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|
Date:
| Tue Dec 31 20:55:41 2002
| Name:
| Marilyn Valencia
| E-mail:
| valenciae002@hawaii.rr.com
| Organization:
| none
| Location:
| Kapolei, Hawaii
| How the site | was found: Searching for Reading Conference
| Comments:
| Will be traveling to Portland to attend the reading
conference. Have read many of Alfie Kohn's articles and would like to meet
him.
|
|
Date:
| Mon Dec 30 09:53:09 2002
| Name:
| CV Kennedy
| E-mail:
| Chris@chicagolifeinsurance.com
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| Janesville
| How the site | was found: google
| Comments:
| I really enjoyed your site. I found it on google. Have a
great New Years. Thank you, CV Kennedy
|
|
Date:
| Sun Dec 29 00:34:35 2002
| Name:
| Jamie Lovitt
| E-mail:
| Lovitt@colorado.edu
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| Boulder, Colorado
| How the site | was found: from bio on 'schools our children deserve'
| Comments:
| As an undergraduate student studying Educational
Transformation, I am excited to see this community of people with similar
ideas/interests. I've recently read Lisa Delpit's book "Other People's
Children" and encourage educators to check it out for another perspective
on privilege in education.
|
|
Date:
| Sat Dec 28 18:41:14 2002
| Name:
| David Wagner
| E-mail:
| kestrel@commspeed.net
| Organization:
| Kestrel High School
| Location:
| Prescott, Arizona
| How the site | was found: Links from John Taylor Gatto's site
| Comments:
| Thank you for your work! The more educated parents are
about the absurdities of schooling, the better!
|
|
Date:
| Fri Dec 27 10:29:30 2002
| Name:
| Judy Hamilton
| E-mail:
| jhamilton@onegeneration.org
| Organization:
| ONEgeneration
| Location:
| Van Nuys, CA
| How the site | was found: Back of book ..Punished...
| Comments:
|
|
|
Date:
| Fri Dec 20 17:11:03 2002
| Name:
| saket chauhan
| E-mail:
| saket_chauhan@yahoo.com
| Organization:
| Parama N/W
| Location:
| San jose, CA
| How the site | was found: word of mouth
| Comments:
| The articles are informative. Thanks
|
|
Date:
| Mon Dec 16 14:44:15 2002
| Name:
| Matt G. Meyersohn
| E-mail:
| mmeyersohn@wesleyan.edu
| Organization:
| student at Wesleyan University
| Location:
| Hometown: Cambridge, MA School: Middletown, Ct
| How the site | was found: from the back cover of The Case Against Standardized
Testing
| Comments:
| It is always a joy to read Alfie Kohn's works. Every time I
pick up anything that he has written it furthers my understanding on that
topic. I'm constantly frustrated that people like Alfie Kohn and Deborah
Meier are not given the respect they deserve when it comes time to make
changes. I just hope that in the near future someone with political power
will recognize the great minds of education and start making changes with
their ideas in mind.
|
|
Date:
| Fri Dec 13 10:46:13 2002
| Name:
| Stu Bloom
| E-mail:
|
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| Indiana
| How the site | was found: I read an article by Dr. K a few years ago...been coming
here ever since...
| Comments:
| Dr. Kohn, You have become my new hero...(when I was a kid
it was Superman...and up till now, Isaac Asimov). I'm in my 26th year of
teaching elementary school and have definitely seen the "dumbing down" of
America's schools - or at least the ones in my area. The reason?
Standardized tests. Now, it's worse than ever...with the federal
government stepping in with the program I call "No Child Left Untested."
The morale in our district is terrible...part of the reason is the state
of Indiana's focus on the "standards" and teaching the kids how to do
better on the test so they can "raise the bar" to separate the poor from
the rich even more. Our school system decided that the state test wasn't
enough, so we got a second one - this one computer based. This fall, in my
building we spent nearly 3 weeks testing...what a waste! Taxpayers should
know where there money is being spent! Our principal, echoing our
superintendent, tells us "If it doesn't count, don't spend time on it." In
other words, if it's not on the test, don't include it in your teaching
day. There is no more room for student (or teacher) exploration...no room
for individual interests...no room for learning because it's important in
and of itself. I see teachers who have been teaching for nearly 3 decades
throw up their hands in despair because they can't teach any more...just
drill the kids on test-prep questions. Dr. Kohn, when I began to read your
articles and books I thought that, even though I agreed with you, yours
was just a voice in the wilderness. Now, I believe that your voice, and
the voices of we who agree, are the only ones who stand between education
and drill factories. Keep sending your message whenever you can. Some of
us ARE listening. Stu
|
|
Date:
| Fri Dec 13 09:50:29 2002
| Name:
| Colleen Erickson
| E-mail:
| caerickson@hotmail.com
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| Northern Virginia
| How the site | was found:
| Comments:
| I'm very interested in networking with other secondary
teachers who feel strongly about Kohn's philosophy. As a high school math
teacher, I see evidence of our cultures reward/grade based motivation
every day and am frustrated by what I see as a hopeless situation. I would
love to have a place to share ideas, vent, and basically get a little
support since I feel very isolated. (I don't know many teachers willing to
question everything they've been doing their whole professional lives...)
Hope to hear from some of you!
|
|
Date:
| Fri Dec 13 09:46:22 2002
| Name:
| Louise Robbins
| E-mail:
| andlouguyeli@ntlworld.com
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| UK
| How the site | was found: Hard searching!
| Comments:
| Many thanks, I am astudent of High Scope as well as being a
teacher. I have found many of the articles to be of great use for the H/S
course and as advice for my own parenting as our 5 year old is a growing
worry. We have put the non-praise into action as of today!! Fingers
crossed. :) PS how often is the site updated with new articles?
|
|
Date:
| Fri Dec 13 09:45:25 2002
| Name:
| Louise Robbins
| E-mail:
| andlouguyeli@ntlworld.com
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| UK
| How the site | was found: Hard searching!
| Comments:
| Many thanks, I am astudent of High Scope as well as being a
teacher. I have found many of the articles to be of great use for the H/S
course and as advice for my own parenting as our 5 year old is a growing
worry. We have put the non-praise into action as of today!! Fingers
crossed. :)
|
|
Date:
| Fri Dec 13 08:48:38 2002
| Name:
| Rose Bohmann
| E-mail:
| rubyg580@aol.com
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| New York City
| How the site | was found: from Alphie Kohn books
| Comments:
| I am very interested in networking with other teachers who
are trying to implement the kind of principles Alphie Kohn talks about in
his books. I am currently a 5th grade teacher in the NYC school system in
the Bronx. My school administration is not particularly supportive of new
approaches, and itself operates in a "more stick than carrot" approach. If
there are other teachers who read this, and would like to exchange ideas,
experiences, questions, etc., please feel free to e-mail me!
|
|
Date:
| Thu Dec 12 23:16:23 2002
| Name:
| Jill Korengold
| E-mail:
| jkor@mindspring.com
| Organization:
| SFSU
| Location:
| San Francisco,CA,
| How the site | was found:
| Comments:
| Can you give me some information about Mike Schmoker and
Data Corporation? Followers of these people are taking over my school and
I'd like more info on them. Someone said there is a connection to the
religious right. Can you give me any more information? They seem to think
if every breath in the classroom doesn't begin with a standard, it isn't
teaching. Help!!!! Many thanks for your work. --Jill Korengold
|
|
Date:
| Thu Dec 12 18:18:22 2002
| Name:
| LL Benson
| E-mail:
| LBopenbook@aol.com
| Organization:
| Consultant
| Location:
| Colorado
| How the site | was found: Yvonne Siu Runyan, University of Northern Colorado
| Comments:
| Thank you for your efforts. Baseball players are evaluated
on a season of performance. Let's give our children the same respect by
evaluating their growth and progress with more than one piece of
data...and let's minister to their intentions for reading, writing,
learning, and thinking! Again, my warm thanks for brining us light and
edification.
|
|
Date:
| Wed Dec 11 14:23:57 2002
| Name:
| Dee Mody
| E-mail:
| dee_modyus@yahoo.com
| Organization:
| Five Sandoval Indian Pueblos, Inc. Head Start
| Location:
| Bernalillo, NM
| How the site | was found: Website given at a Anatomy workshop by Tim Burns
| Comments:
| I work with Family Services, always looking for new things
to learn and pass on to others.
|
|
Date:
| Wed Dec 11 11:54:32 2002
| Name:
| Don Sears
| E-mail:
| donsears@telus.net
| Organization:
| DSLearning Connections
| Location:
| Port Coquitlam BC Canada
| How the site | was found: typed in 'alfie kohen'
| Comments:
| Retired teacher helping with some research at Simon Fraser
Univ in Burnaby Canada. Working with some teachers that are trying to
follow Alfie's guide! Thanks for making his recent articles available so
readily.
|
|
Date:
| Wed Dec 11 11:46:01 2002
| Name:
| Teresa Flenniken
| E-mail:
| tflenniken@dsdmail.net
| Organization:
| Davis School District
| Location:
| Utah
| How the site | was found: Back of book
| Comments:
| I work for student services as safe schools consultant and
am trying to make a case against behavior management techniques. Uphill
battle but worth it.
|
|
Date:
| Wed Dec 11 09:23:56 2002
| Name:
| James Parla
| E-mail:
| jparla@mail.north-bellmore.k12.ny.us
| Organization:
| North Bellmore UFSD
| Location:
| Bellmore, NY
| How the site | was found: just guessed
| Comments:
| great website!
|
|
Date:
| Wed Dec 11 09:23:24 2002
| Name:
| James Parla
| E-mail:
| jparla@mail.north-bellmore.k12.ny.us
| Organization:
| North Bellmore UFSD
| Location:
| Bellmore, NY
| How the site | was found: just guessed
| Comments:
| struggling with my PE teachers with the issue of
competition.
|
|
Date:
| Tue Dec 10 18:25:33 2002
| Name:
| Barrie Walsh
| E-mail:
| barriewalsh@yahoo.ca
| Organization:
| Sir John A. Macdonald High School
| Location:
| Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| How the site | was found: entered Alfie Kohn in google
| Comments:
| I teach grade 10-12 math. We have been informed that in
January 2004 our students will be writing a province-wide standarized math
exam worth 30% of the course mark. I am worried that our average students
will get left behind as we become curriculum-based rather than
student-based and learning-based. I am concerned that the "keeping kids in
school" emphasis will be seriously compromised.
|
|
Date:
| Mon Dec 9 18:32:28 2002
| Name:
| Ruth Lazarus
| E-mail:
| mikelaz@avenew.com
| Organization:
| Village Day School
| Location:
| Oak Park, Illinois
| How the site | was found:
| Comments:
| I am interested in feedback on possible funding sources for
progressive schools. We run a therapeutic school for EBD students, and
though the students are all doing very well; improved behavior, improved
academic skills, enthusiasm for learning, and parent involvement, concerns
are being raised by our primary funding source, (a public school
district), about our students' tendency to "speak freely", and move about
the classroom. Any ideas?
|
|
Date:
| Sun Dec 8 17:11:31 2002
| Name:
| Janna
| E-mail:
| jannamtking@hotmail.com
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| New York
| How the site | was found: Google
| Comments:
| In taking a class in Managment of Organizational Behavior
we read chapter 10 from Punished by Rewards: Thank God It's Monday. I was
so impressed with your simple, but accurate dialogue that motivation is
simply treating people with respect, and not by rewarding--it has changed
my thinking! Thank you, I can't wait to read the entire book. Janna
|
|
Date:
| Thu Dec 5 17:40:30 2002
| Name:
| Michael Hynes
| E-mail:
| kenutsen@yahoo.ca
| Organization:
| Faculty of Education Student MUN
| Location:
| St. John's, NFLD
| How the site | was found: Through my instructor.
| Comments:
| Great in"site" ha!ha!
|
|
Date:
| Thu Dec 5 11:30:15 2002
| Name:
| Mark Allen
| E-mail:
| mallen@greenbay.k12.wi.us
| Organization:
| Green Bay Area Public Schools
| Location:
| Washington Middle School
| How the site | was found: From the book "The Schools Our Children Deserve"
| Comments:
| How can the traditional approach(s) to educating our youth
continue when they are so harmful to our children and society. Alfie has
raised an awareness on the important issues in education - many what do we
want for our children and how do we provide this?
|
|
Date:
| Mon Dec 2 00:43:20 2002
| Name:
| Ned Fadeley
| E-mail:
| efadeley@gonzaga.edu
| Organization:
| N.A.
| Location:
| Spokane
| How the site | was found: Google search after reading some Kohn...
| Comments:
| You really are a brilliant critic of behaviorism Mr. Kohn.
