December 2016

It is finally here!

The final month of the year is here.

December has arrived and with it this year we have known as 2016 comes to an end.

In education we are coming back from the Fall break, and heading into the Winter break, while trying to do as much learning as possible in the little time in between.

There will be those who will attempt to dismiss all learning until we return next year, but we must not let this take place.

There is too much to loose if we do not continue on not just in learning, but in time and effort.

This is a challenging time for students, teachers, parents, administrators, and all who make education possible, but we can all continue to support each other just a little bit longer, then we can all head into the winter break, the final break of the year, knowing and feeling well about where we are in our educational path.

Before we all head off into that wonderful winter break, and holiday parties, let's make sure that we have done our best so we may close the year in an equal manner. 



Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2016.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

November 2016

November is here!!!

The second to last month of the year, and with it:
A change in time (Daylight Savings),
A chance to vote (Election Day),
and various holidays that allow us to:
Honor the dead, those who have served,
and even an opportunity to give thanks.

Some in education may be fortunate enough to also have a Fall break and get to rest before December arrives.

All these breaks and holidays are well deserved and fun for students as they get to miss school to spend time doing "Nothing" as they so often answer when asked what their plans are, or what they ended up doing. However, these breaks can cause a disruption in the continuity of a student's education development.  Without planning and preparation, these breaks can, in some cases, cause a loss of education instruction time and a need to re-learn and re-study that which teachers had covered in class previously.

Educators also deserved to enjoy these breaks, but must keep in mind that a few minutes of extra lesson planning can go a long way to preventing this reoccurring temporary loss of learning that can happen over breaks in education.  Through creative lesson plans, and by encouraging students to pursuit education on their own, teachers can turn these holiday breaks into learning opportunities that can help students avoid lapses in knowledge, making them spring forward in their overall development and growth in school.

Have a wonderful November!


Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2016.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

Happy Halloween

Here's to hoping that everyone who celebrates has a wonderful and safe Halloween this October 31st.

Some ideas to consider in lesson planning for Halloween include geometric shapes, lighting effects, pumpkin carving design, etc.  Here are some examples to consider:

• How do shapes change the facial features of a traditional Jack-o-Lantern?

• If the eyes are triangles, does the orientation have an effect on the expression?

• How does the thickness of the pumpkin alter the need for a bright source of light to be placed inside the Jack-o-Lantern?

• If the source is placed at the bottom, does the carving need to be adjusted to reflect the glow effect at night?

Enjoy, and again, be safe at night!


Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2016.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

October 2016

"Pumpkin Patch" (Illustration by the author)

October is here and with it comes the changing of the color in the foliage.

Autumn marks its return as the leaves fall down from the branches of the tree to be carried in the wind.

Harvest season is upon us and serves as a reminder, that if we have not started to make preparations for the winter, there's not much time left.

October also brings changes to education for which we must prepare.

A look at the calendar, from now to the end of the year, reveals all the holidays and events that create breaks.

These breaks are good, and much needed, but they could turn bad if we do not take the time to properly schedule school projects, assignments, presentations, etc.

By planning a new schedule from now to the end of the year, educators can prepare their lessons and incorporate these series of breaks into learning experiences.

Educators should encourage students to pursuit further learning on their own, outside of the school and classroom setting.

And if you already have a plan, take the time to review it too, it is always better to be prepared and prudent.

Educators should also reach out and help other educators who may be struggling at the start of the year, or may have joined our schools after the school year started.



Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2016.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

September 2016

"September is now here and we have started a new school year.

New classmates, new classrooms, new teachers, new t-shirts.

Old classmates, old classrooms, old teachers, old t-shirts.

We all have a chance to begin on a good note and start on the right foot."

"It is the start of a journey, the beginning of an adventure.
Sometimes the path will be easy-going and straight forward.
Sometimes the path will challenge us to take a step back.
And every once in a while a fork on the road will offer a choice.

"So let us all, all of us, plan the best and safest route.
And reroute our direction if we ever get lost.
Let us all help each other reach the end of the school year.
And together as one we'll be able to cheer."



Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2016.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

2016 CAASPP Results

The results of the 2016 California Assessment of Student Progress and Performance (CAASPP) became available for the public to view on August 24th, 2016.  If you have not had a chance to view the results, I invite you to visit 2016 CAASPP Results and take a look for yourself.

As a whole, California students showed progress on both English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics (Math) state educational standards, with 49% of students performing at or above ELA standards and 37% of students performing at or above Math standards.  This is a 5% and 4% growth vs. last year results respectively.  Congratulations to all students, parents, teachers, educators, and stakeholders and educational leaders throughout California for a job well done! Let's keep the momentum going as we continue to settle in to the new school year.

The primary concern remains that more than 50% of students in California continue to perform below standard (51% ELA - 63% Math) so there is much work to be done and plenty of progress to be made as we continue to prepare students for both college and career.  The challenge remains to do our best so that students can meet and exceed the standards set so they may have the tools they need to succeed.



Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2016.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

August 2016

The 2016-17 School Year.Welcome Back!!!

It is that time of the year again.
It is time to get ready ... BECAUSE WE ARE GOING BACK TO SCHOOL!!!

MRCR Education is ready to get the 2016-17 academic school year ready.

The 2nd annual Better Together: California Teachers Summit was a great event to get things started, and to those who participated, our work will be #BetterTogether if we continue to collaborate with colleagues, students, parents, administrators, and all who care and want to be involved in #Education.

Soon, it will also be time to assess how California students performed in the CAASPP, and how much progress they achieved.

We hope that everyone is as exited as we are to begin this new school year, and we wish everyone a successful year.

Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2016.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

2015 Better Together: California Teachers Summit. A Look Back

This Friday is the second annual Better Together: California Teachers Summit.

Here is a look back at last year's event at the CSU East Bay location.

We look forward to this year's event as educators across California kick off the 2016-17 School Year.

For more information visit cateacherssummit.com and follow them on Twitter @CATeacherSummit using the hashtag #CATeachersSummit  See you there!!!

Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2016.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

The Learning Process During Summer Break

The Learning Process can take a toll during Summer break.

During the school year the learning process should be at peak performance. 

Through teaching information can go into the brain to be processed, organized, and be ready to be applied at a moment's notice.

Students study what they are taught and use that information to think critically, take on challenges, create creative solutions, communicate clearly, and assess presented argumentation.

During Summer break this process is interrupted for its longest period of time in comparison to school year holidays and breaks.

If nothing is done to continue on with the learning process during summer break, when returning to school the following year could delay the time it takes to get back to learning peak performance, causing a delay in reaching full learning potential.

To prevent this from taking place it is important to maintain the Learning Process as we take that well deserved Summer Break.

This can be done by taking summer classes, reading and writing regularly, practicing arts or doing crafting, participating in camps or other learning opportunities, as they may be available. 

Enjoy Summer Break!!!

Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2016.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

July 2016

HAPPY 4th OF JULY

Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2016.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

June 2016

June marks the arrival of Summer and the end of the 2015-16 school year.

The class of 2016 has been evaluated.  They have reached many educational accomplishments.  As educators we hope that they continue on their way to become life long learners.  Their educational path reaches a crossroad as graduation takes center stage.

To all who have successfully completed all the requirements needed to move on to the next grade, congratulations!!!

Thank you to all who have been a part of the success students have achieved: Parents, Teachers, Educators, Administrators, Support Staff, and Volunteers.

Each of your has done their part and played the role needed to help students succeed.

MRCR Education also extends a special thanks to all who have helped us continue to achieve our mission and vision of providing professional education services.

Through your leadership in meetings, trainings, conferences, and webinars you have provided us with new ideas, critical knowledge, and efficient skills.


To those who visit our website, read our blog, and follow us on Twitter, we thank you and hope you continue to do so.

Have A Wonderful Summer!!!

Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2016.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

Why It's Important To Participate in Graduation Ceremonies

You have completed all the requirements.  Even gone above and beyond.  It has been checked and double checked by you, your friends, your school counselor, it is a fact: You are going to graduate.

But why bother going to graduation?  The school is not going to present you with the real diploma, degree, or certificate until the end of the ceremony or even later on (by the way, this is done to prevent anyone from trying to act a fool one last time).  Instead, skip graduation and get a jump start on the after party, or summer vacation, or just call it a day.

