Comments for When Falls the Coliseum

Comment on Do I always say, “Good game”? by J. Hitch

J. Hitch — Thu, 23 May 2013 13:29:00 +0000

“Good stuff” as usual Scott! I had a similar experience when my particular group of 7th and 8th grade girls finally beat a team we have been playing frequently for the last 3 years. We lined up to shake hands after the game where we automatically spout the traditional “good game” as we go down the line. At the end of the line I shook the the team trainer’s hand and he said as he was walking away… “It’s always a good game when you win”. I don’t think he’s right, but it did get me thinking… and I’m still thinking about that one.

Comment on Do I always say, “Good game”? by Dawn Skelly

Dawn Skelly — Thu, 23 May 2013 12:35:53 +0000

My daughter and I are doing some tough work right now. She hates it! She fights me verbally every step of the way, telling me “this is stupid, it won’t work”. Twenty minutes after are work is done; she touches my arm and tells me I’m a good mom and that she loves me. She knows I believe in her! That is what children get from years of meaningful “good games”. They know deep down that you do care. They learn to persevere and to have hope.
Good game, Scott!

Comment on Do I always say, “Good game”? by Roseann Olive DiMeglio

Roseann Olive DiMeglio — Thu, 23 May 2013 02:29:27 +0000

“Believe in them” is the key phrase in this entire article, Scott.
Kids can always tell when we believe in them. You certainly seem to have all of the bases covered in making good people out of these young athletes. Keep believing…I know, from personal experience, it works! So proud of you and your accomplishments!

Comment on Do I always say, “Good game”? by Kathy g

Kathy g — Tue, 21 May 2013 02:01:07 +0000

May I be the first to say, “Good job”, Scott!

Comment on The Emperor decrees an end to standardized testing by Chris Matarazzo

Chris Matarazzo — Sat, 18 May 2013 21:16:45 +0000

Even he answers to a greater power: The inimitable Scootsus Hamhockus Maximus.

Comment on The Emperor decrees an end to standardized testing by Scott W

Scott W — Fri, 17 May 2013 20:51:58 +0000

Now that’s using the power of the emperor for good.

Comment on Opting out of standardized tests by Chris Matarazzo

Chris Matarazzo — Tue, 14 May 2013 12:17:31 +0000

In new Jersey, it is about to get even more insane. Current sixth graders could see as many as 11 PARCC tests in high school, in the core subjects. These test will be required for promotion. The state is still working on the plan, but it is coming, nonetheless. Scary.

Those who can afford it might consider “opting-out” by enrolling their kids in private schools. While they use standardized tests, private schools tend to use the results as diagnosis for growth, instead as a high-stakes performance evaluation for kids and teachers.

Comment on Opting out of standardized tests by Roseann Olive DiMeglio

Roseann Olive DiMeglio — Wed, 08 May 2013 16:08:48 +0000

Think back on the worst day of any one of your school years and ask if this is the time slot you want to use in determining your life success or failure. This is what happens to many of our children because so much emphasis has been placed on standardized tests. A young Jersey Shore student, who happens to be dyslexic, is still fighting the powers that be for a change in thinking regarding her fate in not being permitted to get a diploma from high school because of her inability to pass the state test. Fair? I don’t think so, but so it goes for many of our children who are unable to perform well in standard testing situations. One day does not dictate what a student has absorbed during his school years. With all the progress being made to address individual needs…how could we keep missing this one? Opting out sounds like a great option to me. Hooray!!!

Comment on Opting out of standardized tests by Profe

Profe — Wed, 08 May 2013 00:09:32 +0000

In Washington DC opting out is not an option anymore. Students who opt out face consequences such as being removed from their sports team. Not every school is doing it though. People are scared here. Nobody complains but everyone hates the testing. SAD

Comment on Opting out of standardized tests by Dawn Skelly

Dawn Skelly — Tue, 07 May 2013 13:25:50 +0000

A story near and dear to my heart Scott.
I wrote a letter to my district 2 weeks ago and “opted” my
daughter out of NJ-ASK last week. I did it out of frustration with my districts test based curriculum. She has been going over testing “drills” for the entire month of April. She is forced to take NJ-ASK Prep as her special each day. The amount of information being pushed at my child(not taught) was incredible. There was very little learning going on, just a frantic atmospere that I could feel each day my child came home with more and more review work.
The Guidance dept seemed rather shocked at my choice, in fact they seemed shocked that I had a choice. I will tell every parent I know that they have a choice. United Opt Out National was a wonderful tool for me. I will be opting her out every year that I can.