Cheers. I have a question though, wouldn't your argument make you an
"educational theory addict"? Of course, this wouldn't necessarily be a bad
thing. Just a thought. Keep up the good work and happy holiday's.
|
|
Date:
| Sun Dec 1 19:43:46 2002
| Name:
| Bobbie O.
| E-mail:
| bobbieo@paxway.com
| Organization:
| teacher
| Location:
| Minneapolis
| How the site | was found: typed in name "Alfie Kohn"
| Comments:
| I'm a graduate student and a kindergarten teacher. I'm
against stickers, etc., and want to do my research project on intrinsic
motivation. I want to motivate my class without candy and stickers.
|
|
Date:
| Sun Dec 1 10:02:09 2002
| Name:
| Roy I. Mumme
| E-mail:
| rmumme@fgcu.edu
| Organization:
| Florida Gulf Coast University
| Location:
| Fort Myers, Florida
| How the site | was found:
| Comments:
|
|
|
Date:
| Sun Dec 1 10:02:06 2002
| Name:
| Roy I. Mumme
| E-mail:
| rmumme@fgcu.edu
| Organization:
| Florida Gulf Coast University
| Location:
| Fort Myers, Florida
| How the site | was found:
| Comments:
|
|
|
Date:
| Sun Dec 1 04:15:55 2002
| Name:
| Ed
| E-mail:
| mailto:Smilined@aol.com
| Organization:
|
| Location:
|
| How the site | was found: Google
| Comments:
|
|
|
Date:
| Sat Nov 30 19:45:20 2002
| Name:
| Christy Lee Stewart Adkins
| E-mail:
| Christyfirst@yahoo.com
| Organization:
| Education Student
| Location:
| Clinton, Tennessee
| How the site | was found: Google
| Comments:
| I am very worried for the children that are being left
behind because of a test score. Standardized testing is hurting so many
children's self esteem.
|
|
Date:
| Sat Nov 30 17:05:59 2002
| Name:
| Gretchen Price
| E-mail:
| gretchott@lisco.com
| Organization:
| Retired Teacher/ Supervising Student Teachers
| Location:
| Ottumwa, Ia
| How the site | was found: Google
| Comments:
| I am reviewing "The Schools Our Children Deserve" for an
AAUW book study group. I heard AK speak at UNI a few years ago. For forty
years I was a "subversive" teacher...teaching children to think and to
love learning.
|
|
Date:
| Sat Nov 30 17:00:42 2002
| Name:
| Gretchen Price
| E-mail:
| gretchott@lisco.com
| Organization:
|
| Location:
|
| How the site | was found:
| Comments:
|
|
|
Date:
| Thu Nov 28 16:02:07 2002
| Name:
| Jaak Hohensee
| E-mail:
| jaak.hohensee@edutee.net
| Organization:
| SEP, consultant
| Location:
| Estonia
| How the site | was found: from one article
| Comments:
| Hello, In Estonia (www.hm.ee) just few years ago started
the Big Testmaschine (K-12) like testing in Coca-Cola´s production line. I
find yours site very useful in that context. It´s very difficult to stop
any Testmaschine, specially that include some bigger education Maschine
inside... One idea about two meaning of education. One wiht big E, one
with small e. Best Regagards, Jaak Hohensee
|
|
Date:
| Thu Nov 28 10:01:06 2002
| Name:
| John Baker
| E-mail:
| powerman@ptd.net
| Organization:
|
| Location:
|
| How the site | was found: instructor's suggestion
| Comments:
|
|
|
Date:
| Tue Nov 26 07:31:42 2002
| Name:
| Mark Hendrix
| E-mail:
| teacherhendrix@yahoo.com
| Organization:
| Charter Schools
| Location:
| Saint Paul, MN
| How the site | was found: I heard from a buddy
| Comments:
| INFORMATION TAKEN FROM TESTING STARTRIBUNE.COM 11/26/02 The
scoring blunder that caused almost 8,000 Minnesota students to think
they'd failed a state math test will cost the testing company up to $7
million in payments to affected students, according to a lawsuit
settlement announced Monday. When lawyers' fees and other costs are
included, the total bill for Bloomington-based NCS Pearson could reach $12
million. "I think it's good," said Sarah Belcort, 20, one of the affected
students. "But it won't bring back the loss of graduation [or negate the]
stress." Compensation will range from $363 for students who suffered minor
consequences to $16,000 for seniors who missed their graduations because
the basic-skills test is a requirement for a high school diploma. Students
who participated in their graduation ceremonies but didn't get diplomas
could get as much as $6,000. Students also would be eligible for other
benefits. Those who attended summer school under the mistaken impression
that they failed the test could get up to $275. Students who got treatment
from a doctor, psychologist or psychiatrist could be eligible for as much
as $3,250. Those who individually sued NCS Pearson could be eligible for
another $10,000. The settlement was reached Thursday and approved by
Hennepin County District Judge Allen Oleisky before being made public
Monday. The scoring error was revealed in July 2000, when state officials
said 47,000 Minnesota students had been assigned the wrong scores on the
basic-skills math test, passage of which is required for graduation. Of
those, 7,997 were told they had failed the test when they had really
passed it. A number of lawsuits later were combined into a class-action
suit representing almost all of those students. As a result of the error,
the state Department of Children, Families and Learning tightened its
testing procedures and added safeguards. "All the attorneys for the
[students and their families] were thrilled by the settlement," said
attorney Joe Snodgrass. "This was an unprecedented kind of lawsuit. We had
no road map."
|
|
Date:
| Sun Nov 24 23:33:05 2002
| Name:
| michele
| E-mail:
| mikkikd@yahoo.com
| Organization:
| MYself/Research
| Location:
| Lorain, Ohio
| How the site | was found: yahoo.com
| Comments:
|
|
|
Date:
| Sun Nov 24 20:27:19 2002
| Name:
| Mark Sullivan
| E-mail:
| mfx56@postmaster.co.uk
| Organization:
| Vocational Educator
| Location:
| Amherst, MA
| How the site | was found: Classmate at UMass
| Comments:
| I find Mr. Kohns views on assessment to be right on target.
We seem to have taken one giant step backward with regards to the way we
are teaching our children.
|
|
Date:
| Sun Nov 24 03:52:22 2002
| Name:
| Art Dowell
| E-mail:
| art@alearning.net
| Organization:
| A Learning Network
| Location:
| Lynn, Mass.
| How the site | was found: A link on the rethinking schools site.
| Comments:
| I read your article on September 11 and wondered how many
schools would allow such open considereation of questions related to U.S.
relations with other people of the world.
|
|
Date:
| Fri Nov 22 14:17:49 2002
| Name:
| Orlan B. Hall
| E-mail:
| mailto:obhall@yehoo.com%20%20%20%20%20ohall@restel.net
| Organization:
| self - - - - retired school teacher
| Location:
| Garrison, ND
| How the site | was found: Interest in Mr. Kohn's work on competition
| Comments:
| I agree wioth Mr. Kohn and am beggining a more in depth
study. I intend writing a book in the near future. Orlan HAll
|
|
Date:
| Fri Nov 22 14:17:42 2002
| Name:
| Orlan B. Hall
| E-mail:
| mailto:obhall@yehoo.com%20%20%20%20%20ohall@restel.net
| Organization:
| self - - - - retired school teacher
| Location:
| Garrison, ND
| How the site | was found: Interest in Mr. Kohn's work on competition
| Comments:
| I agree wioth Mr. Kohn and am beggining a more in depth
study. I intend writing a book in the near future. Orlan HAll
|
|
Date:
| Thu Nov 21 14:53:35 2002
| Name:
| karen mainer
| E-mail:
| kmainer@hotmail.com
| Organization:
| sharingwood.org
| Location:
| Snohomish, WA
| How the site | was found: ?
| Comments:
| Your thoughts are echoed by me (a teacher in ed. for 34
years. I am interested in any news letters you have and your books. I am
only taking a break from teaching while building a house but will be
willing to be an activist for spreading the WORD!
|
|
Date:
| Wed Nov 20 19:25:27 2002
| Name:
| Rick Fitzgerald
| E-mail:
| rfitzgerald@bentleyschool.net
| Organization:
| Bentley School
| Location:
| Oakland, CA
| How the site | was found: reference from a teacher
| Comments:
| Dear Alfie Kohn, Just a quick thanks for your work. As Head
of an "academic" independent school with a very traditional history(K-12,
coed, day), your work has kept us honest. Fortunately, we have a rather
enlightened parent body and a faculty commited not to doing things one
ways but to searching for what works best. It is, therefore, an
interesting atmosphere. Again, thanks, Rick Fitzgerald Head of School
|
|
Date:
| Mon Nov 18 20:33:30 2002
| Name:
| Susan Leslie
| E-mail:
| Sue131@aol.com
| Organization:
| Mom of two children
| Location:
| Bronxville, New York
| How the site | was found: a teacher friend at Brown....Bil Johnson
| Comments:
| This is the most interesting website and i love all the
currant information on education because I live in a community where the
stakes are high and the kids really feel the pressure. Thanks
|
|
Date:
| Sun Nov 17 18:12:48 2002
| Name:
| Hormer Mullbery
| E-mail:
| beamullbery@yahoo.com
| Organization:
| North Fork Schools
| Location:
| North
| How the site | was found: with a computer
| Comments:
| Go Alfie Kohn. We are all behind you.
|
|
Date:
| Sat Nov 16 21:27:56 2002
| Name:
| Michelle Montali
| E-mail:
| mletourn@mail.sandi.net
| Organization:
| San Diego City Schools
| Location:
| San Diego, CA
| How the site | was found: search
| Comments:
| AK--Thanks for keeping me inspired as I fight the good
fight for kids--and, ultimately for society.
|
|
Date:
| Thu Nov 14 19:10:29 2002
| Name:
| Patrice E. White
| E-mail:
| pwhite1223@yahoo.com
| Organization:
| teacher
| Location:
| Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
| How the site | was found: Your articles and books
| Comments:
|
|
|
Date:
| Wed Nov 13 06:56:57 2002
| Name:
| Sandra Kluck
| E-mail:
| tkluck@coredcs.com
| Organization:
| Northcentral Technical College
| Location:
| Wausau, WI
| How the site | was found: Public Radio
| Comments:
| With the short time that I have left in education, I have
chosen to fight standardized testing. Politicians are simply using testing
to respond to the public's complaints about education. I believe that we
must get parents involved in raising their children and stop expecting the
schools to be parents, teachers, providers, etc.
|
|
Date:
| Mon Nov 11 11:27:00 2002
| Name:
| Melah Gindi
| E-mail:
| me_gindi@hotmail.com
| Organization:
| PA President
| Location:
| Crossroads Middle School (MS246) NYC 10025
| How the site | was found: an article from Ed week
| Comments:
| The standardized testing articles are right on target.
|
|
Date:
| Sun Nov 10 15:05:54 2002
| Name:
|
| E-mail:
| do not have on.