Well, perhaps it is worth reconsidering that last option, tempting as it may be, and don the cap and gown along with your classmates.  It is important, though not nescesary, to participate in this last educational rite of passage, to participate in your graduation ceremony.  To be with your classmates one last time and share what could become that last good-bye. To walk onto that stage, have your name be called out-loud, and be presented with that sheepskin.  To have a chance to share this moment with your loved ones and thank them for all they have done to help you achieve this moment.

This is way it is important to participate in graduation ceremonies.  To have an event that will bring both closure and conclution to what has been a long journey along our educational path.



Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2016.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

To the Class of 2016

Let me begin by saying to you Congratulations!

Each one of you has completed the requirements needed to be known as graduates of the class of 2016.

Each one of you has taken a unique path to reach this point in time where you stand with your classmates.

Each one of you has reached a great academic achievement.

Once again, Congratulations.


We should also thank those who have helped us along our way through the path we have taken.

Parents, Guardians, Teachers, Coaches, Counselors, Administrators, Support Staff, and all other Educators who have had a significant impact in helping the Class of 2016 reach this incredible honor.


To you, Class of 2016, I have but four things to say:

Be Good.

Be Nice.

Be Smart.

Be Humble.


Congratulations Class of 2016!!!



Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2016.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

May 2016

The 2015-16 school year has reached its last full month.

May is the last full month of school left this year, a journey that began back in September of last year.

Students have been learning in their classrooms from their teachers for almost a whole year.

Soon, it will be time to assess the growth and progress of the education they've received.

On this day, MRCR Education joins those showing their support for all educatiors on #TeacherAppreciationDay.

We would like to thank and recognize teachers each and every day, and today, we show that appreciation by saying: "Thank You Teachers".

As we begin preparations for the Class of 2016 and their graduation, promotion, or other form of advancement, it is worth taking the time to do a school year assessment of education in our learning, studies, and teachings.


Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2016.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

April 2016

As we begin the month of April, and our students return from spring break, we position ourselves and enter the final home stretch.

Another education year is coming to an end and graduation, or promotion, should be bestowed upon students who meet or exceed the necessary requirements.

Assessment becomes the process by which the knowledge and understanding of our students is measured.

By assessing what has been learned and studied by students, and taught by teachers and administrators, we can determine the value of the education that has been provided throughout the school year.

As we begin the final chapters of the class of 2016, we should take account of all that has taken place in their education, not just in the classroom, but outside of it too.

Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2016.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

How to Integrate Elements of HAST in Education

The principles of HAST (Humanities, Arts, Science, Technology) can be integrated into education through the development of the following key elements: Argumentative Introduction, Presentation of Evidence, Critique & Counterargument, Defense of Argument.

When students learn and develop these key elements of HAST, their educational growth and success should increase.  Students can then apply each of these elements to other areas of study, and in turn, encourage them to pursue further learning through higher education.

ARGUMENTATIVE INTRODUCTION
Introduce your argument with confidence, strength, and clarity.  Whether it is a scientific research paper, a classroom debate or discussion, or an expression of artistic freedom, without an argumentative introduction the chance to succeed will be reduced significantly if not eliminated.  Just as it is important for the track and field sprinter to get off the blocks cleanly and begin the race with a good first step, so should it be to the student who is presenting a theory, hypothesis, or statement.

PRESENTATION OF EVIDENCE
Your argument should be based on solid evidence from reliable sources.  As you introduce your argument, be prepared to present the evidence you have in support of it.  The best way to build your argument is through evidence, the best way to build evidence is through research.  Observe, inquire, and read, find out what is known, what studies are out there, and who has presented prior evidence that will be of help to you.

CRITIQUE & COUNTERARGUMENT
Having introduced your argument and presented evidence to support it, it is time to share it with the audience and embrace critique and counterarguments that could be made. Personal or professional disagreement, lack of confidence, strength, or clarity, questioning of the evidence presented, these and other reasoning can lead the audience to critique your argument and present their own counterargument when presented with your argument.  This is an important part of the process as it allows for adjustments to be made and new reasoning to be taken into consideration.

