Technolandy

Day 101 (of 2025/26) 3 news stories for this week: gifted learning; dresscode again!; math needs/wants…; bonus around considerations about what does graduation ‘guarantee’?  

1. Loving the questions about ‘gifted’ learning that has popped up… need a score, but what does the score https://apple.news/AKQxiHRDsTBGA-NIUxNKZmA but really, what does TAG (Talented & Gifted as but one example) really ‘mean’… and does changing their program help? Recent research highlights many of the equity gaps that have been seen upon reflection with historically underserved groups overlooked in many programs. Scholars looking for measurements beyond IQ or single tests to reduce bias – and many reflect that the segregated programs did not benefit the learners nor society as once hoped…
2. Equality = no dresses dresscode? A ‘streamlined’ dress code policy is very gender focused… ‘trousers only’. Sales points: simpler! No distinctions! Inclusive! More durable!  https://apple.news/AOIOQg5PmTd6VLZJvEWoDMQ  waiting patiently for one of the English boards to go with ‘skirts only’ for the exact same reasons… 
3. Ugh of the week – math needs… more standardized tests… https://apple.news/Ab4VKcHUwTUiKdcJGDo14jg – because it’s worked so well… I am curious how this professor does on the annual/quarterly standardized tests they take part in to ensure they are efficient mathers – I’d even take some samples of mad minute scores… or is that NOT part of what mathers do in the real world…? Always a fun debate to talk about the (right vs right) greater importance: Relationships or Subject Specialists when teaching/learning.   But math licenses to teach it??  I still recall tears about math some of the people taking a “Math 400” course so that they (we) could apply to the fFaculty of Education… 

Bonus – where are the jobs we are saying our graduates will get following their completion of courses decided for them? https://apple.news/AHwbilmBuRKCR5fWAkhGmKA  average of 123 applicants for each internship available (360,000 applicants for Golman sachs 2,600 intern positions. More grads & fewer jobs….! Watch for more articles like “Jobs apocalypse” https://apple.news/AfvA_yD9lS2SenSQxwMgoNA and consider what we are ‘promising’ our students about their formal learning journeys…!

Extra Bonus re BC Teacher Contract: last election there was a statement about an EA in every primary room – but a program that put an ECE into kindergarten rooms is phasing out… https://apple.news/ACtdUNsbbSiGHFWGU0xnayA no other news other than teachers and employer are at the bargaining table! Always a good sign!