Topic #1 — Book Thoughts (The Mark of the Educated Person)
Everybody knows the six virtues of the educated person, so why do public schools teach only three? Read about this and other topics related to improving education.
Topic #2 — College Students’ K-12 Experiences
This four-part blog shares the final exam responses of college students who were in high school just a few years ago. These aspiring teachers discuss the art and science of teaching, what their schools were like, and their experiences with tests and three curricula.
Topic #3 — Media Reviews
These blogs review the good, the bad, the beautiful, and the ugly of what gets published and produced in the American discussion of public education. I pay special attention to how these media define what it means to be educated.
Topic #3 — NurtureSchlock
This 3-part blog discusses NurtureShock; a popular book about the “new science of child rearing.” Read why philosophy offers child rearing guidance that is more useful than social science findings.
Topic #4 — Other Six-Virtue Lists
This four-part blog explains why understanding, imagination, strong character, courage, humility and generosity are the six virtues of the educated person.
Topic #5 — Rejected Manuscripts
I submit manuscripts to journals with themes that relate to ideas in my book. Here I publish rejected manuscripts and related commentaries.
Topic #6 — The Emperor’s New Clothes
Apparently, I have been influenced by my mother, who was fond of pointing out that physicians, and other so-called experts, were just guessing about how to solve problems. Yes, Mom — when they believe they are wearing the finest, their nakedness reveals more than one stark reality. Enjoy.
Topic #7 — Usefulness of the 6-virtue Definition
One of the great ironies of American public education is the belief that educational research findings are useful. The irony is that they are not, but a deep, meaningful philosophy of education is. These blogs give examples of how this works.
