Rigor and (Civil) Rights: Helping Mississippi Students See Beyond the Delta

Published on June 1, 2008, in Edutopia Magazine, with audio slide show published on edutopia.org.

http://www.edutopia.org/sunflower-county-freedom-project
http://www.edutopia.org/how-to-regional-history-resources
http://www.edutopia.org/freedom-project-slide-show

In the landscape of the Mississippi Delta, where transportation, field trip destinations, volunteers, guest speakers, and funding are in short supply, the Freedom Project is something very special. Using Sunflower County's unique history as a hotbed of civil rights activity in the 1960s as an inspiration and program model, the Freedom Project attempts what to some may seem impossible: to raise Sunflower County's estimated 52.4 percent graduation rate and ensure that each of its participants goes to college -- and succeeds there.

Maker Faire

Aired on KQED's The California Report Magazine on Friday, May 2, 2008

http://www.californiareport.org/archive/R805021630/b

For many of us, the county fair conjures up images of carnival rides, the sweet taste of cotton candy and the earthy smells of farm animals. San Mateo County offers a different twist on the tradition. The attractions at this weekend's Maker Faire aren't objects that you'd find on store shelves. The fair is a celebration of creativity and imagination -- and that's why mainstream manufacturers are among those checking it out.

Good Day Sunshine: Students Rise to Solar-Car Challenge

Published on Edutopia.org on April 18, 2008.

In the Rio Grande Valley in Texas, one high school's new project-learning program is piquing students' interest in higher education and building their critical-thinking skills.

http://www.edutopia.org/solar-car-critical-thinking

Crowning the Best Barista

Aired on KQED's The California Report Friday, April 4, 2008

http://www.californiareport.org/archive/R804041630/f

It's said that across the world, coffee is the second-most consumed beverage after water. For baristas -- experts in making espresso drinks -- coffee is second to none. Thirty-five of the best baristas from California and Hawaii faced off in Berkeley last weekend at the Western Regional Barista Competition.

Treasured Island: Giving Students Real Skills and Real Responsibilities

Published on April 1, 2008 in Edutopia Magazine, with audio slide show published on edutopia.org.

http://www.edutopia.org/small-maine-school
http://www.edutopia.org/how-to-real-world-projects
http://www.edutopia.org/learning-vessel-slide-show

Located on an island twelve miles off the coast of Maine, North Haven Community School is the smallest K-12 school in the state. But this scrappy school has, often out of necessity, developed innovations that can inspire schools of any size, anywhere.

Teaching With Passion: Advice for Young Educators

Published on March 25, 2008 on edutopia.org

http://www.edutopia.org/jonathan-kozol-advice-teachers

I write about Jonathan Kozol, a hero to many teachers and advocate for students in high-poverty schools. In Letters to A Young Teacher and in talks to educators at the New Teacher Center Symposium, Kozol talks about building relationships, fostering creativity, and standing up for students.

Living Legends: Oral History Projects Bring Core Subjects to Life

Published on March 4, 2008 on edutopia.org

http://www.edutopia.org/oral-history-projects

I get to talk to some of my favorite educators, and discuss one of my favorite student projects, in this month's project based learning article.