Andrew Hacker: Is Algebra Necessary? (PUUUUUUUUKE)

[mbperrin]

36. I would invite you to room 160 at Odessa High School for any class period after school starts on

August 28. Write any message you want in 6" or 8" or foot high letters on the board. Point to it, read it aloud, then tell the class to copy it and turn it in within 60 seconds for an immediate "A' for the first 3 weeks' progress report.

I've done this for three years now, and just about half the class asks what we're doing as people rise to turn in their paper.

Trying to control cell phones is the toughest classroom issue I've had in 17 years of teaching.

BTW, the school has a zero tolerance policy for them, and charges $15 for every phone picked up by a principal.

I have been voted favorite senior social studies teacher 14 out of 17 years, and I believe it is because I am a cranky old man who yells at kids and shows he actually gives a damn about them.