With the feelings of panic and uncertainty we’re facing with the Coronavirus, you’d think the last thing parents would be wondering about is required achievement testing. Many of you, though, are thinking about it for a good reason. Educators use achievement testing to do more than simply comply with state law; their primary interest in…
Most physicians recommend exercising 3 hours a week. What does this look like? There seems to be a consensus among doctors and personal trainers not to do your 3 hours all in one day. The results of exercising 3 hours a week in one session does not produce the same fitness level as 6 days…
Well, yes. I’m writing about doing “this” again, and again, and again. I’m talking about practice as another factor in improving your student’s memory of what you’re teaching. Practice, though, is not simply doing something over and over again. When you think about setting up a practice strategy, you have three questions to answer. They…
A California surfer new to the Northwest decides to try snowboarding. In his mind the sports are virtually identical, using the same movement patterns to get the same results. The only difference is that a surfboard glides on top of water, a snowboard on snow. The surfer, once off the lift, straps in and points…
Live, Die, Repeat. That’s the subtitle of a science fiction movie, Edge of Tomorrow. Tom Cruise plays a soldier who repeats the same day of combat, living and dying over and over again. The key to his surviving longer into each repeating day is dependent on his learning and remembering what to do and what…
Terry Hershey tells a story in his latest book, This is the Life, in which a first grade teacher asked her students to name one or more of the seven wonders of the world. Student answers came quickly like The Great Wall of China, The Grand Canyon, The Empire State building, etc. One student was…
Dear Friends & Family, I wanted to give you an update on Curt’s health as it has been awhile since I’ve written. First, thank you all for your prayers for our family and the practical support you have provided us this past year. We are grateful for the cards, texts, financial help and the…
I’m sure you’re familiar with the commercial in which the pharmacist approaches a customer and the narrator asks, “Are you concerned with mild memory loss?” As I watch it, I answer to myself, “Well maybe, but I don’t remember.” Sarcasm aside, there are several factors to be aware of that if implemented will help your…
Dear Clients and Friends of Basic Skills, Just a brief announcement regarding changes here at Basic Skills. As of the 2019-2020 school year, we will not be offering classes. It’s been a pleasure to serve you by offering quality instruction for many years. Basic Skills will continue to make its focus on testing, tutoring, and…
This was one of the most anticipated days of the elementary school where I was the principal. On this day we would study the world of apple seeds. We would bob for apples. We would drink apple cider. There would be games. And most importantly, we would learn about John Chapman, better known as Johnny…