 18:55:27 2001
Name:	Dean Howarth
E-mail:	dhowarths@aol.com
Organization:	Fairfax Co Public Schools
Location:	northern Va
How the site was found:	wash. post
Comments:	Mr Kohn, It has been so affirming to learn that so many of the beliefs that I have forged as an isolated teacher are being championed by someone out there like you. I am in a district and state that are "selling their souls" to the false idol of standardized testing and the mantra of "accountability". In VA the enrichment of students has taken the guise of memorizing the confederate battlefields and posting the 10 commandments in the classroom.....very distressing. Your work will help me load my quiver with philosophical arrows and continue to fight the good fight. Regards, D E Howarth Physics teacher McLean VA

Date:	Tue Jan 30 09:40:49 2001
Name:	Randi Robinson Cohen
E-mail:	dukembjs@aol.com
Organization:	PTA,
Location:	Chappaqua, New York
How the site was found:	article being circulated in our town
Comments:	I am looking forward to attending lecture in Scarsdale. We are quite concerned about state testing in New York and are organizing a campaign to improve/eliminate/change the goals of the tests.

Date:	Mon Jan 29 21:50:11 2001
Name:	Michael Greening
E-mail:	greeningm@royaloakschools.net
Organization:	High school
Location:	Royal Oak, MI. (suburb of Detroit)
How the site was found:
Comments:	Thanks to Alfie for the last 16 months, where I have immersed myself in your books and articles. Your ideas are indeed being heard...

Date:	Mon Jan 29 20:34:31 2001
Name:	Glen Jenkins
E-mail:	cgjenks@prodigy.net
Organization:	Longfellow/SOTA 2 Middle Schools
Location:	La Crosse. Wisconsin
How the site was found:	Reading, Winona Talk, & CNN Book Talk
Comments:	I wish you could have visited Longfellow/SOTA 2 Middle Schools on your recent trip to Winona. It would have been nice to show you School on the River a integrated year long program for 7th & 8th graders. They spend their time outside of school doing research on the Mississippi River with local scientists. Or, The School of Technology & Arts 2 Charter School that allows children build community and teaches them to work and play together to learn. Or, School in the Coulee that takes an experiential approach to involve their students in understanding their world. Just wanted you to know that your message is being heard and there are places that are doing something about the state of our educational system.

Date:	Mon Jan 29 15:44:30 2001
Name:	Kathy Cassity
E-mail:	kcassity@aloha.com
Organization:	University of Hawaii
Location:	Honolulu
How the site was found:	The Schools Our Children Deserve
Comments:	Reading "The Schools Our Children Deserve" in light of the new president Bush's suggested "educational reforms" is EXTREMELY frightening. Is there a move afoot among educators, parents and concerned citizens to mobilize against this damaging and backwards proposal?

Date:	Mon Jan 29 14:50:25 2001
Name:	David Neils
E-mail:	davidn@telementor.org
Organization:	International Telementor Center
Location:	Fort Collins, Colorado
How the site was found:	Connections at Co-nect.net
Comments:	Hello Alfie, I applaud your mission! At the ITC we put students back in the education driver's seat. I would like to discuss several topics with you. Please give me a call at 970-206-9352. I encourage you to visit our Web site: http://www.telementor.org We've served over 7,000 students in eight countries since 1995.

Date:	Mon Jan 29 12:17:43 2001
Name:	Alan Beth
E-mail:	albeth@wshs.luminet.net
Organization:	Winona Public Schools high school science teacher
Location:	Winona,MN
How the site was found:	A friend/fellow teacher
Comments:	I didn't hear your presentation in Winona but have a summary of what you were speaking about. I am fascinated by your views and hope I can attend one of your presentations soon - I will keep a watchful eye open as to times/places! If you have a mailing list, please include me on it. Thanks, Al Beth

Date:	Mon Jan 29 05:29:18 2001
Name:	piyaporn sukpatrapirom
E-mail:	piyaporn.sukpatrapirom
Organization:	unilever
Location:	Thailand
How the site was found:	www.msn.com
Comments:

Date:	Sun Jan 28 16:45:13 2001
Name:	Debra Hall
E-mail:	debrasl@yahoo.com
Organization:	Tamien childcare center/ Bright Horizons
Location:	San Jose, CA
How the site was found:	from ooeygooey.com
Comments:

Date:	Sun Jan 28 14:52:01 2001
Name:	Mary Ann Martini
E-mail:	xmartini@aol.com
Organization:	Boise State University
Location:	Boise, Idaho
How the site was found:	Kohn Books and tapes
Comments:	I teach preservice teachers and believe strongly in the power of intrinsic motivation. I do not use grades or testing as evidence of learning. I am appalled to see Idaho moving steadily toward increased testing of our children and want to stop it. I need help in developing and implementing an effective campaign against grades and testing.

Date:	Sat Jan 27 16:41:21 2001
Name:	Rep. Art Pelletier
E-mail:	ajpell@email.com
Organization:	NH House of Representatives
Location:	Dover, NH
How the site was found:	Through FairTest website
Comments:	Loved your op-ed in 1/26/01 Globe! Need more such from more than one voice, but with bully "W" in the pulpit in Washington espousing more tests and vouchers, outlook is bleak.

Date:	Sat Jan 27 16:16:12 2001
Name:	Helen Sadler
E-mail:	helensadler@aol.com
Organization:
Location:	Florida
How the site was found:	In Kohn's brilliant books
Comments:	I have just recently finished reading Punished by Rewards and think it is one of the most important books of our time. (I first read The Schools Our Children Deserve and Beyond Discipline is next.) As a substitute teacher who is working toward getting a degree so I can be a "real" teacher (tongue in cheek), I see things happening in the classroom that break my heart on a daily basis. Rewards do not produce self-determined, motivated students who love learning. The control mechanisms used in classrooms are debilitating. We are doing real damage to our kids and I am glad to see that so many people out there are embracing Kohn's message. I would be glad to communicate via e-mail with any educator who wants to talk. Some days I come home ready to explode with rage about what I see happening. Please, let's stick together and make this vision a reality for all our kids. Don't give up our idealism, this fantastic vision of community and caring...the kids are counting on us.

Date:	Sat Jan 27 11:30:42 2001
Name:	Patti Totten
E-mail:	LarPatTotten@centurytel.net
Organization:
Location:	Tomah, Wisconsin
How the site was found:	attended lecture at Winona State University
Comments:	Attended your lecture and was so happy to hear someone speakout so well and effectively. I am sharing your name and web site with as many teachers and parents as I am able. Thank you for fighting the fight! We must change the direction that education is headed. "Back" to basics is a step backward! Would we want to back to typewriters rather than computers?