DEFENSE OF ARGUMENT
Your argument is your creation, defend it.  Find more evidence, collect more data, review the critique and counterarguments for validity and determine if they are to be regarded or discarded.  Try alternative approaches to introduce the argument or present the evidence.  Make adjustments to your argument by formatting or changing the approach.  Research that which can be used as critique and counterargument, and prepare your defense of argument.




Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2016.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

Defining STEAM Education

Scientific Principles
Leads to the Development
Of new Technology.

Technological Innovations
Improve Efficiency
In Engineering.

Engineering Design
Allows for the
Creation of Art.

Artistic Expression
Can Communicate
Abstract Ideas.

Mathematical Analysis
Of Data Models
Improve Science.



Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2016.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

Roadmap for Success with English Learners

INITIAL ASSESSMENT

Succeeding with English Learners begins with an initial assessment of their English language skill and their primary language of use.  With an accurate initial assessment of the student, placement into the educational process can become an efficient introduction to a new educational approach.


ACADEMIC REVIEW

With the establishment of a starting point in the education process of an English Learner through the Initial Assessment, the focus turns towards the academic review of the student. What does the EL know, and can the EL demonstrate this knowledge?  What has the EL learned and studied in a primary language?  How can the EL's academic achievement become match to a different measuring set of academic standards?


CONTINUED SUPPORT

Each English Learner will require a certain amount of continued support until they reach the level of proficiency required to exit the English Learner program.  How much continued support will a student need?  Each according to their skills and abilities.  All ELs should be supported continuously for as long as their stay in the EL program is, and beyond.  It may be as brief as a week, or as long a grade, or few years, but all ELs deserve and should receive continued support as they develop and transition into an English language educational environment.


PROGRESS & GROWTH

English Learners should not, cannot, stay stagnant in language development.  ELs must show and demonstrate both progress and growth.  Els should be able to do this in both language and knowledge.  An EL's progress and growth can be measured through Continued Academic Assessment, Common Academic Standards, Formative Assessment, etc.

MAINSTREAM EXIT

Just as they were assessed to enter an EL program, they must be assessed to exit and become mainstream.  It is a graduation from being an English Learner to a Mainsteam Student.  They have grown along side their classmates and now share progress in language and knowledge.  The English Learner has successfully transitioned into a new educational process through language acquisition.



Manuel R. CortezRodas - Educator

Copyright 2016.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

March 2016

A California Poppy Blooming
During Spring (March)

We are concluding the Winter season by marching on towards Spring.

We take time to reflect on our educational achievements as we embark on to the last big 
break of the year.

We can grow roots, develop stronger trunks, and reach out with our leaves and branches towards the clouds of information that are forming in the skies.

When I first heard the word "March!" I didn't stop to think.  I reacted and then executed.  My classmates and I had been preparing for the school's sports intramural season, and each classroom would parade, by marching one lap around the field, until all classrooms in the school would have a turn.  At the end of the parade, once all classrooms had congregated, we would be dismissed to proceed towards our assigned athletic events.

This is what the month of March has come to represent to me in every single school year.  One last chance to get organized and demonstrate what we as students are capable of doing.  To take our individual educational potential and turn it into kinetic energy.  It would serve as one last reminder that there was still some time to steal a march on education for the remaining of the school year.

As Students, Educators, Parents, and Administrators march towards the end of the school year, March should serve to us as those starting blocks that propel us towards end of year success.



Manuel R. CortezRodas - Chief Educator

Copyright 2016.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

Succeeding with English Learners in a 21st Century Standards Based Education

"Succeeding with English Learners in a 21st Century Standards Based Education"

Guide for Educators in Grades Pre-K through 12th (+2)

A look at five key areas to succeed in with ELs

1) Recognition

2) Early Introduction

3) Growth-Nutrition-Health

4) Professional Development

5) Assessment

1) Recognition

English Learners must be acknowledged if they are to succeed.  If educators fail to recognize English Learners and their needs, then educators become the greatest obstacle toward success.

2) Early Introduction

English Learners who are introduced to the language early on in their life have a longer time to develop the most basic skills on which complex language communication, the clarity of thought, is built on.

