Mike Reno
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On the article Rochester Patch Readers Discuss New Teen Cell Phone Law
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On the article Rochester Patch Readers Discuss New Teen Cell Phone Law
Mike Reno
4:20 pm on Thursday, March 28, 2013
Some of us can walk and chew gum at the same time.
And some are drivers who are awful, regardless of whether they they are not talking on a cellphone or not.
Why not punish those who drive 20 in a 45, instead of punishing those of us who are capable of driving and talking?
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On the article Donation Will Help Develop 70-Acre Park in Rochester Hills
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On the Blog Post Education Edition: What Would You Improve in Rochester Community Schools in 2013?
Mike Reno
11:28 pm on Friday, March 15, 2013
Joshua was probably smart to avoid it because it's pretty tough to talk about the teaching profession, or offer any perspective on potential improvements, without getting accused of "bashing". If you are trying to have a productive conversation about education, it's best to avoid that particular topic in these kinds of public forums.
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On the Blog Post Thank you, RCS Administration and Board of Education!
Mike Reno
10:05 pm on Sunday, March 10, 2013
ReplyThis is indeed a great decision. And thanks to you and Michelle Bueltel for pushing for it!
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On the Blog Post Can Rochester's New Superintendent Make a Difference?
Mike Reno
5:01 pm on Thursday, February 28, 2013
Yes, when you look at the article with a particular mindset, you are going to see what you want to see.
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On the Blog Post Can Rochester's New Superintendent Make a Difference?
Mike Reno
12:54 pm on Thursday, February 28, 2013
ReplyCheryl, there is not one sentence in your post that is a logical extension of this discussion, and I really can’t understand what you are attempting to introduce here, unless you are attempting to imply that ME or others believe this sort of nonsense, which would really be a cheap shot.
“rewriting history books… allowing media sources to shape the belief systems” --- who on earth said anything about THAT?
“book extinction, sensationalism, and short attention spams” --- who on earth wants THAT?
“being led by a generation that was never given guidance as to how to critically analyze information” --- who on earth wants to allow THAT?
“completely eliminate core curriculum” --- nobody here has proposed THAT!
And the parting shot at “capitalists” is completely out of left field… pun intended.
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On the Blog Post Can Rochester's New Superintendent Make a Difference?
Mike Reno
7:52 pm on Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Good question. I believe AP participation has probably increased, although the district does not really disclose meaning data. I also believe they have more AP offerings.
I believe they are attempting to use data in a more meaningful way.
A few years ago they took a step backwards on math, and have not recovered. We had 33% of our 8th graders taking geometry, and now it is less than 5%.
They should implement math 6 in elementary.
They should move physical science to 8th grade.
They are trying double size classrooms for AP, which is a good intro to college classes.
They should allow more input into teacher selection. THIS WOULD BE VERY HELPFUL, and could also provide some interesting data points for the district.
They should take student and parent surveys at the end of each semester.
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On the Blog Post Can Rochester's New Superintendent Make a Difference?
Mike Reno
4:56 pm on Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Hi Wendy…
Yes, we’ve had some good discussions. And yes, there have indeed been some incremental improvements in the district, but I guess I don’t see the leaps and bounds that you describe.
As far as the Mackinac Center goes… I don’t just read them… I try to contribute to them. I know school folks don’t like the Mackinac Center analysis, but they’ve got some pretty insightful perspectives that could benefit schools IF educators would only shed the “circle the wagons” reactions to any discussion of education. For the most part, educators tune out anyone who doesn’t sing their praises.
We hear this from the schools all the time… You have it good, so pipe down.
Keep in mind that you are looking at things from a PROVIDER perspective, while I am looking at it from a CONSUMER perspective. I’ve got kids in the system. I think we’ve had some good experiences, and some not-so-good experiences. We've had some great teachers... and some not-so-great teachers. Some of the administrators have been very accommodating trying to help us work through this system, while others have not.
I guess I’m curious how you can feel comfortable telling me that we’re having a good experience with the district?
How can you judge the working relationship?
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On the Blog Post Can Rochester's New Superintendent Make a Difference?
Mike Reno
2:37 pm on Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Yeah, I remember those days too. Sitting in the dealership, with a printed catalog, and a paper form. The dealer would use his rotary dial phone to call in the order! Or, he might use one of those new-fangled FAX machines!
Yes, the good 'ole days, before computers and computer based instruction. Before the internet, and instant access online video libraries. Before tablets and smartphones.
:-)
Just joking around.
I see your point, but I really think technology has come a long way, and is vastly underutilized in education. I'm not talking about the "replace the teacher with a computer" scenario that some are likely to latch onto, but am instead talking about customized computer instruction PRESCRIBED by the educator, and the computer-based data collection and report that can be a tool FOR THE EDUCATOR.
Somehow the message here is not being received. I am not saying that auto industry is great, and we should model education after the auto industry. I'm saying that GM was a dinosaur -- just like our education system -- and they have been able to turn the corner. A long way to go, yes, but they have started on the path.
In education, it certainly seems like we still live by the old Henry Ford philosphy of "You can have any color you want, as long as you want black."
Mike Reno
4:20 pm on Thursday, March 28, 2013
I absolutely agree with the restriction on new drivers. They have enough to learn about driving.
But this notion of banning it for all of us is going a bit far.
Some of us can walk and chew gum at the same time.
And there are some drivers who are awful, regardless of whether they they are not talking on a cellphone or not.
Let's stick with enforcing the existing laws, and punish those who drive 20 in a 45, instead of punishing those of us who are capable of driving and talking.