Date:	Fri Jan 26 21:04:34 2001
Name:	Peggy Miller
E-mail:	dpmillerw152
Organization:	Tigerton Elementary School
Location:
How the site was found:	Given at presentation
Comments:	Thank you for validating the teaching I know is right. Now I can obtain the research and base my arguments on the facts. I am very fortunate to be in a school district that frees me to teach the real stuff. Unfortunately my school district is in real trouble if we cannot improve our test scores. Thank you for giving me hope.

Date:	Fri Jan 26 20:52:27 2001
Name:	Peggy Miller
E-mail:	dpmillerw152
Organization:	Tigerton ElementarySchool
Location:	Tigerton, WI 54486
How the site was found:
Comments:

Date:	Fri Jan 26 16:52:51 2001
Name:	Paul Wiese
E-mail:	paulw@tomah.k12.wi,us
Organization:	LaGrange Elementary School
Location:	Tomah, Wisconsin
How the site was found:	It was mentioned at last night's lecture
Comments:	I am an elementary school principal. I was in the audience at Winona State on January 25. Our district paid for a meal and transportation for 30 teachers and administrators to hear the lecture that night. I was privilged to sit with my daughter, a freshman at Winona,which allowed her to hear an outstanding lecture on a timely topic. My message is thank you. I can't quit my job in protest over the standards testing in Wisconsin. But, I can work to soften the blows it inflicts on teacher and kids. I bought the latest book and will continue to look for inspiring thought and the call to arms from Mr. Kohn.

Date:	Fri Jan 26 14:40:03 2001
Name:	Lori Hovey
E-mail:	teachr66@mediaone.net
Organization:	West Springfield School Committee
Location:	West Springfield, MA
How the site was found:	Referred to it by someone who attended one of your conferences
Comments:	I am an educator, a parent and a member of my local school committee. I am sick to death of the abuse the DOE is inflicting upon us regarding these RIDICULOUS TESTS. I am also sick of teachers who say, "We can't do anything about this." Of course we can! We can refuse to administer them! If every teacher refused to give them that would send a message wouldn't it?

Date:	Fri Jan 26 14:00:09 2001
Name:	Carl Leggins
E-mail:
Organization:	Youth Court /Probation
Location:	Libby Mt
How the site was found:	school mail
Comments:

Date:	Fri Jan 26 13:30:31 2001
Name:	Paul Neiman
E-mail:	neima002@uwp.edu
Organization:	none
Location:	Kenosha, WI
How the site was found:	newsletter
Comments:

Date:	Fri Jan 26 13:29:05 2001
Name:	Paul Neiman
E-mail:	neima002@uwp.edu
Organization:	none
Location:	Kenosha, WI
How the site was found:	newsletter
Comments:

Date:	Fri Jan 26 09:26:03 2001
Name:	Joanne Klinker
E-mail:	jklinker
Organization:
Location:
How the site was found:
Comments:

Date:	Fri Jan 26 09:18:47 2001
Name:	Deborah Cromer
E-mail:	dcromer@pressenter.com
Organization:	School District of Bangor
Location:	Bangor, WI 54614
How the site was found:	at presentation by Alfie Kohn
Comments:	I am glad I went to Winona, MN, on 1-25-01 to hear you speak. Your belief that we are experiencing an "educational emergency" reminded me that I need to be doing more to combat the "educational ethnic cleansing" that standardized testing promotes. Thank you for your humor, your ideas, your commitment to helping parents and teachers and community members work to support the kind of teaching and learning that helps children make sense of and deal with this complex world we live in.

Date:	Fri Jan 26 09:10:53 2001
Name:	bevkrueger
E-mail:	BevK@tomah.k12.wi.us
Organization:	Public School
Location:	Tomah, WI
How the site was found:	lecture at Winona, MN.
Comments:	Glad I came. I will start to read so I cam be politically involved.

Date:	Fri Jan 26 07:42:52 2001
Name:	Stataki Maria
E-mail:	msratak@biology.uoc.gr
Organization:	LYKEIO
Location:	Lykeio gaziou ,71414 Gazi, Iraklion, Crete, Greece
How the site was found:	Washigton Post
Comments:	I am a greek teacher (Literature )in sunny Crete. I AGREE absolutly with Mr A.KOHN.I try to motivate students with other methods than tests and austerity Have anybody used books of Kohns, which can send to our school ?

Date:	Fri Jan 26 07:29:49 2001
Name:	Strataki Maria
E-mail:	mstratak@biology.uoc.gr
Organization:	Eniaio Lykeio
Location:	Eniaio Lykeio Gaziou
How the site was found:
Comments:

Date:	Fri Jan 26 07:29:44 2001
Name:	Strataki Maria
E-mail:	mstratak@biology.uoc.gr
Organization:	Eniaio Lykeio
Location:	Eniaio Lykeio Gaziou
How the site was found:
Comments:

Date:	Thu Jan 25 22:54:19 2001
Name:	Mark Hebert
E-mail:	mhebert@massed.net
Organization:	School Committee
Location:	Monson
How the site was found:	Superintendant's meeting
Comments:

Date:	Thu Jan 25 20:53:36 2001
Name:	Michael Spevak, MD
E-mail:	mspeva02@georgetown.edu
Organization:	psychiatrist in private practice
Location:	Washington, DC
How the site was found:	Washington Post article
Comments:	I found the description of your work fascinating and important, as many others obviously do, too.

Date:	Thu Jan 25 20:06:34 2001
Name:	Zanaki Renibe
E-mail:	mailto:www.renibe@juno.com
Organization:
Location:
How the site was found:	The Washington Post
Comments:

Date:	Thu Jan 25 17:29:27 2001
Name:	Bobbie J. Hunt
E-mail:
Organization:
Location:	San Antonio, Texas
How the site was found:	I Read your Article: Education in a Dark Time
Comments:	Horray!!!!!!! I totally agree with you.We are testing our kids instead of teaching our kids how to become great thinkers, explore beautiful literature and learn from nonfiction, etc.........