| Organization:
|
| Location:
|
| How the site | was found: thru asignment
| Comments:
| We sometimes losse sight of goals in our modern society.I
was very intrigued by Kohn's book.All my life i have worked from the
trenches with a flashlight on my head.It is good to have a person like
Alfie Kohn to speak up and but in a very good book.
|
|
Date:
| Sun Nov 10 14:44:46 2002
| Name:
| Danielle N. Fabiani
| E-mail:
| djnlv@yahoo.com
| Organization:
| Teachers Assistant/instructional Assistant
| Location:
| Brwyn Mawr, Pennsylvania
| How the site | was found: studying information for college
| Comments:
| I thought the information given was/is exactly the way i
myself feels. i thought teh information given was of great imoprtance, and
we need to make the right decision on the children of tommorows education.
|
|
Date:
| Sat Nov 9 16:58:03 2002
| Name:
| fred punnucker
| E-mail:
| debbiehotmail.com
| Organization:
| n.a.
| Location:
| north america
| How the site | was found: on the interent
| Comments:
| i having been reading your material since i have been on
your planet..i am very impress ..keep up the good work..
|
|
Date:
| Fri Nov 8 17:09:43 2002
| Name:
| L. Milburn
| E-mail:
| lmilburn@flash.net
| Organization:
| University of Missouri - St. Louis
| Location:
| St. Louis, MO
| How the site | was found: just knew where to look
| Comments:
| As faculty on staff in the Div. of Teaching and Learning at
UMSL, I had a "book talk" assigned for students to read and then lead a
discussion on their author regarding classroom management. It was amazing
to listen to pre service teachers (who always think that management will
not be an issue for them) discuss and debate Kohn's book, Punished By
Rewards ! I had spent some class time discussing a few of my favorite
authors and most students were intrigued by Kohn's position on
rewards/consequences. I believe that our book talk just might have sparked
the thought that management is more than rules, detentions, and parent
calls home ! Thanks for making us "think about our thinking!"
|
|
Date:
| Fri Nov 8 12:01:38 2002
| Name:
| Robert Brazier
| E-mail:
| bobmbrazier@yahoo.com
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| Michigan
| How the site | was found: "The Case Against Standardized Testing"
| Comments:
| Everyone has friends and foes in the literature. I think of
Alfie Kohn as a best friend. Keep up the fight. Let's expose The Standards
Fraud. Fellow Friends (and Foes): I urge you to read Kohn's powerful
indictment of the misguided back-to-basics movement called THE SCHOOLS OUR
CHILDREN DESERVE.
|
|
Date:
| Thu Nov 7 15:07:39 2002
| Name:
| Danita Smith
| E-mail:
| Danitajsa@hotmail.com
| Organization:
| Return to College Student @ Connecticut College
| Location:
| New London, CT
| How the site | was found: from your books
| Comments:
| I have read several of your books now...one as a class
project...others out of sheer excitement and joy of learning. I wish to
teach at the high school level someday and make a difference in what I see
as the frustrating and intolorable situations I have faced, and now my own
teen-aged children face. I have one question for you regarding national
core curriculum vs. states and schools devising their own standards. Is
there one statement that can summerize YOUR philosophy on why haveing a
national core curriculum is not in the best intesests of our nations'
children. I am having trouble articulating and capsulating the idea...can
you help? Sincerely, Danita Smith Single Mother, Student, Dance Teacher,
Public Advocate, Future Educator!
|
|
Date:
| Thu Nov 7 14:43:37 2002
| Name:
| Louise Gordon
| E-mail:
| Writeupcom@aol.com
| Organization:
| Write-Up Communications
| Location:
| Cambridge
| How the site | was found:
| Comments:
| Dear Alfie, Hope you don't mind a chuckle for the
insurance, magazine and car salesmen who are signing here of late. Quote
from Mary Ellen Pinkham: "Anyone can sell. The secret is to have 50,000
books in your basement."
|
|
Date:
| Thu Nov 7 10:09:14 2002
| Name:
| T. yuvaraj
| E-mail:
| iamheman@rediffmail.com
| Organization:
| student psychologist
| Location:
| INDIA
| How the site | was found: google.com
| Comments:
| it is more informative looking through your site. If you
can subscribe ur issues I would be in so much pleasure. THANK U
|
|
Date:
| Thu Nov 7 09:33:12 2002
| Name:
| Taylor Brunsell
| E-mail:
| taylorann3@juno.com
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| Michigan
| How the site | was found: Other Teachers
| Comments:
| I have seen the problem in class with over rewarding
students.
|
|
Date:
| Thu Nov 7 07:11:00 2002
| Name:
| Ian Macrae Crighton
| E-mail:
| ian.crighton@lawrenceofkemnay.co.uk
| Organization:
| Lawrence of Kemnay
| Location:
| North East Scotland
| How the site | was found: Through the DLN (Deming Learning Learning Network ) web
site
| Comments:
| Have recently cahanged my car salesmen to non commission
but because of poor results both in units and profit have been co-erced
into returning to basic and commission.
|
|
Date:
| Wed Nov 6 22:05:21 2002
| Name:
| robyn
| E-mail:
| robynsnest2@yahoo.com
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| iowa
| How the site | was found: search engine/google
| Comments:
| I just read Punished by Rewards for a class...it has turned
my world view upside down...makes my head spin as I re-evaluate my whole
framework in approaching parenting, employment, education...ALL of LIFE.
thank you!
|
|
Date:
| Wed Nov 6 15:21:22 2002
| Name:
| Louise Gordon
| E-mail:
| Writeupcom@aol.com
| Organization:
| Write-Up Communications
| Location:
| Cambridge
| How the site | was found:
| Comments:
| Dear Alfie, Of possible interest to you and others in the
education biz: article by Michael A. Sperber, M.D., in October 2002 issue
of "Current Psychiatry." Titled "The case of the quadriplegic
cyberterrorist," the article is about Sperber's challenge with an honor
student turned Internet terrorist. Sperber's observations include a table,
"Escalation to Terrorism," charting path of violence starting from a sense
of powerlessness and disrespect to mortification, shame rage, vengeance
and, finally, terrorism. Instructive not only on cyberspace, but also
terrorism, guilt, punishment and shame on individual and collective
levels. Sperber is an expert on the futility of punishment in American
penal colonies--proud U.S. growth industry--three strikes you're out and
so on. If Quaker-tradition prisons aren't the answer to bad acting, I
wonder if Amish shunning works? Similar to time out? In either case, the
barking seal view of humanity prevails. Tossing sushi or tossing
terrorists, miscreants and social deviants alike into time-out facilities.
Sperber has had considerable success in breaking the cycle with serious
offenders. Too bad so many "progressive" environments--in school and
out--are conducive to terror. Some environments bring out the brighter
side of human nature and some bring out the worst. (Duh)
|
|
Date:
| Wed Nov 6 09:42:06 2002
| Name:
| John Duke
| E-mail:
| John_Duke@rac.ray.com
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| Little Rock, Arkansas
| How the site | was found: Someone referenced it on the ASQ web site
| Comments:
| I've always been uncomfortable with the pay for
performance, awards, rewards, bonus, commission, performance evaluation,
etc., concept as a means of motivation, increasing productivity, increased
quality, etc. Just never was able to express it as clearly as Alfie Kohn.
Can't seem to convince the "old heads" how destructive these things are to
an organization.
|
|
Date:
| Tue Nov 5 16:39:19 2002
| Name:
| Rebecca Pierce
| E-mail:
| Becpierce@aol.com
| Organization:
| INCAF Montessori School/IMC
| Location:
| Gainesville, Florida
| How the site | was found: Recent Keynote in Sarasota
| Comments:
| Excellent keynote!
|
|
Date:
| Tue Nov 5 11:34:15 2002
| Name:
| renee hammersmith
| E-mail:
| rmh201@mail.usask.ca
| Organization:
| education student at U of S
| Location:
| sask.
| How the site | was found: name of author
| Comments:
| I think you have amazing ideas in regards to the issue of
competition. I am 32 years old and realize that alot of my life was wasted
on competing with others and not living my life to the fullest. I think
it's important to teach these non competitive ways at a young age so
society can be a better place for all.
|
|
Date:
| Mon Nov 4 20:02:12 2002
| Name:
| Debbie Sadler
| E-mail:
| debbiesadler@myexcel.com
| Organization:
| Substitute Teacher
| Location:
| Encinitas, CA
| How the site | was found: CSUSM assignment
| Comments:
| Hi, I've heard about you for years from Kim Douillard and
Jan Hamilton who are very active in San Diego Area Writing Project. I have
your book, "Punished By Rewards." I went to college during the
Behaviorialist years. B. F. Skinner, et. al. I often cite the title of
your book to students, as I explain I am doing them a favor by not
rewarding them for activities that is required work. It establishes a good
discussion! Debhbie Sadler
|
|
Date:
| Mon Nov 4 10:11:26 2002
| Name:
| James
| E-mail:
| warrenl69@hotmail.com
| Organization:
| I.E. Weldon High School
| Location:
| Lindsay ont
| How the site | was found: Google
| Comments:
| I think Privitization of our jails and other government run
systems would collapse if taken into the hands of the public. I believe
there is too much power too be run by someone who does not have the skills
required to run such a business.
|
|
Date:
| Sat Nov 2 03:58:59 2002
| Name:
| Christine Sturdevant
| E-mail:
| thinkahead@msn.com
| Organization:
| YMCA Children's Services
| Location:
| Sarasota, Florida
| How the site | was found: Was told about it while at conference
| Comments:
| I listened to Alfie at USF in Sarasota and for the first
time in a long time was challenged and provoked by what he had to say. I
hope his message gets spread far and wide enough to impact many, many
people responsible for children. It made me want to homeschool my kids!
It's making me question our whole societal system in a new way. Alfie is
also a very funny and charismatic speaker. Thanks!
|
|
Date:
| Fri Nov 1 13:28:56 2002
| Name:
| DS Kennedy
| E-mail:
| web@termsite.com
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| Janesville
| How the site | was found:
| Comments:
| I found your site on Google. You have some good
information, and I liked your design a lot. DSK.
|
|
Date:
| Wed Oct 30 18:46:05 2002
| Name:
| Michelle Dowe
| E-mail:
| sdr419isr@aol.com
| Organization:
| Parent
| Location:
| Albany, NY
| How the site | was found: Alfie Kohn presentation 10/29/02
| Comments:
| He reinforced my decision to place my child in an
independent standardized test free school. He opened my eyes to the
injustice that exist in the educational system.
|
|
Date:
| Tue Oct 29 11:44:35 2002
| Name:
| Sarah D. Moore
| E-mail:
| sdmoore@nycap.rr.com
| Organization:
| Brown School
| Location:
| Schenectady, NY
| How the site | was found: from a talk given by Alfie
| Comments:
| I thoroughly enjoyed Alfie's presentation at Page Hall in
Albany on October 28. As an independent school administrator and early
childhood educator, I constantly struggle against the idea of standardized
testing. His words gave me reinforcement to continue on the same path!
|
|
Date:
| Mon Oct 28 16:01:06 2002
| Name:
| David Picard
| E-mail:
| JPicard1@nycap.rr.com
| Organization:
| No organization/Professional educator
| Location:
| Albany, NY
| How the site | was found: Internet search
| Comments:
| I,m sorry I couldn't see your presentation here on 10/28.
As one who works in a public school, I see firsthand, how the overwhelming
emphasis on teaching and testing "to the standards" is largely misguided.
