I had to do a double take to make sure this was for real:

https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/coronavirus/back-at-school-pandemic-continues-but-life-goes-on-at-wenatchee-and-eastmont-highs/article_b9d7ae06-762e-11eb-abef-bbb60008f62a.html

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I currently teach freshman biology for science majors where between 30-50% of the students drop the class or get less than a C. The problem is not only academic unreadiness, it is lack of self-awareness: Many have no clue as to how unready they are for science or health-related fields. Shockingly, some of them repeat the class and fail this class three times in a row! I shared this article with them to give them some much needed perspective. I stumbled on it by accident when ...

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Someone recently made the "misteak" of registering for my class. To set the record straight, I never give "pop quizzes". I give frequent quizzes and allow students to prepare a 4X6 notecard which may be used during each quiz. If you want to vent about your professor, then "you can be my guess" but at least tell the truth. This is why I recommend better screening of college applicants.

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The Obama administration proposed a new program whereby students pay nothing to attend the first two years of any community college. For people (like myself) whose employment depends on enrollment, this may seem like a good thing, but unless you have no qualms about inflating grades or do not mind playing "hatchet man" to a disproportionate number of students, you should not be celebrating: This is little more than gimmick to shore up the youth vote for his party. It also ties in with the idi...
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I have not posted for over a month because I am teaching introductory biology while taking education classes to broaden my options. I am also reeling from the culture shock of teaching so many students who have no idea how unready they are for college. This was less of an issue when I taught introductory chemistry because the students were screened by means of an entrance exam. Obama once said that "everyone" should go to college. Whether or not you voted for him, most science...

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This article on how poorly education departments prepare teachers confirms what I've already known for years. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that many administrators also know this and will preferentially hire uncertified teachers (when regulations allow it) to avoid the baggage of teacher education school training! It's nice to know that some of the people in charge did not drink the Kool-Aide.

I've know this ever since my wife became a certified teacher. I would estimate that about 30% ...
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