Date:	Thu Jan 25 13:40:21 2001
Name:	Dr. Mel Weiss
E-mail:	mel@saclink.csus.edu
Organization:	Dept. of Anthropology, Cal. State university
Location:	Sacramento, CA 95819-6106
How the site was found:	KAPPAN
Comments:	Throughally enjoyed your "Fighting the tests..."(Kappan-Jan,01), your sense of dark satire is delicious. After reading the article I thought about what kind of teachers we need to implement "superficial learning". I would like to propose a sick remedy for a sick system. Innovative and creative teaching has little to do with the new accountability engagement. Do we really want our best and brightest to pursue a teaching career? Think about it. Won't such folk become quickly discouraged preaching "deep understanding" when shallow results are rewarded. So why educate teachers in universities. Why not seek out and train dull-normal, uninquisitive individuals who will be delighted to follow orders and compute test scores. Let's allow them a very basic and limited educational experience much like the Army trains its basic training recruits. Let us produce a cadre of "almost DELTA's" who will submissively serve, never question the wisdom of their masters, who are content to follow rather than lead, and who never ever question policy. Let's attract people whose curosity is limited, who rarely read books and who believe that children are only empty vessels whose minds must be filled. Moreover, they should be discouraged from challenging the status quo, worship prevailing social and political nonsense, and above all, be grateful for the opportunity.

Date:	Thu Jan 25 11:59:43 2001
Name:	richard b warner
E-mail:	warneri@gw.fargo.k12.nd.us
Organization:	fargo south high school
Location:	fargo,nd
How the site was found:	ascd education update
Comments:

Date:	Thu Jan 25 09:36:07 2001
Name:	Leon Thurman
E-mail:	vlthur44@aol.com
Organization:	VoiceCare Network/Fairview Voice Center
Location:	Minneapolis MN
How the site was found:	ASCD "Update"
Comments:	Your work is deeply significant for our all human beings, and especially those who live in our culture. Bless you, and keep up your good work.

Date:	Wed Jan 24 23:37:56 2001
Name:	Karen Wood
E-mail:	gmcvan@durham.net
Organization:	Newcastle Public School
Location:	Newcastle , Ontario
How the site was found:	colleague
Comments:	I am very intrigued by many of the ideas presented here. I will definitely be looking into these books on my next shopping trip.

Date:	Wed Jan 24 21:02:08 2001
Name:	Tom Tarbet
E-mail:	tmt@azstarnet.com
Organization:	Tucson Unified School District
Location:	Tucson
How the site was found:	You mentioned it at your lecture
Comments:	You're recent visit to Tucson has been the "talk of the town" among teachers! We loved your style and your message, and we're more determined than ever to arm ourselves with information! Thanks!

Date:	Wed Jan 24 20:18:10 2001
Name:	Kathie Maniaci
E-mail:	kmaniaci@twcny.rr.com
Organization:	Grant Middle School
Location:	Syracuse, NY
How the site was found:	Manlius Pebble Hill Website
Comments:	Thank God, I don't feel like I'm alone anymore!

Date:	Wed Jan 24 19:45:23 2001
Name:	KKGGB
E-mail:	K_K_G_G_B@hotmail.com
Organization:
Location:	oh
How the site was found:	recomendation of a teacher
Comments:	This page is insiteful, and, in the educational arena, painfully honest. Thanks for a refreshing reality check.

Date:	Wed Jan 24 16:55:36 2001
Name:	Joshua Kilroy
E-mail:	jkilroy@midway.uchicago.edu
Organization:	Illinois Green Party
Location:	Chicago, IL
How the site was found:	It's listed in his recent books.
Comments:	Hi, I have really learned a lot from Alfie Kohn's books in the two years since I first read Punished by Rewards. I have given copies of his books to friends of mine who have become parents, my sister who is a school administrator, executives in the state child welfare system, and to people who are running for local school boards. His ideas really fit in with the ideas and values that Ralph Nader and the Green Party have promoted and I hope to meet with him at one of his Chicago appearances. Keep up the good fight!

Date:	Wed Jan 24 16:23:59 2001
Name:	Cheryl Stuart
E-mail:	cbs@seacoast.com
Organization:	Triton Regional School District
Location:	Byfield, MA
How the site was found:	1/24/01 Mass. Superintendent's Meeting
Comments:	Provocative...you made a real impact.

Date:	Wed Jan 24 14:52:45 2001
Name:	Susan Scheer
E-mail:	sas2785@aol.com
Organization:	Teacher
Location:	Gwinnett County Georgia
How the site was found:	PDK link
Comments:	A few teachers in my school have read the recient article in the "Kappan" and are meeting to chat about the article this Friday. It's a start.

Date:	Wed Jan 24 14:32:13 2001
Name:	Kesha
E-mail:	naeballib@yahoo.com
Organization:
Location:	Ohio
How the site was found:	A friend gave me the URL and asked me to visit
Comments:	I think this is a very truthful, well-planned, and well thought out site. I believe that everything stated here is the unfortunate truth.

Date:	Wed Jan 24 05:43:32 2001
Name:	Gabrielle Bayme
E-mail:	gtsimmu@hotmail.com
Organization:	NYU
Location:
How the site was found:	search
Comments:	just wanted to thank you for the insights in your books. not only did i find what i have read so far utterly inspiring but it articulates so much of what i believed but couldn't put into words before. the other reason i am signing this guest book is because i am interested in talking with other educators that share these philosophies. is there anywhere on the web (message board, chat room, etc.) where educators who are trying to implement progressive, democratic teaching strategies can communicate? if not is there anyone here who would like to begin such a space with me? i am working in a school that is actively trying to coerce me into using teaching strategies and "classroom management" techniques that i don't believe in and am feeling very isolated. i would love to feel the support of others who are dealing with similar situations. if you are interested in starting a board or chat group with me please email me at gtsimmu@hotmail.com thanks!!

Date:	Tue Jan 23 19:17:40 2001
Name:	Linda
E-mail:	lmcounts1949@hotmail.com
Organization:	field school
Location:	wheeling, il
How the site was found:	from London Middle School web page
Comments:

Date:	Tue Jan 23 11:26:29 2001
Name:	James Gillette
E-mail:	jgillett@remc8.k12.mi.us
Organization:	Kenowa Hills Public Schools
Location:	Grand Rapids, Mi
How the site was found:	ASCD Education Update
Comments:	You are delivering an important message. Please keep up the terific work.I have seen you and heard you several and continue to be inspired every time I hear you.