It is most inappropriate to students from disadvantaged backgrounds and to
many students with disabilities. Your message is most critical for all to
hear.
|
|
Date:
| Sat Oct 26 21:05:08 2002
| Name:
| Eldon Lee
| E-mail:
| Caplee@wi.rr.com
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| Milwaukee, WI
| How the site | was found:
| Comments:
| The tide is turning on the standardistos and the
Assessinators. Enjoy my website at www.wholechildreform.com Eldon Lee
Milwaukee
|
|
Date:
| Sat Oct 26 14:43:57 2002
| Name:
| Rosanne Ehrlich
| E-mail:
| rehrlich@tds.com
| Organization:
| Retired teacher MMSD
| Location:
| Madison, Wi
| How the site | was found: Public Radio
| Comments:
| I believe this current emphasis on standardzed testing does
not improve children's comprehension. Teaching to a test closes down
pupils' minds to the way information can be used.
|
|
Date:
| Sat Oct 26 00:39:56 2002
| Name:
| Alex Bainbridge
| E-mail:
| friendlysocialist17@hotmail.com
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| Tasmania, Australia
| How the site | was found:
| Comments:
| Hi, I found your website after reading through the
bibliography of an essay I have several times given to students studying
the social & ethical issues section of our computing course, namely
"Against Intellectual Property" by Brian Martin. He had references to "The
Better side of Human Nature" and "Punished by Rewards", and both titles
sparked my interest, especially the former. I am keen to read them both
and others of your books that I have subsequently discovered. Alas I have
not found any library in Tasmania that has the first book and the second
is on loan and has been overdue for some time. This lead me to your
website and I have now read quite a few of your articles and am very
impressed!!
|
|
Date:
| Fri Oct 25 08:30:26 2002
| Name:
|
| E-mail:
|
| Organization:
|
| Location:
|
| How the site | was found:
| Comments:
| I am a parent interested inlooking at the issuse of the
stress level of kids and families due to the overload of homework.
|
|
Date:
| Fri Oct 25 08:21:38 2002
| Name:
| Lynda Stein
| E-mail:
| X_lynda@hotmail.com
| Organization:
| none
| Location:
| Mansfield Ct
| How the site | was found: A friend
| Comments:
|
|
|
Date:
| Thu Oct 24 11:08:11 2002
| Name:
| Mindy
| E-mail:
| westee2001@yahoo.com
| Organization:
| --
| Location:
| Mamaroneck, N.Y.
| How the site | was found: televised lecture
| Comments:
| From Phi Delta Kappan (Vo. 84, No. 2), "Thoughts On
Teaching" by Bobby Ann Starnes: Many teachers work hard to create learning
environments in which democratic principles are lived. Being human, we
often fail to meet our own standards. And it hurts every time. Still we
continue, tripping, falling, regrouping, trying not to make the same
mistake twice, knowing there are pitfalls everywhere, hoping for the
strength to live our beliefs in even our most weary and impatient moments,
and knowing all the while that our frustration could be alleviated -- for
a short time, at least -- if we used a phrase like "because I say so." But
we have to continue to try. The children are watching. And if they are
only told about democratic principles, how will they come to live them?
|
|
Date:
| Wed Oct 23 14:58:58 2002
| Name:
| Pamela Dominguez
| E-mail:
| ldystrgzr3@aol.com
| Organization:
| Urban Learning Teaching Program
| Location:
| Student @CSULA
| How the site | was found: Google
| Comments:
| While in the process of developing my Classroom Management
Plan (CMP)I discovered my position to be very different from the norm thus
I sought to find someone that supported my views on discipline and
community classrooms. While on this endeavor I was recommended several of
your books and low and behold I've discovered I'm not as crazy as others
believe. My CMP can work if I provide an engaging atomsphere and a sense
of caring. Thank you for providing an excellent basis upon which to
structure my venture. Nothing negative here...just a chance to rationalize
and widen my perceptions.
|
|
Date:
| Wed Oct 23 12:46:36 2002
| Name:
| kristin roden
| E-mail:
| kr8574@ameritech.net
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| milwaukee, wi
| How the site | was found: NPR
| Comments:
| Listened to you on 10/22 and couldn't disagree with you
more. Since the 70's schools have been failing miserably. Every child
needs to learn to read, write and do basic math and they need to be tested
on these skills. The "touchy-feely" theory of instruction just hasn't
worked. We sent our kids to traditional schools in the 70's and they are
both productive adults today thanks to a curriculum of accountability.
They are also altruistic human beings without their teachers having
pandered to their "self-esteem". There was respect in the classroom which
went both ways. Children are never traumatized by doing what is expected
of them. I am tired of teachers "lowering the bar". Youngsters can't
develop respect for themselves if they're constantly told that because of
poverty or language issues they can't learn in a conventional way. My
mother was raised in a poor household in which English was not the primary
language, but she and her siblings excelled in the English speaking
schools because it was demanded of them. Stop telling kids that it's hard
for them to learn and the kids will stop rising only to that diminished
level of expectation. Also, after reading your e-mail I can't believe that
mine is the first negative one. Why don't you publish both sides? How
about raising your own bar?
|
|
Date:
| Wed Oct 23 11:51:03 2002
| Name:
| Oliver Charles
| E-mail:
| ojlo@msn.com
| Organization:
| Student CSLA
| Location:
| Southern California
| How the site | was found: MSN Search
| Comments:
| You fight for reform with emphasis on the CHILDREN and the
TEACHERS in whose care they are entrusted. I appreciate that and I am with
you. I am studying to be a teacher and Alfie Kohn is my aducational
philosopher.
|
|
Date:
| Wed Oct 23 11:38:59 2002
| Name:
| Oliver Charles
| E-mail:
| ojlo@msn.com
| Organization:
| Student CSULA
| Location:
| Southern California
| How the site | was found:
| Comments:
|
|
|
Date:
| Tue Oct 22 16:26:26 2002
| Name:
| Jaynie Flaherty
| E-mail:
| pflaher1@maine.rr.com
| Organization:
| teacher
| Location:
| Old Orchard Beach, Maine
| How the site | was found: My superintendent
| Comments:
| I am looking for more info on the movement to stop the high
stakes tests and standards that are being rammed down the throats of all
of us involved in education.
|
|
Date:
| Mon Oct 21 19:29:05 2002
| Name:
| Ashmead Edoo
| E-mail:
| ashang@carib-link.net
| Organization:
|
| Location:
|
| How the site | was found: surfing
| Comments:
| Wish there were more articles available online.
|
|
Date:
| Mon Oct 21 12:01:51 2002
| Name:
| Marsha Dale
| E-mail:
| marshadale
| Organization:
| University of Missouri, St. Louis
| Location:
| St. Louis, MO
| How the site | was found: "Search" under Alfie Kohn
| Comments:
| I am a career changer and graduate student studying special
education. I'm writing a paper on the theories of Alfie Kohn for my
Behavior Management Course. Wow, don't know what to read first as Mr. Kohn
is so well published. Nice to learn about someone who looks through the
eyes of the child FIRST. Also glad to have help sorting through the
research and making some concrete real life connections for me. Grew up in
the 60's. Wish I had had the opportunities to learn using a constructivist
approach...but it's never too late. Plus I get to try to make my classroom
different for the learners of today!!! I feel lucky to have that chance.
|
|
Date:
| Sun Oct 20 14:46:45 2002
| Name:
| Lois Waltz
| E-mail:
| loiswaltz@hotmail.com
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| New Jersey
| How the site | was found: at the end of an article
| Comments:
| I am a graduate student at New Jersey City University in
New Jersey. We are using Mr. Kohn's book What to look for in a classroom
and I visited the site to read additional articles by Mr. Kohn. I teach
Kindergarten in a half day setting and the curriculum push down is
choking. Tell Mr Kohn to keep up the fight and maybe someday someone will
listen about standards and assessment testing and we as teachers can go
back to curriculums that are more developmentally appropriate. Lois W.
|
|
Date:
| Sat Oct 19 20:25:55 2002
| Name:
| Anne Sherrod
| E-mail:
| rosie3873@yahoo.com
| Organization:
| Little House of Hugs
| Location:
| Monroe
| How the site | was found: conference
| Comments:
| I enjoyed the conference but, was confused about how to
apply the goals that I have set forth to meet. I am not sure how to react
to a situation if you should not use timeout. Especially in a daycare
setting, where there is biting,spitting,scratching and plenty other not so
pleasant actions. Thank you.
|
|
Date:
| Sat Oct 19 16:01:27 2002
| Name:
| Wendy Giambra
| E-mail:
| wendyg_21@yahoo.com
| Organization:
| Grad Student
| Location:
| Buffalo, NY
| How the site | was found: Teacher Recommended
| Comments:
| Interesting, thought-provoking articles....
|
|
Date:
| Thu Oct 17 15:03:56 2002
| Name:
| Pat McNichols
| E-mail:
| sy.pat.mcnichols@nwoca.org
| Organization:
| Sylvania Schools
| Location:
| Sylvania (Toledo), Ohio
| How the site | was found: Google search
| Comments:
| For many years, I have found that Mr. Kohn's ideas have
helped shape my philosophy and beliefs about education as well as my
practice. Frequently, his words help me clarify my thinking and bring
focus and logic to an idea that has been chasing me around for a long
time. If we could transform schools using Mr. Kohn's vision, our
population would not only be better educated, but better adjusted,
happier, and less violent.
|
|
Date:
| Wed Oct 16 19:36:57 2002
| Name:
| Amy Taylor
| E-mail:
| ataylor@nwciowa.edu
| Organization:
| College Student
| Location:
| Orange City, Iowa
| How the site | was found: Through research on the topic of behaviorsim
| Comments:
| I appreciate the information offered, as I am quite
interested in the thoughts and theories of Kohn. I have been contemplating
the effectiveness of the school systems more since I have enrolled in the
education program and approach graduation. Your ideas and concerns are
very real to me because I too want to change the world one student at a
time. Thank you.
|
|
Date:
| Wed Oct 16 17:16:56 2002
| Name:
| Denis Eble
| E-mail:
| cdeble@yahoo.com
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| Toledo, Ohio
| How the site | was found:
| Comments:
| I retired in 01 after 35 years in the classroom. For all of
those years I struggled with my colleagues and, especially the
adminsitration to reform the educational program of our rural Ohio school
district. Even though it has changed little, I feel good that I never lost
sight of the prize. The Schools Our Children Deserve is a shining example
of the changes that are needed in the public [and private] school systems
of America. Perhaps my grandchildren will enjoy the reforms that I was not
able to make.
|
|
Date:
| Wed Oct 16 07:19:14 2002
| Name:
| Michael Carnell
| E-mail:
| Carnell_MO@hotmail.com
| Organization:
| Timberline High School
| Location:
| Boise, Idaho
| How the site | was found: Boise State University professor
| Comments:
| Your articles are stimulating, thought provoking, and move
me to be a better teacher. Thanks.
|
|
Date:
| Tue Oct 15 21:44:17 2002
| Name:
| Blase Pinkert
| E-mail:
| Bpinkert@kent.edu
| Organization:
| I'm a student
| Location:
| Geneva, Ohio
| How the site | was found: An excellent teacher recommended it to me
| Comments:
| Mr. Kohn, Thank you for speaking out against the way
schools are being run today. I don't see as much a problem in university
life but definitely in high schools in my area there is a problem. my
principal wouldn't even speak to me since she knew I questioned authority
and fought injustice throughout my student body. Thanks for having
research thats fresh if you have any colleauges websites please feel free
to send me them. I'm interested in becoming an educator and I don't want
to be like my former educators. thank you. Blase Pinkert
|
|
Date:
| Tue Oct 15 19:03:50 2002
| Name:
| Anita Lohrey
| E-mail:
| 98138281@scholar.uws.edu.au
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| Australia
| How the site | was found: Search on Standardized testing
| Comments:
| Im currently studying to become a teacher and it is good to
see update information on what is happening in education now not what we
have taken years to learn and taught the same thing even longer.
