Girls only want boyfriends who have great skills.

Having 21st century skills means having lots of skills: “You know, like nunchuck skills, bow hunting skills, computer hacking skills..” (Napoleon Dynamite) But seriously, the pace at which our society is moving is insane. Being able to adapt and handle change without a melt down is vital. Also being able to communicate clearly- even effectively would be nice- the ability to collaborate is essential.

I wonder how much of this kind of education kids are really getting in school... My daughter finished Kindergarten this year and all they focused on was letters, reading, numbers, and beginning math. I may be a hard ass, but I would have loved to have seen some kind of group collaboration going on. I was there plenty... and would have gone crazy with the teacher during group activities, believe me- but I think it would have been worth it. Is there such a thing as too early to begin learning to collaborate?????

Renewing a credential in Oregon, or How to Die of Frustration

OK, so I'm trying here. I'm really trying. Been working on renewing this stinking credential for what seems like forever. FINALLY finished Discrimination and the Oregon Educator (do you hear the ominous lawyer type music in the background???), took the ORELA, took the Praxis, got a brand new copy of my CBEST card, and then.... wham!!! I've only worked 92 days in the last three years!! Soooo weird, because I've had students Fall, Spring, and Summer each year. I'm thinking something is seriously screwy here. I wish, as I know my compatriots do, that online teaching was looked at as being legit. I get that I haven't worked full time for three years, I mean DUH! But sheesh, only 92 days???? I called TSPC and the lovely guy on the phone told me my HTML classes should count toward getting enough days, and that I should probably breathe, it'll all be fine. Easy for him to say. Sheesh.

OK, I'm done whining now. Boy, some things are easier in CA (who'd a thunk that???). When you've got a clear credential, it's just click, enter your CC number and hit enter. Your lovely, fully renewed credential will be waiting in your mailbox in a couple of weeks. Sigh.......