Date:	Tue Jan 23 00:08:15 2001
Name:	Roseanne Cole
E-mail:	roseanne.cole@tusd.k12.az.us
Organization:	Tucson Unified School District
Location:	Tucson, Arizona
How the site was found:	Attended a lecture in Tucson
Comments:

Date:	Mon Jan 22 22:10:36 2001
Name:	Deborah Hartsock
E-mail:	sockhart@hotmail.com
Organization:	Hampshire County Schools
Location:	Romney, West Virginia
How the site was found:	KAPPAN article
Comments:	Greetings from the mountains! I would like to know the lecture topic for the March 13th community lecture in Salisbury, Maryland.

Date:	Mon Jan 22 20:43:58 2001
Name:	cindy creek
E-mail:	ccreek@kiva.net
Organization:	TAW
Location:
How the site was found:
Comments:

Date:	Mon Jan 22 18:33:39 2001
Name:	Thaines Arulandu
E-mail:	thainese@polarcomm.com
Organization:	University of North Dakota
Location:	Grand Forks, ND
How the site was found:	ASCD Publications
Comments:	I am a doctoral student at the University of North Dakota in Educational Leadership. I originally come from India. Standarized tests and assesments are my favorite topics of interest. Seeing 70% of the Indian population still illiterate, I wonder at our tests and assesments that do not promote education of the poor and rural populations. I will keep in touch with you as I proceed with my research on this topic in relation to Indian social, political, and educational set ups. Keep me informed of your latest views and thoughts. I appreciated your thoughts on the article "Education in a dark time" published in ASCD's education updates, January 2001.

Date:	Mon Jan 22 17:48:54 2001
Name:	Geoffrey M. Thomas Ed.D.
E-mail:	thomasgm@d93.k12.id.us
Organization:	Bonneville Joint School District 93
Location:	Idaho Falls, ID
How the site was found:	ASCD "Education Update" Article
Comments:	Thank you Mr. Kohn. Thank you for speaking out against the relentless assault on teachers and students guised in the "standards" movement. What standards,raising the bar, and vouchers etc... all about is segregation. This time along "class" lines. For a long time I have wondered if anyone else shared my viewpoint that students (especially the poor) will ultimately be harmed if the business community/legislators take over our public schools. Real education is not about merely raising test scores, it is about providing an enriched learning environment with a caring, attentive teacher. Providing students with a vast array of opportunities is the key to a broad based eduation. All this will be lost or shunted aside with focusing merely on test scores. If I may lend any assistance to your voice Mr. Kohn, in speaking out against the current anti-child legislative programs, please let me know. I will speak out, will write articles etc.. and help wherever I may to help turn aisde the tide of darkness. Sincerely, Geoffrey

Date:	Mon Jan 22 15:24:22 2001
Name:	Tom Jaeger, Ed.D
E-mail:	iju009@mail.connect.more.net
Organization:	Warren County R-III School District
Location:	Warrenton, MO 63383-2116
How the site was found:	Education Update Article
Comments:	The Article "Education in the Dark" was a refreshing change from what we in my State are being "bombarded" with. Thanks so much for the "reality check!"

Date:	Mon Jan 22 12:20:54 2001
Name:	Elisabeth
E-mail:	DeEbeck
Organization:	none
Location:	??
How the site was found:	Teachers
Comments:	I agree I agree I agree I agree

Date:	Sun Jan 21 22:57:08 2001
Name:	Theresa Farmer
E-mail:	mailto:sunsand678@aol.com%20%20%20&%20tfarmer@shelbyed.K12.al.us
Organization:	General Educator
Location:	Birmingham, AL
How the site was found:	ASCD smartbrief
Comments:	It is always inspiring and helpful to read Mr. Kohn's writings.

Date:	Sun Jan 21 14:51:35 2001
Name:	Patty McHatton
E-mail:	mchatton@typhoon.coedu.usf.edu
Organization:	teacher
Location:	Wesley Chapel
How the site was found:	have several of your books and heard you speak
Comments:	I thought you would find this story interesting. I (like many Florida teachers) am in the process of helping my students develop the necessary skills to do well on the FCAT. We were working on a mock FCAT Writes and the prompt was: Think of a rule that you think is unfair. Wreite to explain why we should do away with or change the rule. Two of my students chose to write about the unfairness of having to take the FCAT and the implications. One student wanted to know if he got 1000 students to sign a petition to do away with the FCAT would it work. He also said that teacher should have to take it instead of the kids. We had a lively discussion on the fact that it isn't the teachers who are making the laws mandating the FCAT (which says something about teachers taking a more active role). The other student wrote that the FCAT was simply a test to show how "dumb we are". A sad state when a child make such a comment.

Date:	Sun Jan 21 12:15:26 2001
Name:	Rose DiVirgilio
E-mail:	Rosed19726@aol.com
Organization:	Parent
Location:	Windsor, NY
How the site was found:	Beyond Standards book
Comments:	This has been a great resource

Date:	Sun Jan 21 10:30:47 2001
Name:	Liz Brighton
E-mail:	eliz_brighton@hotmail.com
Organization:	school
Location:	Northampton
How the site was found:	direct link from David Jackson
Comments:	David forwarded your site to me, as I'm researching the introduction of SATS to a school's culture. Some great comments found!

Date:	Sun Jan 21 10:06:08 2001
Name:	Virginia Ellenson
E-mail:	vellenson@msn.com
Organization:
Location:	Huntington Beach, CA
How the site was found:	I read THE SCHOOLS OUR CHILDREN DESERVE
Comments:	Thank you for your clear, readable, and important messages to everyone regarding the education (and miseducation) of our nation's children. I just finished reading THE SCHOOLS OUR CHILDREN DESERVE and feel encouraged to know that you are spreading this important information in such an accessible format. I've told everyone I know about the book and plan to give copies to each of our school board members and the administrators at my middle school site. I might not be planning to retire after just 35 years in the classroom if more people thought and communicated like Alfie Kohn. Thanks also for your previous books which continue to inform my interactions with fellow teachers, parents, and my students.

Date:	Sat Jan 20 22:57:21 2001
Name:	Lise Surface
E-mail:	Lrsuruss@aol.com
Organization:
Location:	North Dakota
How the site was found:	Just search for Alfie Kohn on the internet.
Comments:	I was told your coming to North Dakota to speak. I wanted to check out your books. They sound very intresting. I have a child who has given up on doing any school work. I feel it is because she has no choice in school. I feel by her not doing her work this is the only control she has in her life. I have mentioned this to the school but things are still the same.

Date:	Sat Jan 20 17:22:56 2001
Name:	Jason Amey
E-mail:	amey@muhlenberg.edu
Organization:
Location:	Allentown, PA
How the site was found:	search engine
Comments:	I hope Mr. Kohn will forgive this shameless act of self-promotion, but if there are any likeminded administrators looking for progressive H.S. Social Studies teachers--lets talk!