|
|
Date:
| Fri Oct 11 22:55:43 2002
| Name:
| Shahid Janjua
| E-mail:
| janjua1@msn.com
| Organization:
| Renny's
| Location:
| Bountiful
| How the site | was found: tried www.alfiekohn.com
| Comments:
| Every Parent should read a copy of punished by rewards.
|
|
Date:
| Fri Oct 11 13:47:38 2002
| Name:
| Deb Kasak
| E-mail:
| dkasak@runner.csub.edu
| Organization:
| California State University, Bakersfield
| Location:
| Bakersfield, CA
| How the site | was found:
| Comments:
| Regarding previous message: the word "rate" should be "rat"
instead.
|
|
Date:
| Fri Oct 11 13:42:39 2002
| Name:
| Deb Kasak
| E-mail:
| dkasak@runner.csub.edu
| Organization:
| California State University, Bakersfield
| Location:
| Bakersfield, CA
| How the site | was found: From one of Alfie Kohn's books
| Comments:
| I went to the web site to send a message directly to Alfie
Kohn because I was interested in knowing where I could get a copy of his
thesis on being the experimental rate in the educational system; I found a
lot of other things connected to him but no direct e-mail address. Any
assistance in this regard?
|
|
Date:
| Fri Oct 11 11:54:55 2002
| Name:
| Mike Woolbert
| E-mail:
| mwoolb@charter.net
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| Houston, Texas
| How the site | was found: Deming study group.
| Comments:
| Alfie, I have become a fan through exposure to your ideas
at the Greater Houston Deming Association. As an employee of a major,
Fortune 100, company, I was sad to see the people who signed your guest
book were nearly all focused on education. I believe that modern,
Skinnerian management is in fact employee abuse. Most of my fellow
managers have gradually become focused, not on their legacy, or lasting
contribution, but on early retirement. Our general manager wants to, “Make
five more years…”. He has no vision for the organization. His creativity,
his desire for excellence and concern for the employees has withered under
the incessant pressure to cut the head-count and make the numbers. Bad
school experiences last for twelve to twenty years. Bad work experiences
last for forty years. I hope you continue to push your ideas on the most
stubborn audience of all, modern corporate demigods.
|
|
Date:
| Thu Oct 10 13:47:41 2002
| Name:
| Jacobo Skousen
| E-mail:
| jacob_001@hotmail.com
| Organization:
| Grad student
| Location:
| Ontario, Oregon
| How the site | was found: By Pure Luck!
| Comments:
| As schools become continually worse in some respects,
especially amongst the "accountability" and "standards" movements, Alfie
Kohn, Paulo Freire, Donaldo Macedo, Noam Chomsky, Peter McLaren, Bell
Hooks, John Dewey, and others become beacons of light in the endless
darkness to those that seek a humanizing pedagogy. This website is proof
that critical minds still exist and gives hope to those, including some
teachers, that advocate for children of all ages and meaninful learning
experiences in school, not indoctrination by a systematic stupification
process. Thank you very much.
|
|
Date:
| Thu Oct 10 11:45:17 2002
| Name:
| H Bruce Gordon
| E-mail:
| HBGor@onebox.com
| Organization:
| North Penn School Board & Montgomery County
Intermediate Unit Board
| Location:
| Montgomery County, PA
| How the site | was found: Via recent presentation
| Comments:
| Mr. Kohn, Thank you for an inspiring talk at our Fall TOPS
dinner meeting. I've taken the time to alert my fellow board members and
our Superintendent as to the issues you presented. I hope to get a dialog
started at the board level on these issues and see what we can do, in our
district, to stop the downward slide of the educational process. I've also
posted some of my own comments on the issue and a link to your website on
my website - www.HBGonNPSB.freeservers.com In this way I hope to begin to
engage the public in the North Penn area as to the severity of the
problem. One example to end with...my 9th grader has taken the PSSA
Writing test this week over the course of three classroom English class
sessions. Prior to the testing, her teacher devoted four classes to
preparing the students for the test by giving them simulated writing
prompts. So seven classes of missed educational growth, 3.8 % of this
year's English class time (out of 180 days) spent preping and taking a
test for which we get no feedback that can be used to improve our
children's education! What a waste. Thanks again for a wonderful and
thought provoking talk last night. H. Bruce Gordon North Penn School
Director Montgomery County Intermediate Unit Board Memeber and Treasurer
|
|
Date:
| Wed Oct 9 21:13:57 2002
| Name:
| Jason
| E-mail:
| jason1976@yahoo.com
| Organization:
| LAUSD
| Location:
| Los Angeles, CA
| How the site | was found: Search Engine
| Comments:
| I want to thank Mr. Kohn (and John Dewey) for bringing
attention to the crisis we have at hand: more standardized testing. I'm so
happy that someone has come out and finally said that standardized testing
is not only an ineffective way to measure student achievement, but its
very destructive to the child's pyschological state. I've been in public
education for two years, and I doubt my message will change: So long as we
are chained into teaching rote memorization, we will continue to churn
out, in assembly line fashion, apathetic young learners who find no
practical application with school. Thanks again, Mr. Kohn.
|
|
Date:
| Wed Oct 9 04:00:14 2002
| Name:
| Brian - magazine subscriptions
| E-mail:
| briant88@yahoo.com
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| Dallas
| How the site | was found: http://magazine.activeplaza.com
| Comments:
| Hi! I'm Brian. I really like your site, it's usefull and
informative. I am working for discount
magazine subscription comparison service. I find your site
while searching for magazine related sites and It's a pleasure to sign
your guestbook. Thanks!
|
|
Date:
| Tue Oct 8 21:23:06 2002
| Name:
| Alan Crudden
| E-mail:
| alan_crudden@yahoo.com
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| TX
| How the site | was found: From Dr. Deming's writings
| Comments:
| Excellent work; our family would enjoy hearing you lecture.
|
|
Date:
| Tue Oct 8 17:19:15 2002
| Name:
| Peter Whitehead
| E-mail:
| goslow@nexicom.net
| Organization:
| homescholing
| Location:
| Ont. Canada
| How the site | was found: through Green Money
| Comments:
|
|
|
Date:
| Tue Oct 8 06:02:39 2002
| Name:
| Sharon
| E-mail:
| sharond4@aol.com
| Organization:
|
| Location:
|
| How the site | was found:
| Comments:
|
|
|
Date:
| Sat Oct 5 07:24:00 2002
| Name:
| Byron Lane
| E-mail:
| enduro_runner@yahoo.com
| Organization:
| Harborfields Public Schools
| Location:
| Greenlawn, NY
| How the site | was found: standard search
| Comments:
| After reading Punished by Rewards, I began changing the way
I was teaching. After attending one of Alfie's workshops, I changed the
way my class was ogranized. After reading No Contest, The Schools Our
Children Deserve, The Case Against Standardized Testing, and Beyond
Discipline, I'm trying to spread my new understanding to my students'
parents and to other teachers in my school. My classroom practices are
vastly different from what they were nine years ago and my students are
all the better for it. Deeper understanding, a need to know more,
inspiring collaboration, no behavior problems. Thank you!
|
|
Date:
| Thu Oct 3 16:43:03 2002
| Name:
|
| E-mail:
|
| Organization:
|
| Location:
|
| How the site | was found:
| Comments:
| Here is what our administration expects us to actually
teach our kids: http://www.sspps.org/District/Curriculum/outcomes1.htm
|
|
Date:
| Thu Oct 3 08:05:24 2002
| Name:
| BarbaraLewis
| E-mail:
| blewis@hotmail.com
| Organization:
| Teacher
| Location:
| Ohio
| How the site | was found: Reference from son
| Comments:
| I agree with all you say. Teachers feel beaten down
especially with administrators who pay absolutely no attention to your
words or the opinions of teachers. We have two people hired in our
district, making much more than any teacher, who have never taught and yet
are in charge of making up pre and post tests that meet the standards. It
is out of hand!
|
|
Date:
| Wed Oct 2 05:41:32 2002
| Name:
| michael cerny
| E-mail:
| mcerny@erie1.wnyric.org
| Organization:
| BOCES
| Location:
| Tonawanda New York
| How the site | was found: John Elmore
| Comments:
| Some of my high school students are fascinated by your
writing. You have given us great topics for debate. Thank you
|
|
Date:
| Mon Sep 30 18:16:12 2002
| Name:
| Michele Exelbirt
| E-mail:
| 1soul@earthlink.net
| Organization:
| Womb to Grow, Inc
| Location:
| Aventura, Fl
| How the site | was found: Referral
| Comments:
| I can feel that this is the right path for our children,
thank you for being such an inspiring channel.
|
|
Date:
| Mon Sep 30 13:09:59 2002
| Name:
| JoAnne Mitchell
| E-mail:
| ajmitchell2@attbi.com
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| connecticut
| How the site | was found: search
| Comments:
| I recently read an article in the Hartford Courant in which
you criticized mastery testing as "child abuse disguised as
accountability". I thought that was a brilliant, and very accurate
description. I would like to know how you feel about the new trend in
elementary education reducing recess time for students k-2 to one 20 min.
recess period per day. Eliminated from our program in the name of tougher
standards is the 15-20 minute afternoon recess, which came after children
had been sitting in classrooms (after lunch) for nearly two and a half
hours. Now, the children are expected to sit in classrooms from 11:45
until 2:50, unless they have P.E. I feel that this too is a form of child
abuse, and know that the administrators who decided this would be a good
thing for children do not sit for three hours at a time! What are your
thoughts?
|
|
Date:
| Sun Sep 29 12:39:25 2002
| Name:
| Michele Exelbirt
| E-mail:
|
| Organization:
| Womb to Grow, Inc
| Location:
| Miami Florida
| How the site | was found: Seedlings in Boca Raton
| Comments:
| Amazing.......I want more!
|
|
Date:
| Sun Sep 29 07:00:19 2002
| Name:
| Christopher Weeks
| E-mail:
| clweeks@eclipse.net
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| New Jersey
| How the site | was found: search
| Comments:
| I spent eight years at university getting a couple of
education degrees thinking that I could go out and change the world. In so
doing, I realized that I would never teach in the soul-less respect-free
abyss that modern schools are. My was handy with a computer, so like so
many others I abandoned my discipline and went into IT. The problem
rearose when I realized that my son was getting the shaft and I had no
option. Diving back into research on alternatives a couple years ago, I
ran into two valuable references: Alfie Kohn, and The Sudbury Valley
School ( sudval.org ). What I really miss is an interaction between the
two. I would very much like to read Kohn's impression of schooling based
on the SVS or Summerhill models. If you/he has written on the topic, I
would appreciate a pointer, and if not, it would be a great thing to look
into. If you approve of the model, your endorsement would be valuable to
those schools, and if not (which seems moderately likely), hearing why
would be valuable to everyone else -- me especially. But even if you
ignore this, thanks for all the great work done so far. I'll keep reading
and thinking. Christopher Weeks (unteacher and father of two)
|
|
Date:
| Thu Sep 26 13:40:28 2002
| Name:
| Louise Gordon
| E-mail:
| Writeupcom@aol.com
| Organization:
| Write-Up Communications
| Location:
| Cambridge ("Boston Local")
| How the site | was found: Google
| Comments:
| Dear Alfie, Thank you for all you're doing to help fight
MCAS right here on the home front in "the Commonwealth" (nee commonweal)
of Massachusetts. Is anyone is following the Fed suit filed re: Holyoke
and Springfield? Not good, to say the least, that in Massachusetts kids
can have their futures foreclosed earlier and earlier in public school
thanks to MCAS and despite all that Fairtest and other citizens have been
doing to fight it. Instead of chanting Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Hare,
Hare, thanks for taking the lead on this one and getting somewhere. Louise
Gordon
|
|
Date:
| Thu Sep 26 10:53:50 2002
| Name:
| John Cronin
| E-mail:
| john@croninassoc.com
| Organization:
| Cronin and Associates Educational Consulting
| Location:
| Beaverton, OR
| How the site | was found: link from FairTest
| Comments:
| Hi Alfie, I appreciate your willingness to post so much of
your published material on your web site. Keep bothering the educational
establishment! John
|
|
Date:
| Thu Sep 26 05:32:18 2002
| Name:
| Cheryl Martin
| E-mail:
| cheryl.martin@cmtymail.100asg.army.mil
| Organization:
| Child and Youth Services
| Location:
|
| How the site | was found:
| Comments:
|
|
|
Date:
| Wed Sep 25 10:39:45 2002
| Name:
| Mike Kish
| E-mail:
| mkish@htc.net
| Organization:
| Immacualte Conception School
| Location:
| Columbia, IL 62236
| How the site | was found: Education Week
| Comments:
| What a great commentary-Education's Rotten Apples- in the
Sept. 18 Education Week. You have nailed it. Now how do you convince your
publics who are steeped in the old systems thinking that demands rewards,
grades, and the general mess they hated as students? Thanks for writing
this! Mike Kish
|
|
Date:
| Tue Sep 24 02:43:45 2002
| Name:
| Kent Fenneman
| E-mail:
| fn@matamatacollege.school.nz
| Organization:
| high school
| Location:
| New Zealand
| How the site | was found: "Schools That Learn"
| Comments:
| I am interested in developing programmes catering for
students with a variety of learning style and making use of Gardner's
"multiple intelligences". I am particularly interested in testing for
intelligence types.
