Gary Ackerman @garyackerman@qoto.org

The first step in arguing is to mischaracterize you opponent’s position.

Answers are boring. How you got them… that’s interesting.

It is so difficult for data-driven leaders when it is made clear their narrative is clearly not supported by the data.

Self-evident assumptions are often wrong.

My family did not eat chili, tacos, fajitas, enchiladas, etc. growing up. I’ve spent my adult life making up for lost meals.

I taught 30+ years… damned if I can remember any students’ score on anything. It’s almost like those weren’t the most important thing.

Want a sure sign the author is a scientist? They use the phrase, “I was wrong.”

No, actually the data do not support your decision.

It’s 2025. Don’t lie about things that can so easily be checked.

If you really understand it, then you don’t overreact to “the new study.”

Performing calculations is fine, but let’s not assume students will be able to select and use appropriate calculations to solve problems and let’s not assume there skill at computing transfers to skill in other areas.

I had the reputation of being that teacher who students could distract and as an avid story teller. What they didn’t figure out is each was timed to break the lesson… and the longest stories came when students obviously were dealing with chaos or drama from elsewhere.

Educators are a strange bunch:

They complain their students don’t learn, but they don’t change their methods.

“You can use technology or be used by it.”

I can't argue against that/

Just because I can’t explain it isn’t evidence you are correct.

When it comes clear you can’t “fix it from the inside,” but you stay anyways, you are complicit.

“The problem with this generation…” complaints are made by members of generations about whom the same complaints were made.

At least in education, individuals who take charge of their careers, become experts, leaders in professional organizations, etc. will find it necessary to change jobs as school leaders cannot allow experts on their staffs.

Yes, you appear to have difference. Until you test it statistically, don’t be sure.

“The rules are made by those who don’t want things to change.”

Some posts are more true than others.