Date:	Sat Jan 20 17:22:14 2001
Name:	Jason Amey
E-mail:	amey@muhlenberg.edu
Organization:
Location:	Allentown, PA
How the site was found:	search engine
Comments:	I hope Mr. Kohn will forgive this shameless act of self-promotion, but if there are any likeminded administrators looking for progressive H.S. Social Studies teachers--lets talk!

Date:	Sat Jan 20 15:30:09 2001
Name:	Curt Hinson
E-mail:	drcurthinson@home.com
Organization:
Location:	Wilmington Delaware
How the site was found:	In The Schools Our Children Deserve
Comments:	I have read all of Mr. Kohn's books and many of his articles. I use his philosophy and ideas in my program "6-Steps to a Trouble-free Playground." I left public school teaching after 16 years because my philosophy on how children should be taught was so different than what was taking place. I currently travel to schools nationwide presenting my "Trouble-free Playground" program. I am amazed at how few schools, teachers, and administrators are aware of the detrimental effects of rewards, punishment, standardized testing, etc. There's a lot of work to be done to change education in this country, and it starts with common sense. Our system is caught up in the wrong beliefs. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that our current methods are damaging to students. Will all those schools, teachers, and administrators who wave banners saying "children first," please prove it with their methods and not with their mouths. Until we move away from rewards, punishments, consequences, conformity, standardized testing, bribes, manipulation, and the like, children will never be first. Thank you Mr. Kohn for your insightful writings. I hope that your work continues to inspire other teachers like it has me.

Date:	Sat Jan 20 15:26:06 2001
Name:	Marilyn K. Simon, Ph.D.
E-mail:	msimon@waldenu.edu
Organization:	PDK- Walden University Cyber Chapter
Location:	Minnesota
How the site was found:	Through Kappan
Comments:	Our chapter would like to get involved with the elimination of excessive testing and the dumbing down of our curriculum in our schools.

Date:	Fri Jan 19 18:34:41 2001
Name:	Chris Ebert
E-mail:	pigasus@pombi.com
Organization:	PPB Inc
Location:	Sunnyvale, Ca
How the site was found:	Joel.editthispage.com
Comments:	Very interesting -- I'm inspired to go find _No Contest_ and _Punished by Rewards_ and read both (the last part is the more difficult :). Good luck changing the world.

Date:	Fri Jan 19 17:02:56 2001
Name:	Robert Stahl
E-mail:	rjstahl000@hotmail.com
Organization:	Rockdale School District 84
Location:	Rockdale , Il
How the site was found:	Jan. PDK
Comments:	Your article says what I have believed for some time, I feel recharged for the good fight to get our schools back on track!

Date:	Fri Jan 19 16:56:18 2001
Name:	Duane Willhite
E-mail:	dwillhite@denver.k12.ia.us
Organization:	Denver Community School District
Location:	Denver, Iowa
How the site was found:	ASCD article Jan, 2001
Comments:

Date:	Fri Jan 19 16:32:59 2001
Name:	Lynn Solari
E-mail:	lsolari@angellcommunications.com
Organization:
Location:	Elk Grove, CA
How the site was found:	Alfie Kohn Fan
Comments:	I live in the Sacramento area in Califonia and was wondering if there were schools that adopt the "Alfie Kohn" philosophy? We are looking for a school to send our son who will be entering 3rd grade in the fall.

Date:	Fri Jan 19 14:17:18 2001
Name:	Ellen Kempler
E-mail:
Organization:
Location:
How the site was found:
Comments:

Date:	Fri Jan 19 11:34:10 2001
Name:	Pat Hartwick
E-mail:	phartwic
Organization:	Daemen College
Location:	Amherst, NY
How the site was found:	Article in Kappan
Comments:

Date:	Thu Jan 18 18:51:48 2001
Name:	Carla Moore
E-mail:	Ca
Organization:
Location:
How the site was found:
Comments:

Date:	Thu Jan 18 15:06:42 2001
Name:	Susan Scheer
E-mail:	sas2785@aol.com
Organization:	Magill ES
Location:	Gwinnett County Georgia
How the site was found:
Comments:	As a Gwinnitian, I read your recent article in "Kappan". Bravo!!!!

Date:	Thu Jan 18 12:17:35 2001
Name:	Leslie S. Heekin, Counselor
E-mail:	streetl@ocps.k12.fl.us
Organization:	Riverside Elem.
Location:	3125 Pembrook Dr., Orlando, FL 32810
How the site was found:	co-worker gave me address
Comments:	I need ideas! Our 3rd grade team has asked if I can speak to our 3rd graders about motivation. They say they lack motivation, do not attempt work unless someone starts the task 1st, they have little parent support, they do not find the value of doing a task or accomplishing something. Does anyone have any ideas on what I can do or say to these children? Is there anything I can make into a flyer to send home to the parents? Please e-mail soon!

Date:	Thu Jan 18 11:18:32 2001
Name:	Jay Cone
E-mail:	jcone@interactionassociates.com
Organization:	Interaction Associates
Location:	Dallas, TX
How the site was found:	I'm a fan of Alfie's work - searched on his name
Comments:	Anyone out there involved with Destination Imagination or Odyssey of the Mind

Date:	Wed Jan 17 09:29:35 2001
Name:	pamela slicker
E-mail:	slickerdanny@aol.com
Organization:
Location:
How the site was found:	canton repository daily newspaper
Comments:	I am so glad that this idea is being brought to people's attention in the newspapers. I wish I had had a teacher who had read Mr. Kohn's books when i was a child. School is torture to a child who does not fit into the mold.

Date:	Wed Jan 17 09:00:27 2001
Name:	John Pierce
E-mail:	zorbpierce@aol.com
Organization:	Board of Ed -- CCSD 64
Location:	Park Ridge and Niles, Illinois
How the site was found:	"The Schools Our Children Deserve"
Comments:	I've loved the book.