|
|
Date:
| Mon Sep 23 19:18:08 2002
| Name:
| Michelle Hayes
| E-mail:
| michellechayes@earthlink.net
| Organization:
| Bridgewater State College student
| Location:
|
| How the site | was found: attended BSC seminar tonight
| Comments:
| Dr. Kohn, Your message is profounding disturbing; listening
to you I felt sick in my gut--and I am glad of it. In Elliot's "Young
Adult Literature in the Classroom" sites US Census bureau figures: 51% of
CA school age population is minority; in 2059, minority groups will out
number whites across the USA. Our population will be about 400 million
people. If 25% is student aged, 100 million people, there will be 51
million minority students of which 25+ million will flunk such state
tests. The ramifications of MCAS and norm-referenced test scores
prohibiting educational advances are staggering, heartbreaking, if not
challenged. Children cannot defend themselves and they will suffer
paralyzing shame. As parents and teachers, will be be drawn in to inertia
or face up to what you are saying--and speak out? Difficult. As a parent,
I will certainly boycott the MCAS and will learn more to be able to speak
coherently about it. You know the media is a powerful brain washing
tool--and such slogans as "Leave No Child Behind" are easy to remember. So
is "A Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste."
|
|
Date:
| Mon Sep 23 18:22:07 2002
| Name:
| Michelle Perkolup
| E-mail:
| cheddarcurtain@msn.com
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| Geneva, Illinois
| How the site | was found: through search for you on lycos
| Comments:
| I will begin reading your books tonight.
|
|
Date:
| Mon Sep 23 17:15:59 2002
| Name:
| Karen Tripp
| E-mail:
| kmt708@earthlink.net
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| Plymouth, Ma
| How the site | was found: attended your lecture today @ BSC
| Comments:
| You really opened my eyes. I am a student @ BSC and the
things you said frightened me. I am going into Elementary Ed. and I do
plan to get involved. Thank you.
|
|
Date:
| Mon Sep 23 17:05:18 2002
| Name:
| Katelyn J. Costa
| E-mail:
| katelyn749@excite.com
| Organization:
| Elementary Education major @ Bridgewater State College
| Location:
|
| How the site | was found: Lecture
| Comments:
| Mr. Kohn, Your lecture was absolutely wonderful. I
certainly agree with your beliefs on standardized testing. You made me
want to teach even more! I can't wait to help my students learn the right
way--critically and creatively!!
|
|
Date:
| Mon Sep 23 07:37:56 2002
| Name:
| Corinne Promislow
| E-mail:
| corinne_promislow@edu.yorku.ca
| Organization:
| Teacher in the Toronto District School Board
| Location:
| Toronto, Ontario
| How the site | was found: From the Schools that Learn conference
| Comments:
| I strongly believe in what Mr. Kohn has written. I find it
very scary that some schools and school boards within Ontario have decided
to make their school improvement plan directly related to their
standardized test scores. Once they reach an optimal standard of 80% of
the students achieving acceptable levels , they have no place to go, and
claim that staff morale is lowering because they have no where to improve.
As a teacher and future administrator, I hope that the best interests of
the students will once again become the main focus of school improvement
plans.
|
|
Date:
| Mon Sep 23 00:28:55 2002
| Name:
| Sverrir Gestsson
| E-mail:
| sverrir@fell.is
| Organization:
| Fellaskóli, Fellahreppi (elementary school)
| Location:
| Iceland
| How the site | was found: I looked it up.
| Comments:
| Refreshing views on a field which seems to be dominated by
too narrowminded opinions!
|
|
Date:
| Sun Sep 22 23:47:03 2002
| Name:
| Charlotte
| E-mail:
|
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| Boston
| How the site | was found: Lycos
| Comments:
| Dear Alfie, Thank you for helping me and my children "find
a better way." You're the avant-garde in ed today, as far as I'm
concerned, moving forward instead of looking back through a McLuhan
rearview mirror. Your humanity shines for all of us in "Altruism" and
other books. And your writing is the most readable I've ever found in "ed"
and several other "genres." Thank you! Keep going. You've taken the lead
and are taking us all to a "higher place" in learning and life!
|
|
Date:
| Sun Sep 22 16:40:40 2002
| Name:
| Alan Kirby
| E-mail:
| peltzt@aol.com
| Organization:
| Fox C-6 School District
| Location:
| Arnold, MO
| How the site | was found: I read your book against standardized test
| Comments:
| It is great to see that others share my opinions on testing
and other problems facing our schools today. My school recently adopted
the A+ program in Missouri and it seems like it is going to be a threat to
my independence and freedom as teacher. If you are a Missourian and can
help me with this, please email!
|
|
Date:
| Sat Sep 21 09:40:28 2002
| Name:
| William Flanagan
| E-mail:
| bflanagan23@yahoo.com
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| Tampa, Florida
| How the site | was found: Read "What To Look For In A Classroom"
| Comments:
| Mr. Kohn, fascination does not even begin to accurately
convey how I've felt about your writing. Engaging original thought from
children in the classroom seems to have been eradicated by the
bureaucratic policies of school adminstrators and politicians alike. More
emphasis, as a society, has been placed on numbers (i.e. standardized test
scores, height, weight and iq, to name a few), and I am growing tired of
it. Bravo to you, Mr. Kohn, for taking a stand against conventional
methodologies. You've set the foundation for progressive change.
|
|
Date:
| Fri Sep 20 16:58:50 2002
| Name:
| Amateur
| E-mail:
|
| Organization:
| Too disorganized to say today
| Location:
| The Boston Local
| How the site | was found: Google
| Comments:
| Alfie, still love you after all these years, ever since
"Altruism" helped me see and experience the brighter side as no other
voice had. "No Contest." You're living proof, without equal. OK, maybe I'd
better go back and read it again. Thank you for the difference your work,
your books, your compassion has made in my life and the lives of those
with whom I share my vision, my hopes and ideals and aspirations, my
faults and foibles, my trials and tribulations. Amateur
|
|
Date:
| Fri Sep 20 05:29:03 2002
| Name:
| Deborah Genovese
| E-mail:
|
| Organization:
| Wallingford Board of Education
| Location:
| Wallingford
| How the site | was found:
| Comments:
|
|
|
Date:
| Tue Sep 17 18:36:43 2002
| Name:
| Laura B. Zaharakis
| E-mail:
| lbjz@msn.com
| Organization:
| NYC Board of Education
| Location:
| NY, NY
| How the site | was found: assignment for NYU course
| Comments:
| Really enjoyed perusing the articles/interviews. I feel
that there are some extremely valid points and that we all should have the
sophisticated thinking skills to self-examine our own
teaching/interactions with children. However, I am often upset with the
lack of teachers who can even think about this stuff without getting
defensive or care enough about their mission to do so.
|
|
Date:
| Mon Sep 16 13:09:57 2002
| Name:
| Jennifer Shafer
| E-mail:
| jwood@connico.net
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| Wethersfield, CT
| How the site | was found: web
| Comments:
| Glad to see this site! Are their any other CT folks out
there who want real reform? Please contact me. a group is on the verge of
forming. jwood@connico.net
|
|
Date:
| Thu Sep 12 13:59:07 2002
| Name:
| Dan Izzo
| E-mail:
| dw1220@rpa.net
| Organization:
| Brockport High School
| Location:
| Brockport, NY
| How the site | was found: Attended a lecture in Fairport, NY
| Comments:
| I've been teaching for nearly 20 years and finally someone
is making sense. The paradigm of education as behavioral management is out
of control. My children do not belong in a Skinner box. Keep fighting the
good fight.
|
|
Date:
| Wed Sep 11 12:14:50 2002
| Name:
| SLS
| E-mail:
| punkeskawin@yahoo.com
| Organization:
| Secondary school
| Location:
| Minnesota
| How the site | was found: Read in article by you in "Rethinking Schools"
| Comments:
| I wanted to applaud your article about September 11th. I
teach American Indian Culture, Language, and History and am often
discouraged by the communities lack of awareness of what our country does
to not only people living overseas, but to their own people who live right
within their boders. It was nice to read an article that addressed the
sadness of Sept 11th, but also reminded us that we are not a perfect
country. We as citizens need to be critically aware and conscience of what
our leaders are doing, regardless of their political parties.
|
|
Date:
| Wed Sep 11 10:16:11 2002
| Name:
| Douglas Furr
| E-mail:
| douglasfurr33@hotmail.com
| Organization:
| Student
| Location:
| FGCU Ft. Myers Fl.
| How the site | was found: Article
| Comments:
| I will be writing a reflection paper on your article,
"Confusing Harder With Better" of September 15, 1999 in Education Week. I
think it is very well written and informative, but could you explain your
reason for using the word, dichotomy in your opening statement? Thany you
very much. Doug
|
|
Date:
| Wed Sep 11 09:35:20 2002
| Name:
| Donna R Larson
| E-mail:
| donna_larson@samsonite.com
| Organization:
| Samsonite
| Location:
| Warren RI
| How the site | was found: Currently working on my MAT at Roger Williams University
| Comments:
| I would love to meet you and discuss your concepts further.
