Gary Ackerman @garyackerman@qoto.org

I was asked once why I stopped teaching in the middle of a lesson during which I was observed by a principal in the back of the room. “Because they appeared to be thinking,” I said. He told me I had wasted several minutes of teaching time.

Can one both advocate for social justice in our schools and administer tests and other instruments rife with prejudice?

A blog post, now with audio, describing two math activities:
https://hackscience.education/2018/09/22/a-disturbing-observation/

Educators often face uncomfortable situations when philosophically opposed to school initiatives. Should we always follow, or sometimes challenge?

Another concerning initiative: replacing valuable coding and computer explorations with "time to practice for standardized tests." Is this progress?

A school administrator, asked about grading system changes, responded: "I can do what you want... Proficiencies? Traditional grades? I can do that too." Flexibility or lack of conviction?

It's unfortunate school leaders trust advice from politicians, philanthropists, and business people over their own knowledge. Educators know education best.

A blog post on educators' responsibility to question school initiatives.
https://hackscience.education/2018/10/11/should-educators-judge-initiatives/

I’m only familiar with the this is #education... do opinions get cited as evidence in other fields as well?

I added some cryptic items to my “to do” list last evening at about 6:30. I have no idea what I’m supposed to do. How long do I wait until I just scratch it off?

Yes, I can tell you really want it to be true. No, I’m sorry that doesn’t make it true.

Data without documentation is useless.

A post of learning in a world dominated by AI
https://hackscience.education/2025/08/17/avoid-black-box-learning/

When quacks get a platform and dupe an audience... bad things happen.

If you are “BS-ing” your answer, we can tell... and we trust you and your decisions less than if you had just said, “I don’t know.” #leadership

Professional learning for educators encompasses: Training (procedures), Learning (understanding tech's role), and Design (creating new solutions). Each requires a different approach. #ProfessionalDevelopment #EdTechPD

You want students to be responsible and independent, but you dictate how they spend every moment, including when they can use the rest room.

And you don’t see an inconsistency here?

I don’t trust “leaders” who can’t bear silence in meetings.

Yes, your data seem valid and reliable... it is your interpretation that is dubious.

If your #students find no connection to what you teach, your standards, assessments, plans, data, etc... none of it matters... even if your have followed all the recommendations and even had workshops in how to teach.