Date:	Tue Jan 16 23:12:55 2001
Name:	Marty Martinez
E-mail:	mpjmar@aol.com
Organization:	First Grade Teacher
Location:	San Diego
How the site was found:	Read a newspaper article
Comments:	THANK GOD someone understands what education is! I have emailed every talk show host in hopes of getting some public exposure for the travisty taking place in our schools lately. No one seems to want to touch the subject or doesn't understand. Well I am on the front lines, and sick of the recent assessing that takes place almost daily. Poor little children eager to please and eager to learn are being shot down left and right. Now the little egos are suffering the blow of retention because they are not STANDARD! They aren't even given the time to process anything they are suppose to learn before more is handed them. Makes me sick and sad! I see their little faces everyday. Wide eyed, waiting for some acknowledgement that they are of some value. Well to me, each and every one has a special talent and it's my job to build on that and not punish them for what they were not wired to do and never will be wired or able to do. Unfortunately, there are few like me. I have been teaching for 17 years and we are back to where we were when I started. Fortunately I was around for the whole language, muli-intelligence, developmentally appropriate education later on down the line. I find it very difficult to abandon all that finally made sense, and worked, for this back to basics bull shit! Too bad I feel like the lone ranger and am mandated to test, test, test. I have lost so much teaching time due to this freak'in testing. Everybody looses! I sure hope you can make some impact, because this is scary!

Date:	Tue Jan 16 18:51:02 2001
Name:	candi
E-mail:	007@wrightwood.net
Organization:	i'm in high school
Location:	california
How the site was found:	www.stopstandardsandtesting.virtualave.net
Comments:	Nice site, it helped me find articles for my research project and speech on the affects on SATs on people who do well and those who don't do well. thank you.

Date:	Mon Jan 15 21:50:34 2001
Name:	Toni Kempler
E-mail:	tkempler@umich.edu
Organization:	University of Michigan
Location:	Ann Arbor, MI
How the site was found:	The Washington Post
Comments:	I was introduced to "Punished By Rewards" in an undergraduate seminar. I currently study student motivation at the Combined Program in Education and Psychology at the U of M. My efforts in education stem from what I have seen in the classroom-similar to the philosophies that Kohn has promoted in his text. I am hoping to put my research efforts into improving the classroom environment. Specifically, I am interested in discovering what in the environment promotes student thoughfulness and in helping students reach deeper levels of thought. I also have a dream of building a bridge between self-determination theor and goal theory.

Date:	Mon Jan 15 17:41:42 2001
Name:	Carmela Brown, Ed.D.
E-mail:	carmela@softcom.net
Organization:	Chapman University Academic Center
Location:	Sacramento, CA
How the site was found:	ASCD
Comments:	I appreciate the understanding which Mr. Kohn attempts to bring to education. His writing is insightful and dares to question the status quo. Thank you!

Date:	Mon Jan 15 17:41:28 2001
Name:	Carmela Brown, Ed.D.
E-mail:	carmela@softcom.net
Organization:	Chapman University Academic Center
Location:	Sacramento, CA
How the site was found:	ASCD
Comments:	I appreciate the understanding which Mr. Kohn attempts to bring to education. His writing is insightful and dares to question the status quo. Thank you!

Date:	Sun Jan 14 14:42:34 2001
Name:	Debra Alderman
E-mail:	debra@cyberscribe.com
Organization:
Location:	Seattle, WA
How the site was found:	mentioned in A.K.'s books
Comments:	Since reading Mr. Kohn's books, I have become one of his biggest fans. I would like to plunk a copy of "The Schools our Children Deserve" on the desk of every school principal and every policy maker in the country! I am interested now in two things: 1) Either connecting with or creating a regional organization here in the Northwest to bring together those involved with progressive education and those who would like to help Mr. Kohn's ideas infiltrate and impact public education policy. 2) to locate academics and universities which are actively pursuing and supporting research and analysis on progressive education techniques, and which might be places where I'd consider doing graduate work. Any help from Mr. Kohn or other visitors to this site would be most welcome. Please contact me via e-mail. Thanks, and good luck to all who share an enlightened vision of education!

Date:	Sun Jan 14 06:21:10 2001
Name:	Dena Stanley
E-mail:	wrkn4jstis@erols.com
Organization:	Ridgecrest Elementary School
Location:	Prince George's Co. MD
How the site was found:	Kohn-talk email list member
Comments:	I've read most of Kohn's books and am striving to make my first grade class a community of caring learners.

Date:	Sat Jan 13 16:33:44 2001
Name:	Karen Howle
E-mail:	Momiopus@aol.com
Organization:	Kindergarten Teacher
Location:	Florida
How the site was found:	Educational Leadership
Comments:	Do you ever speak to groups in Florida? I would like to hear you speak to a group of educator/parents. Please let me know if you will be on Oprah again. I don't watch on a regular basis, but would be interested in viewing you on her show.

Date:	Fri Jan 12 23:29:10 2001
Name:	Joe Pennino
E-mail:	doppio2000@yahoo.com
Organization:	Teletech Holdings
Location:	Denver, CO
How the site was found:
Comments:	Mr. Kohn: I read your books while I was in a teacher training program at Metro State College in Denver. I thought I had a delayed vocation to be a teacher. I fairly RAN from the public school system after I did my student teaching. I had an excellent cooperating teacher who gave me the full dose, thank God. I ended up in an e-commerce company very thankful that I had a soft landing outside education. Your chapter on evaluation is particularly appropriate to work situations. I don't know how many times I have been 'evaluated' by a supervisor who attempted to characterize the session as counseling. Also for a time I worked at a very successful small business, a limousine company, whose manager/owner evaluated performance in exact conformity to your recommendation in PBR.That is, he didn't evaluate. He was smart enough to know he didn't know anything about what the job involved so he asked peers to help struggling employees eliminate mistakes when it was obvious toeveryone that a particular employee was not performing. No raise was involved, no paperwork. The employees helping out were acknowledged by the entire staff to be very skilled and they had helpful things to say to enhance tips, promote good driving, the whole nine yards. The manager/owner of that company avoided confrontations, unnecessary paperwork and the idiocy of some formal sitdown evaluation ritual for a .25hr raise. I hope this website will tell me where you are speaking this year and if you have any videos available.

Date:	Fri Jan 12 22:47:54 2001
Name:	Joseph Pennino
E-mail:	doppio2000@yahoo.com
Organization:	Teletech Holdings
Location:	Denver CO
How the site was found:	Browsing
Comments:	I am wondering if Mr. Kohn has any hardbound recent publications.