What I have read so far is very enlightening and I would like to study you
during my Masters studies. Thank you for the stand you are taking to
improve the educational system.
|
|
Date:
| Tue Sep 10 19:51:40 2002
| Name:
| k.c. lee
| E-mail:
| jhonlee58@hanmail.co.kr
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| LA
| How the site | was found: news paper
| Comments:
|
|
|
Date:
| Tue Sep 10 15:10:49 2002
| Name:
| Concerned Mom
| E-mail:
| bsedmba@aol.com
| Organization:
| independent
| Location:
| PA
| How the site | was found: Education World, also read "Punished by Rewards"
| Comments:
| If only my son's teacher knew about Alfie Kohn. HELP! How
do I help my son survive a teacher who has a convoluted color-coded
behavior system for her 4th grade class. The precise misbehaviors have not
been defined so it could be talking out of turn, forgetting to raise your
hand, or whatever she deems unacceptable at any given time. You get one
warning & can stay green; yellow on next error & lose 10 min.
recess; red on next error & lose entire recess; black on next, lose
recess, and note home & to principal. Biggest problem is if the
majority of the class is noisy, EVERYONE gets a warning or moves up a
color. So my son moved to a yellow w/ the entire class even tho' he was
not one of the ones talking and had no individual infractions. But then he
committed the hideous crime of pulling his arm into his sleeve when the
air conditioner started blowing on him and the teacher told him that moved
him up to a red. This is only the 2nd week of school and he hasn't
"misbehaved" per se and is being punished. Obviously this is a very
arbitrary reward/punish system (they get a treat if no one individual has
gotten yellow or above.) After 2 weeks we can see this may never happen
because at the outset of both weeks she gave class warnings which meant
any single infraction would move a child to yellow. (Once a class warning
is given, no single child gets a warning on anything.) This teacher has 3
1/2 years teaching experience and the system she uses is NOT used
throughout the school. As a former teacher who abhors this kind of
…garbage, this is frustrating to me even beyond my parental concerns. How
do I help my child survive unscathed? This woman is so invested in this
system there is NO way I could onvince it's a farce (although I do plan to
give her "Punished by Rewards" as a year-end gift when she can't take it
out on my son.)
|
|
Date:
| Fri Sep 6 19:09:33 2002
| Name:
| Kimberley Gilles
| E-mail:
| msquickly@aol.com
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| Oakland, CA
| How the site | was found: Your books!
| Comments:
| Dear Mr. Kohn, I wrote a few weeks ago, before the school
year began, a little discouraged and overwhelmed by the needs I perceive.
You wrote me back and were most encouraging... so ... here's an update
from the urban, middle school trenches! I have won the battle of Assertive
Discipline! I am the only teacher in the school who doesn't use it ... and
the VP did not begin the year by hassling me. She knows I won't budge ...
and that my classes are never a discipline problem. Yahoo! More
importantly, I steered a straight course through disbelief and gasps
of,"You can't do that!" and prevailed on the graade front! My department
chairs, VP and principal have given me the green light to NOT write grades
on papers this year. I have to maintain a grade book and I have told the
kids that I am available on Thursdays at lunch and after school if they
are anxious about their grades. I refuse to discuss them at any other
times. No one came on Thursday! Better yet, the kids have already
commented that no one is getting embarassed nor "bragging" when papers are
handed back. Instead, there is a quiet hum as they read my comments and
read my comments on their neighbor's papers. Papers that are hung on the
walls are at the writer's discretion. They "publish" their pieces because
they are pleased with their own writing. A much broader range of writing
is going up on the board ... to my delight. And, when kids look at the
writing, they aren't looking at the grades and the names. They are looking
at the names and reading the pieces! The classroom discourse is much
elevated. As you discussed, they are much more interested in WHAT they're
doing, rather than HOW they're doing. It will be interesting to see if all
this wonderfulness can be maintained in the face of legally mandated
report cards. :( Also, as a matter of choice, they selected the novel we
would read first and the second place novel will be an extra credit read
for our newly formed book club. They are eager to keep it just within my 3
Core classes because they fear it will become too popular and they won't
get a chance to talk! Imagine middle schoolers fearing that reading is
going to become a boom priority ... among their peers! And, what do we do
at book club? We do what real readers do. We have a potluck lunch and talk
about the book. No book report. No grade. Just people who love to read
talking about their latest passion. In addition, every student is seated
in pairs. I ransacked the schools and got 5 tables. I will keep moving
tables in and pushing desks out. I'm taking the kids out of solitary
confinement! Wish me luck! I still have Back-to-School Night to endure,
but I'm pretty persuasive. I think I can bring the parents along. I'm
psyched! And this is my 17th year teaching! Thanks! Kimberley
|
|
Date:
| Fri Sep 6 17:41:25 2002
| Name:
| Linda Morrison
| E-mail:
| fivemorr@charter.net
| Organization:
| Oconee Co. Schools
| Location:
| Watkinsville, GA
| How the site | was found: Cited in an article I read for a class at Piedmont College
| Comments:
| Only for My Kid; How Priveledged Parents Undermine School
Reform is one of the most thought provoking and powerfully written
articles dealing with educational issues I've ever read. Alfie Kohn could
be describing the community in which I teach. I plan to visit the website
often.
|
|
Date:
| Fri Sep 6 05:09:39 2002
| Name:
| Marion Hubbard
| E-mail:
| marionhubbard404@hotmail.com
| Organization:
| independent
| Location:
| Brussels
| How the site | was found: Education Revolution Magazine
| Comments:
| I too am interested in doing something about the political
plague which demotivates teachers and students and ends up being a menace
for the world. Marion Hubbard in Brussels
|
|
Date:
| Wed Sep 4 16:57:59 2002
| Name:
| Drucie MacRae
| E-mail:
| DMACRAE@satx.rr.com
| Organization:
| Lee High School
| Location:
| San Antonio, TX
| How the site | was found: friend told me about it
| Comments:
|
|
|
Date:
| Wed Sep 4 14:21:18 2002
| Name:
| Randy Alaga
| E-mail:
| mrcerebral@yahoo.com
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| Watsonville High School
| How the site | was found: Searched Google
| Comments:
| I have been teaching high school English for 7 years. This
summer I read all of Alfie Kohn's books. What a mistake! They confirmed
everything I intuitively sensed was wrong with education - and more. Now I
can no longer stand by and watch our students be treated as collateral
damage in the name of job security. I owe a great debt to Mr. Kohn for
renewing my passion and showing me a path to salvation. He is also a good
read. Keep it coming and I will keep reading and revising.
|
|
Date:
| Mon Sep 2 16:37:17 2002
| Name:
| dawn woodard
| E-mail:
| dawnwoodard@hotmail.com
| Organization:
| Daffodil Pre-school
| Location:
| 701 Morton Ave. Waycross, GA 31501
| How the site | was found: Valdosta State Graduate class assignment
| Comments:
|
|
|
Date:
| Mon Sep 2 09:33:46 2002
| Name:
| Melody Elder
| E-mail:
| mel.anna@verizon.net
| Organization:
| South Bay Adult School
| Location:
| Manhattan Beach, CA
| How the site | was found: www
| Comments:
| Great website. I love Alfie Kohn's work. I teach parent
education classes to parents of infants through age two. Introducing to
parents early on how devastating the effects of rewards and punishment are
on children is a central part of my parent education curriculum. This
website has been an invaluable resource. In addition, if this email
reaches Alfie Kohn, THANK YOU for the article about 911. I have forwarded
that page to as many educators as I could think of. It saddens me that
some educators perceive the article's content as inappropriate information
for our children. Where does compassion and empathy place in these
educator's lists of what's most important to teach children? I wish Mr.
Kohn could reach more people with his messages. My admiration and respect
for Alfie Kohn is right along side John Taylor Gatto, John Holt, Carl
Rogers, A.S.Neil, and Noam Chomsky to name a few.
|
|
Date:
| Sun Sep 1 12:01:36 2002
| Name:
| Sheree Harrell, Progressive Network Academy
| E-mail:
| teachingtolerance2002@yahoo.com
| Organization:
| http://www.orgsites.com/nc/progressivenetworkacademy
| Location:
| Wilmington, NC
| How the site | was found: AERO
| Comments:
| Read "Punished by Rewards" as a former Behaviorist,it blew
my mind! But, so true!
|
|
Date:
| Sat Aug 31 17:28:08 2002
| Name:
| Karen
| E-mail:
| kjcvoller@hotmail.com
| Organization:
|
| Location:
|
| How the site | was found:
| Comments:
| The other day I was discussing education with a friend and
mentioned how the "stress" of school is about to begin (the school year
begins in a few days). Not being a teacher herself she asked me about what
makes the job so stressful. The truth of the matter is that everyday I can
not wait to get to school and I was dreaming of lessons back in early
July. The thought that I get to be a teacher is overwhelmingly sublime. In
fact, I could cry with the love I have for my role as a teacher. On the
other hand, I cry for the destruction I see being done to students in our
schools. This is what makes the job so stressful, (and as Alfie indicates
is found in many workplaces, with rewards and all). My question is, how
can this change be made? When absolutely wonderful, caring, teachers I
work with use reward systems to manipulate student behavior, how do we
expect to see institutional change? When I see such an amazing emphasis
upon helping our students become literate, yet we thrive on test scores.
When teachers down the road from us recieved a 25,000 dollar bonus last
year because of their test scores, when our student population, due to
recent immigration have been set up for failure. What does Alfie see as
the big picture for these changes to be made. How can I, who only gets the
opportunity to interact with 35 students, make changes in the big picture
of it all. When 23 of our 50 states still have corporal punishment in
school, (it was on Connie Chung just the other night) how can we be
anything less then frustrated when thinking of the changes, such as Alfie
suggests, need to be made? This is more of a reflection than anything
else, but if anyone has some words of wisdom, I would so greatly
appreciate them, as I am frustrated and eager to tears.
|
|
Date:
| Fri Aug 30 13:11:12 2002
| Name:
| Ned Roberts
| E-mail:
| ned@hrned.com
| Organization:
| GRA
| Location:
| Orinda, California
| How the site | was found: Link from "abolishappraisals.com"
| Comments:
| I loved Punished by Rewards, and am an advocate of Kohn's
philosophy. I'm curious how it's going actually being a parent for Alfie.
Dealing with pure Id is sometimes a challenge to his philosophy - at least
in my experience.
|
|
Date:
| Wed Aug 28 22:00:47 2002
| Name:
| Lynne Birkler
| E-mail:
| max90932@aol.com
| Organization:
| teacher===kindergarten
| Location:
| Lakeland FL
| How the site | was found: surfing the net while looking for info on classroom
management
| Comments:
| I just resigned a teaching position in Palm Beach co Fl
after their classroom management procedures conflicted with mine and the
emphasis on testing and testing Kindergarten children was entirely too
serious...returned to Lakeland FL hoping to return to my previous school
with a more lenient attitude toward the testing....which by the way
totally drives me NUTS
|
|
Date:
| Wed Aug 28 22:00:08 2002
| Name:
| Lynne Birkler
| E-mail:
| max90932@aol.com
| Organization:
| teacher===kindergarten
| Location:
| Lakeland FL
| How the site | was found: surfing the net while looking for info on classroom
management
| Comments:
| I just resigned a teaching position in Palm Beach co Fl
after their classroom management procedures conflicted with mine and the
emphasis on testing and testing Kindergarten children was entirely too
serious...returned to Lakeland FL hoping to return to my previous school
with a more lenient attitude toward the testing....which by the way
totally drives me NUTS
|
|
Date:
| Mon Aug 26 09:52:22 2002
| Name:
| Jade Caines
| E-mail:
| aja@stanfordalumni.org
| Organization:
| New York City Board of Education/PS/IS 308
| Location:
| 616 Quincy St, Brooklyn, NY 11238
| How the site | was found: www.fairtest.org
| Comments:
| I have been teaching for 2 years and I read "Beyond
Discipline" in one of my graduate education courses. I am very curious to
know your background in education. I read that you went to Brown
University. What did you major in? Do you have any advanced degrees? How
long did you teach? Was it a public or private school? I know you live in
Belmont (you actually live on the same street as my best friend's family:
The Suh Family). I am very curious to know your educational background and
how you got involved in the testing movement? Please respond to my
questions. Thank you in advance.
|
|
Date:
| Mon Aug 26 07:11:03 2002
| Name:
| Kathy Schmeltz
| E-mail:
| tksk@pioneernet.net
| Organization:
| Homeschoolers on Whidbey
| Location:
| Oak Harbor, WA
| How the site | was found: Author's books
| Comments:
|
|
|
Date:
| Sat Aug 24 09:36:52 2002
| Name:
| Jamie Isaac
| E-mail:
| djisaac@thesurf.com
| Organization:
| Sabish Middle School
| Location:
| Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
| How the site | was found: Told of it at a seminar for new teachers
| Comments:
| Dear Alfie, I just want you to know that reading your
writings and watching your videos have made me such a different person. I
am embarking on my first year as a teacher of 7th grade English. Although
I have a lot to learn, I have already learned a lot from you. I will spend
time building community in my classes. I will have a classroom where
students have a say and make decisions. I will not say good job good job
good job. I will not make my students compete. I will learn each day. I
will continue to read and reread your writings and those of others as I
critically think about what is the best for my students. Thank you for
opening my eyes to so much more than I imagined. Sincerely, Jamie Isaac
New Teacher
|
|
Date:
| Thu Aug 22 20:20:54 2002
| Name:
| Kelli Ipock
| E-mail:
| kaipock@iupui.edu
| Organization:
| Student Teacher, Elem and Special Ed
| Location:
| Indianapolis, Indiana
| How the site | was found:
| Comments:
| I am reading this book for one of my classes and
researching the alternatives to reward systems in the classroom. I am
finding it difficult to see how some of these alternatives will work in a
traditional classroom enviornment. Any ideas as to how a new teacher in a
fairly traditional school can avoid rewards and grades and implement some
of these alternatives?
|
|
Date:
| Thu Aug 22 10:15:14 2002
| Name:
| Viv Knapp
| E-mail:
| vknapp@stjoesylvania.org
| Organization:
| St Joseph School
| Location:
| Sylvania, Oh
| How the site | was found: dogpile
| Comments:
| I am interested in learning about Mr. Kohn speaking
engagements. We have a yearly parent speaker night (Feb) and I would like
to know his fee schedule, available dates and topics. I heard Mr. Kohn
several years ago aat a professional workshop and I thought he was great.
