Disqus - Latest Comments for ChrisGoering

Re: Poverty, race and grades | NWADG

ChrisGoering — Tue, 14 Mar 2017 06:45:21 -0000

Judy, rather than oversimplifying and distorting the message about a school, which we argue is exactly what a single letter grade does, a system that took into account many more factors than achievement could help guide decisions about schools that wouldn't have the same results, ones as we mention that could have the appearance of being tools of racial or class segregation. I would argue that no school deserves their current ranking, A-F and we should look at achievement scores (how the students did on a single test, sometimes given on a single day) as an extremely small part of whatever equation exists. Currently, achievement and growth are 100% of the score. That's wrong.

Re: Only Love Will Break Your Heart

ChrisGoering — Mon, 21 Nov 2016 15:48:56 -0000

The music in this episode is incredible, adding layers of meaning to Tarkington's already sophisticated descriptions and writing. Listening to this feels like experiencing a symphony of thought and sound with host Minnick serving as a maestro.

Re: U of A Professor Reflects on Obama's Education Agenda

ChrisGoering — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 14:19:22 -0000

From my perspective, someone who is a proud public education advocate and someone who is proudly liberal, President Obama is the worst education president in history. Race to the Top took the best educational mythology from the Bush Era disaster of No Child Left Behind, doubled down on it, gave an already rabid dog a new set of titanium plated teeth (Race to the Top, CCSS, PARCC, Smarter Balanced, VAM, etc.), and made it seem like the new cool thing to do to privatize education. That said, I always look forward to hearing different takes on issues and am sure this book will deliver precisely that.

Re: New Standardized Test Causing Debate In Arkansas

ChrisGoering — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 11:21:06 -0000

Doesn't this interfere with basic parental rights? If a parent of a student of mine in English class doesn't want their child to read a book I'm teaching, they say so and guess what I do, I find something else for that student to do. How is this different? I wrote a piece on this issue last year http://www.edusanity.com/20...

I'm also the state representative for Arkansas Opt Out: www.unitedoptout.org.

Re: Tides

ChrisGoering — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 13:45:08 -0000

Rob,

I couldn't agree more on all accounts. That was a great post by Aaron too. There is a fine line between taking yourself too seriously and being cliche.

I had a lady at an open jam tell me the other day that I "attract sadness" because the songs I have written and sing and cover are sad. They are. I will be the first to admit but isn't real life, when you want to really look at it, sad too?

I am anything but sad. I am completely fascinated by people in difficult situations and feel by telling their stories, others will feel better about their depressed lives.

When I sing North Dakota by Chris Knight, it physically hurts me inside because it is such a poignant story. I become the narrator of that song because it is so well written. Literature is the affective. It is emotional and if the audience is every going to get that in a song, the singer (writer) must be willing to give it, and give it in terms the listener can relate to.

What are five happy, uplifting songs that are intelligently written and challenging? The lady who said that plays is 100% bubble gum crapola. Maybe that is what she understands.

To quote Ryan Adams, "I am a sad song machine."

Re: Competition is getting stronger

ChrisGoering — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 01:24:44 -0000

You are a genius.

Your best friend,