Date:	Fri Jan 12 18:32:01 2001
Name:	Carol Mohler
E-mail:	HSCconnect@aol.com
Organization:	The Education Connection
Location:	Seattle, Washington
How the site was found:	Heinemann Publishing Co.
Comments:

Date:	Fri Jan 12 11:25:51 2001
Name:	Terri Hutton
E-mail:	thutton@caeyc.org
Organization:	California Association for the Education of Young Children
Location:	Sacramento
How the site was found:	Book/search
Comments:

Date:	Fri Jan 12 09:48:03 2001
Name:	Dr. Bill Packing
E-mail:	packing@gte.net
Organization:	Sarasota County School Board
Location:	Sarasota
How the site was found:	Very interesting and informative.
Comments:	I like your ideas and I hope more teaachers, school administrators would join your crusade. I'm sharing your website to most of the teachers and administrators that shares the same concern.

Date:	Fri Jan 12 09:47:45 2001
Name:	Dr. Julie Bauer
E-mail:	jbauer@msdsteuben.k12.in.us
Organization:	MSD of Steuben County
Location:	Angola, IN 46703
How the site was found:	ASCD SmartBrief
Comments:

Date:	Fri Jan 12 04:14:10 2001
Name:	Elaine Delay
E-mail:	e.delay@virgin.net
Organization:	Aim At The Stars Training's and Consultancy
Location:	London England
How the site was found:	Mara Christie
Comments:	Do you have a mailing list? If so could I join?

Date:	Thu Jan 11 22:34:07 2001
Name:	Kathy Seiwert
E-mail:	kfseiwert
Organization:
Location:	Placentia, Ca.
How the site was found:	CalState Teach
Comments:

Date:	Thu Jan 11 22:30:37 2001
Name:	keith kroll
E-mail:	kkroll@kvcc.edu
Organization:
Location:
How the site was found:	Colleague
Comments:	Keep up the fight!

Date:	Thu Jan 11 20:52:40 2001
Name:	Juanita Cutler
E-mail:	windytchr@aol.com
Organization:	Flintstone Elementary School
Location:	Oxon Hill MD
How the site was found:	read about it in an article in Washington Post
Comments:	As a Montessori teacher in a public school, I wholeheartedly agree with your principles, have read your books "No Contest," and "Punished by Rewards." Since Dr Maria Montessori was one of the earliest educators opposing rewards, I am surprised you didn't mention her in either of these books. I am unalterably opposed to, and in fact, heartsick about, the standardization of curriculum and tests sweeping the country. Keep up the good work, I intend to catch one of your lectures.

Date:	Thu Jan 11 20:30:19 2001
Name:	Connie B. Carter
E-mail:	cbcarter@lvcm.com
Organization:	LaMadre Mountain School
Location:	Las Vegas, NV
How the site was found:
Comments:

Date:	Thu Jan 11 18:43:15 2001
Name:	Dr. Stephen Levy
E-mail:	slevy@pipeline.com
Organization:	President PDK, Teachers College, Columbia U.
Location:	L.I.NY
How the site was found:	Washington Post article online
Comments:	Principal Middle School, Member,Children's Scholarship Fund National Teachers Advisory Board. Am interested in AK's philosophy.

Date:	Thu Jan 11 14:30:29 2001
Name:	richard warner
E-mail:	warneri@gw.fargo.k12.nd.us
Organization:	fargo south high school
Location:	fargo nd
How the site was found:	ascd smartbrief
Comments:

Date:	Thu Jan 11 08:48:53 2001
Name:	Leni Nazare
E-mail:	nazare@erols.com
Organization:
Location:	Reston, VA
How the site was found:	Washington Post article
Comments:	I plan to learn more about your approach. I am very interested in homeschooling my daughter in middle school (which is 3 years from now) partly because I want her to discover the thrill of learning for herself -- not for a grade. Right now taking her out of the GT public school program that she's in is not practical -- nor desirable. At the present time she's still getting the basics down and having a very good social experience. Later we can build on the basics and really experience the joy of hands-on discovery learning focused on her interests. I have a group of friends who are thinking of doing the same thing. We are in a book group together and I plan to propose some of your work as reading material for our book group.

Date:	Thu Jan 11 08:20:36 2001
Name:	VIrginia E. Hines, Ed.D.
E-mail:	vhines@gw.lssu.edu
Organization:	Lake Superior State University
Location:	Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan
How the site was found:	inquiry based learning :)
Comments:	As I begin another semester of teaching preservice teachers I once again am pulling out the Kohn articles, tapes, and books. I truely believe that the "Chnage" must be made by a grassroots effort and I am happy to do my part. Thanks for the inspiration.

Date:	Thu Jan 11 08:11:54 2001
Name:	VIrginia E. Hines, Ed.D.
E-mail:	vhines@gw.lssu.edu
Organization:	Lake Superior State University
Location:	Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan
How the site was found:	inquiry based learning :)
Comments:	As I begin another semester of teaching preservice teachers I once again am pulling out the Kohn articles, tapes, and books. I truely believe that the "Chnage" must be made by a grassroots effort and I am happy to do my part. Thanks for the inspiration.

Date:	Thu Jan 11 06:47:21 2001
Name:	Paul C. Reviere
E-mail:	previere@lincoln.k12.ga.us
Organization:	Lincoln County Elementary School
Location:	Lincolnton, Georgia
How the site was found:	Connected from ASCD Smartbrief site
Comments:	Thanks for your common-sense insight into the concerns of standardized testing. I am a 27 year veteran of third grade, and I am increasingly concerned for the direction education is currently moving with regards to testing. Continue your good work; it is certainly to become a catalyst for much needed change.

Date:	Wed Jan 10 23:00:22 2001
Name:	Ruth Timberlake
E-mail:	stutpbrn@raex.com
Organization:	Waterloo Local Schools
Location:	Atwater, Ohio 44201
How the site was found:	Mary O'brien
Comments:	Keep on spreading the message, Alfie. You are saying what hundreds of us in Ohio are trying to tell our politicians about the ills of "high stakes" testing. Please continue. Also, to others reading these messages, I suggest for reading "The Manufactured Crisis" by David Berliner and Bruce Biddle. We need to organize and fight this movement by the politicians and big business to take over our schools. We, the teachers, are the experts here, not the CEO's of Proctor and Gamble, IBM, etc. Alfie, don't give up and teachers, stand up for what is right for the "kids". Ruth Timberlake

Date:	Wed Jan 10 20:19:25 2001
Name:	Mark Kisselbach
E-mail:	mwkbach@hotmail.com
Organization:	Kingwood Township School
Location:	660 Route 519, Frenchtown, NJ 08825
How the site was found:	washingtonpost.com
Comments:	I teach in the type of school Kohn would hate--traditional, conservative, etc. In fact many teachers, and our principal encourage us to teach to the 8th grade GEPA test. In my graduate courses, action research and constructivism are the rule. At Kingwood, they are terms that bring about smug attitudes, especially by the so-called "head" of my Language Arts Dept. Thank God for Kohn! Please help me! Can I also help you? Thanks, Mark Kisselbach