Thank you...Viv Kanpp
|
|
Date:
| Wed Aug 21 08:37:38 2002
| Name:
| Pamm Jones
| E-mail:
| manixpam@teleport.com
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| Bend, Or
| How the site | was found: Gary Bruner's Class at EOU
| Comments:
|
|
|
Date:
| Mon Aug 19 22:43:12 2002
| Name:
| Anon
| E-mail:
| Writeupcom@aol.com
| Organization:
| Write-Up Communications
| Location:
| Cambridge, MA
| How the site | was found: Search Engine
| Comments:
| Dear Alfie, Thank you for everything from "Altruism" and
"No Contest" to "Punished by Rewards" and all the great work that's
continued to pour forth since. Your ideas keep me from despairing over
education when the starboard-leaning list of the "homeschool movement"
seems overwhelming.
|
|
Date:
| Mon Aug 19 07:45:45 2002
| Name:
| Patricia Prim
| E-mail:
| mybestfriend5@comcast.net
| Organization:
| None
| Location:
| Harrisburg, PA
| How the site | was found: It was sent by a friend and fellow educator.
| Comments:
| Thank you for this opportunity to learn and to stay
informed.
|
|
Date:
| Sun Aug 18 21:13:41 2002
| Name:
| Judith
| E-mail:
| JFOGEL2000@aol.com
| Organization:
| Teacher and Parent
| Location:
| Alexandria, Virginia
| How the site | was found: Attended two Alfie lectures years ago. Have read most of
his books and articles
| Comments:
| I just read in today's New York Times how so many schools
are starting classes earlier this year to prepare for standardized tests.
Okay, the cat's out of the bag. There you have it! Schools are turning
into giant test prep centers, as we have feared and dreaded all along. I
can sanction schools starting earlier to give our children more time to
learn, more weeks to be enriched and inspired. More time to disccover the
joy and passion of learning, discovery and mastery. But who uses such
lofty terms anymore? Our kids are forced to cut their summers short so
they have more time to be drilled for state and national tests. Our
innocent children are the true guinea pigs. Do we still wonder why Johnny
can't read? Judith
|
|
Date:
| Sat Aug 17 10:34:46 2002
| Name:
| Jenny
| E-mail:
| jenny_kn@yahoo.com
| Organization:
| none
| Location:
| Israel
| How the site | was found: I entered the name of the book
| Comments:
|
|
|
Date:
| Fri Aug 16 10:21:26 2002
| Name:
| Carol E. Smith
| E-mail:
| cesmith46@hotmail.com
| Organization:
| Heritage College
| Location:
| Toppenish WA
| How the site | was found: Academic Exchange Website
| Comments:
| Your article shows a deep understanding of the nature of
real learning. Thank you for taking this stand.
|
|
Date:
| Fri Aug 16 08:42:59 2002
| Name:
| Kim McClain
| E-mail:
| kebo@myexcel.com
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| Fort Wayne,IN
| How the site | was found:
| Comments:
|
|
|
Date:
| Wed Aug 14 17:15:15 2002
| Name:
| Tracey Knight
| E-mail:
| traceyk49783@yahoo.com
| Organization:
|
| Location:
|
| How the site | was found: I looked for advice from Mr. Kohn
| Comments:
| I agree with everything I have ever heard Mr. Kohn say
about rewards and how they are not the answer. However, I am not sure what
is. I am a first year teacher and would like to control my classroom
without handing out rewards, but I am not sure how to go about it. If
anyone has any suggestions I would appreciate them before I fall into the
trap of rewarding my students for good behavior.
|
|
Date:
| Wed Aug 14 05:08:56 2002
| Name:
| wiroj tirakungovit
| E-mail:
| f8125003@hotmail.com
| Organization:
| Siam University
| Location:
| Bangkok
| How the site | was found: Finding on Edward Deming
| Comments:
| I would like to learn more about Deming.
|
|
Date:
| Tue Aug 13 06:52:02 2002
| Name:
| jennifer
| E-mail:
| jeni_langanwsu@yahoo.com
| Organization:
| student
| Location:
| wayne state university
| How the site | was found: article
| Comments:
|
|
|
Date:
| Fri Aug 9 12:07:27 2002
| Name:
| Charles Templer
| E-mail:
| chartemp@hssd.k12.wi.us
| Organization:
| Howard-Suamico Schools
| Location:
| Green Bay, WI
| How the site | was found: Attended a conference
| Comments:
| I enjoyed your presentation in Madison this week at the
Effective Schools Conference sponsored by Edgewood College.
|
|
Date:
| Wed Aug 7 19:31:26 2002
| Name:
| Heather Terrill
| E-mail:
| terrillh@verona.k12.wi.us
| Organization:
| Verona Area School District
| Location:
| Verona, WI (suburb of Madison, WI)
| How the site | was found: Long-time Alfie fan
| Comments:
| I believe strongly in public education yet also believe
that our institution needs radical changes to move away from
"factory-like" entities. I love Alfie's message(s) and am doing my part to
effect meaningful change in Wisconsin.
|
|
Date:
| Sun Aug 4 19:23:58 2002
| Name:
|
| E-mail:
| kpbregal@bellsouth.net
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| SC
| How the site | was found: Tonight thru a link from a homeschool site
| Comments:
| When my kids were in public school 5 years ago, I read
Punished by Reward and loved it--it explained why my 2 fast learners were
miserable at school and not learning much (they had gone in to first grade
already reading chapter and doing lots of math computation). We began
homeschooling the following year for a variety of reasons. Now some of the
homeschool accountability groups are saying that we will have to start
giving letter and numeric grades to our homeschoolers in each and every
subject. I am looking for a history of grading in the US--when did it
become status quo? I have been homeschooling with a basic knowledge of
what I am hoping they learn in each subject area and then watching for
that teachable moment. So far it seems to be working for us. I have no
idea what we will do if they go to requiring numeric grades (how can you
say what 5-age they get for playing the piano or drawing a picture or
reading a book??)
|
|
Date:
| Sun Aug 4 13:12:56 2002
| Name:
| Lori Martin
| E-mail:
| lmmartin@chorus.net
| Organization:
|
| Location:
| Oregon, WI
| How the site | was found: The Schools Our Children Deserve
| Comments:
| Powerful book! I have written and highlighted so much, I
cannot lend the book to anyone. But I have purchased copies as gifts for
my friends. This book needs to be read by everyone (parents, teachers,
schoolboard members,congresspersons, etc) who wants ALL children to be
respected and valued.
|
|
Date:
| Sun Aug 4 04:01:22 2002
| Name:
| Lucia Weerstand
| E-mail:
| lucia.weerstand@tiscali.nl
| Organization:
| student
| Location:
| The Netherlands
| How the site | was found: searchmachine, looking for articles by Kohn
| Comments:
| I am writing my thesis on incentive campagnes as a
management tool to motivate employees. Mr. Kohn gives me a lot to think
about. As my next studie will make me a teacher, I was delighted to find
his articles on teaching. And now I finally understand why I love reading
when I am not in school and why I do not read a single book for pleasure
when I am taking classes.
|
|
Date:
| Sat Aug 3 10:54:13 2002
| Name:
| Jamie
| E-mail:
| JSMart26@aol.com
| Organization:
| Pike Township Schools
| Location:
| Indianapolis
| How the site | was found: my friend Mike L.
| Comments:
| just browsing...
|
|
Date:
| Sat Aug 3 08:12:33 2002
| Name:
| Bill Gills
| E-mail:
| wgills@earthlink.net
| Organization:
| High School Math teacher
| Location:
| New York City
| How the site | was found: Alfie's books
| Comments:
| And to think that our (teachers')unions (UFT, AFT, NEA) are
totally against almost everything Alfie proposes: his ideas on
behaviorism, standardized testing, constructivism, child-centered
teaching, etc. They fully support the "enemy": E. D. Hirsch, Diane Ravitch
& Company. They oppose teacher empowerment and teaching for
understanding and critical thinking. Why do we keep voting for these
anti-teacher, anti-student, overpaid union bureaucrats? A real shame,
shame, shame. Teachers have the power to change this situation.
Unfortunately, most of them have been "educated" in the same system to be
non-critical thinking, what's-in-it-for-me test-preppers who have no
understanding of what is going on around them. For those who have managed
to hang on to some desire to understand, Alfie Kohn's books, articles and
lectures will be of great value. But time is running out. And our
children, the next generation cannot wait.
|
|
Date:
| Fri Aug 2 16:02:27 2002
| Name:
| Ray Coleman
| E-mail:
| curay@aol.com
| Organization:
| WI Dept of Corrections
| Location:
| Oregon, WI
| How the site | was found:
| Comments:
| I just sent an email, but I wanted to add something. about
three or four months ago, I was in Barnes & Noble looking for
"Punished By Rewards," (I had lent my other copy out and forgot whom I
lent it to). I couldn't find a copy, but I ran into a young lady in the
"education" section. We started talking and she said she had to do a
report for her student teaching class. I suggested the book about
Discipline in the class room. On my way out she was coming from the check
out and told me she had purchased the book. This, I feel, will help her
become a much more effective teacher. Ray Coleman
|
|
Date:
| Fri Aug 2 15:57:44 2002
| Name:
| Ray Coleman
| E-mail:
| curay@aol.com
| Organization:
| WI Dept. of Corrections
| Location:
| Oregon, WI
| How the site | was found: "Punished By Rewards," inside back jacket flap
| Comments:
| I knew rewards and punishments did not work. I appreciate
Kohn's work and publishing on this topic. I run and AODA treatment program
in a prison. Of course, this attitude is contrary to punishing behavior to
change people's behaviors (attitudes!) Thanks for the contributions. Ray
Coleman
|
|
Date:
| Thu Aug 1 12:44:32 2002
| Name:
| Douglas Kirchner
| E-mail:
| DouglasFresh22@hotmail.com
| Organization:
| Student: Duquesne University
| Location:
| Pittsburgh, PA
| How the site | was found: Influenced to find after reading several of Mr. Kohn's
books
| Comments:
| As an aspiring educator about to begin my final semester of
undergraduate coursework, I have not found any other educator's opinions
and ideas to be more influential than those of Alfie Kohn's. I only pray
that more future educators will be lucky enough to stumble upon his
profound messages. One day, I hope to help his ideas become more
commonplace.
|
|
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