Written By Joseph Deem Ed.D. Student screentime is defined as any time spent at school on a virtual device such as a computer, television, or phone. Student screentime is becoming a controversial issue with a backlash (techlash) growing within parent…
Standards Plus Boosts Student Success
Written By Joseph Deem Ed.D. DECLINING ACHIEVEMENT TEST SCORES Before the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 school years and before the negative impact of COVID’s remote learning debacle, national test scores were steadily increasing. Unfortunately, when students returned to school after the…
Dispelling Anti-Achievement Mythology Why Rigorous Standards and Achievement Tests are Essential
Written By Joseph Deem Ed.D. Myth 1 Rigorous standards and achievement tests stifle creativity. Myth 2 Rigorous standards and achievement tests always narrow the curriculum. Myth 3 Rigorous standards and achievement tests inevitably discriminate. A Misguided Trend is…
The Evolution of the Competent Learner Concept and How It Benefits Students
Written By Joseph Deem Ed. D Merriam Webster defines competence as having essential or adequate ability or qualities. In an educational setting, competence means having the necessary behaviors, ability, knowledge, or skill to enable learning. As an educator, competence means…
Grade Level Instruction Is Important For All Students
Written By Joseph Deem ED.D. Standards Plus staunchly advocates that schools should provide equal opportunities that ensure all students will learn their current grade-level standards. Students who fall behind should receive appropriate intervention while still learning important grade-level content. However, most…
CDE Release Learning Recovery Funds
In November 2022, the CDE released 3.9 billion dollars in Learning Recovery Emergency Block Grant funding to accelerate learning recovery. An additional 3.9 billion dollars will be apportioned in spring 2023. This funding is more flexible than previous Expanded Learning…