Date:	Wed Jan 10 19:04:12 2001
Name:	Thomas O'Rourke
E-mail:	karen-tom@erols.com
Organization:	American University
Location:	Washington, DC
How the site was found:	Washington Post article January 9, 2001
Comments:	I've been a fan since reading and using your essay on "Self-Esteem" during an Ed Psych class. I'm starting my student teaching next week and hope to teach high school social studies in the future. Please include my address in any listserve you have re: publications, appearances, etc. Keep up your informed, humane, and rational thinking and communications. Sincerely, Tom O'Rourke

Date:	Wed Jan 10 17:04:02 2001
Name:	Carla Uhrmacher
E-mail:	cuhrmach@esu6.org
Organization:	ESU #6
Location:	Nebraska
How the site was found:	ASCD SmartBrief
Comments:

Date:	Wed Jan 10 15:23:51 2001
Name:	Dr. Val Keiper
E-mail:	Val.Keiper@cuw.edu
Organization:	Concordia University Wisconsin
Location:	Mequon, Wisconsin
How the site was found:	colleague
Comments:	Help us fight the standardized test movement here in the state of Wisconsin. I have a copy of The Case Against Standardized Testing on my desk right now and am currently teaching an early childhood class on the uses and abuses of standardized test. Resources would always be helpful.

Date:	Wed Jan 10 13:10:38 2001
Name:	Dr. Paul Holm
E-mail:	PaulEric@aol.com
Organization:
Location:	Richmond, Indiana
How the site was found:
Comments:	Indiana needs your help! The legislature has passed a law mandating school improvement committees - improvement (or lack of) will be judged based on the state test scores. Schools will be rated based on whether or not they are "improving". This is just going to increase the already large emphasis placed on this test. The local high school has dumped the honors English students into large classes to free up teachers to tutor the high school students that haven't passed the test yet. THIS IS MADNESS!!! And Bush wants more tests tied to federal funding?

Date:	Wed Jan 10 12:50:02 2001
Name:	Peter Hobbs
E-mail:	phobbs@rcdvictoria.org
Organization:	Catholic IndependentSchools, Diocese of Victoria
Location:	Victoria, BC, Canada
How the site was found:	ASCD SmartBrief
Comments:	Your article "Rescuing Schools from 'Tougher Standards'" raised some intersting issues. While there is real concern about education in Canada and a potpourri of suggestions as to how it can be improved we have not been subjected to the demands of standardized testing found in the USA. While the latter are used in many jurisdictions, they are used either as diagnostic tools or in conjunction with other measures of achievement, eg, tests, assignments, exams, etc. Even provincial exams, administered in Grade XII, only account for a % of the final mark in most provinces. Your article will be a useful discussion-starter at one of our meetings of the Aministrators'Council. Peter Hobbs

Date:	Wed Jan 10 12:04:28 2001
Name:	Cheryl R. Kreiser
E-mail:	shuvah@erols.com
Organization:	Congregation Beth El of Montgomery County, Religious School
Location:	Bethesda, MD
How the site was found:	Washington Post
Comments:	I am a professional "Hebrew School" educator, 20 years and still loving it...and always looking for ways to give my students the best experience. Think about visiting our area. Our annual Professional Day is...quite..boring. We could use a new source of inspiration.

Date:	Wed Jan 10 11:51:44 2001
Name:	Katherine Grubbs
E-mail:	gosox@gateway.net
Organization:	University of Maryland - College Park
Location:	MD
How the site was found:	article in Washington Post 1/09/01
Comments:	I was very interested and excited to read about Kohn's work. I have long been mistrustful of the momentum toward the increased testing and standardization of our schools at all levels. My daughter attends a Montessori/Waldorf preschool and even they have to contend at some level with the statewide testing expectations here in MD. It is somewhat disheartening to contemplate, but Kohn's site appears to offer some concrete suggestions and references which could/will prove useful to those of us interested in this "fight." Thank you!

Date:	Wed Jan 10 11:30:10 2001
Name:	John Gawronski
E-mail:	jjgski@hotmail.com
Organization:	The Washington Post
Location:	Washington, DC
How the site was found:	Jan 9 edition of The Washinton Post (p. A10)
Comments:	I earned an secondary education degree in 1998 and was to transition to a (second) career in teaching for the 1999-2000 school year. Something tragic happened that altered that course. In any event, during my student teaching in a Northern VA high school, I was appalled by the change from one semester to the next from teachers teaching "life skills" to teaching to a standardized test that went into partial effect the spring before. The test results were reported in Nov. of that year, and after the winter break, teachers began teaching kids in ways that would ensure their success on the upcoming test rather than continuing to employ meaningful lesson plans. It was a total turn off. I was taken by your efforts and ideas share in yesterday's Washington Post "Schools & Learning" section, and was interested to learn what if any efforts you, or like-minded individuals, might be taking regarding federal education reform initiatives.

Date:	Wed Jan 10 11:28:18 2001
Name:	John Gawronski
E-mail:	jjgski@hotmail.com
Organization:	The Washington Post
Location:	Washington, DC
How the site was found:	Jan 9 edition of The Washinton Post (p. A10)
Comments:	I earned an secondary education degree in 1998 and was to transition to a (second) career in teaching for the 1999-2000 school year. Something tragic happened that altered that course. In any event, during my student teaching in a Northern VA high school, I was appalled by the change from one semester to the next from teachers teaching "life skills" to teaching to a standardized test that went into partial effect the spring before. The test results were reported in Nov. of that year, and after the winter break, teachers began teaching kids in ways that would ensure their success on the upcoming test rather than continuing to employ meaningful lesson plans. It was a total turn off. I was taken by your efforts and ideas share in yesterday's Washington Post "Schools & Learning" section, and was interested to learn what if any efforts you, or like-minded individuals, might be taking regarding federal education reform initiatives.

Date:	Wed Jan 10 11:28:04 2001
Name:	Marion Mahoney
E-mail:	mahoney7@erols.com
Organization:
Location:	Potomac, MD
How the site was found:	article in Washington Post
Comments:	CONGRATULATIONS! I am a private school teacher - having taught at Fay School (MA)and most recently at Norwood School (MD). Fay, I think, fit

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