3) Growth-Nutrition-Health

English Learners must grow in their language skills and knowledge if they are to succeed. The best way to grow? Good nutrition in language arts by introducing ELs to a diverse range of literary works from ancient texts and modern type, while maintaining a healthy language base of grammar, prose, and oratory.

4) Professional Development

English Learners need the leadership of professional educators who can care for and understand the challenges of learning the technical aspects of a new language as ELs do. Educators who participate in professional development can further develop teaching methods and learn new approaches to introducing standards to a diverse EL classroom.

5) Assessment

English Learners have to be assessed, not only for language fluency success, but for mastery of all standards as required of all students. ELs should be able to share their knowledge, understanding, and ideas, as well as their educational skills, in addition to their achievement of language fluency and communication of expression. 

Manuel R. CortezRodas - Chief Educator

Copyright 2016.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

Blended Learning: President's Day and Chinese New Year

What happens when you blend President's Day and Chinese New Year?
This question got me curious and decided to do some research.
The results are as follows:

15 U. S. Presidents began their terms on the year of the Rooster.
13 U. S. Presidents began their terms on the year of the Snake.
12 U. S. Presidents began their terms on the year of the Ox.
4 U. S. Presidents began their terms on years of the Dog, Pig, Rabbit, and Tiger. 



Washington-1789        Jefferson-1801
J. Q. Adams-1825        Van Buren-1837
Taylor-1849                  Lincoln-1861
Cleveland-1885            McKinley-1897
Taft-1909                      Harding-1921
F. D. Roosevelt-1933   Truman-1945
Nixon-1969                   Regan-1981
Clinton-1993



Adams-1797          Madison-1809
Polk-1845              Buchanan-1857
Arthur-1861           Garfield-1881
Cleveland-1893     Grant-1869
Hoover-1929          Eisenhower-1953
Carter-1977           H. W. Bush-1989
W. Bush-2001

Monroe-1817             A. Jackson-1829
Harrison-1841           Tyler-1841
Pierce-1853               A. Johnson-1865
Hayes-1877               Harrison-1889
T. Roosevelt-1901     Wilson-1913
Kennedy-1961           Obama-2009

Fillmore - 1850

Coolidge - 1923

L. B. Johnson - 1963

Ford - 1974

Manuel R. CortezRodas - Chief Educator/Founder

Copyright 2016.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

February 2016

February first is here, and we are halfway through the school year.

This always shortened month  brings with it a variety of holidays and activities like Presidents Day, Valentines Day, Lunar New Year, and African American history month.

This always shortened month, however, does have, as it does every four years, the added bonus of an extra day on leap years, as this year happens to be.  And on this first day of February, the selection process by which a US President is elected kicks off with the Iowa Caucus.  February is the last month of Winter.

For many educators, February can mean the start of a second semester.  A second chance to make improvements to education.  The second attempt at assessing the performance and progress of students across the state of California through the CAASPP.  A new opportunity to adjust and execute an educational path that can help us reach the end of 2015-16 with great growth and standard success.

Manuel R. CortezRodas
EDUCATOR

Copyright 2016.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  All Rights Reserved.

Can Every Student Succeed?

No Child Left Behind has been left behind as of 2015.

NCLB or No Child Left Behind set the course of education in the United States of America as we started a new century of American Education.  It encountered, almost intermediately, turbulent times and strong opposition, but never the less NCLB set the course and guided American Education in the 21st Century.  NCLB leaves education with a founding core of standardized academic instruction and student assessment, in addition to abundant statistical performance data.

Now, at the start of 2016, we begin anew with ESSA.

Every Student Succeeds Act brings with its implementation a much needed course correction, a "rerouting" if you will, of American Education in the 21st Century.  Before setting off on any journey it is wise to prepare and pack what might be needed to be able to complete it.  It is also wise to plan a path to take to reach such destination.  But not until setting off on the path of this journey can it be seen what obstacles may lie ahead.  Even when the path is known and well traveled, as education is, on occasion obstacles may arise that can prevent students from succeeding.  

Can Every Student Succeed?

"Success is counted sweetest by those who ne'er succeed.

To comprehend a nectar requires sorest need." - Emily Dickinson.

For every student to succeed, all those who are taking part in education must be willing and able to collaborate toward making education an accessible priority at all ages and at each level of learning through our funding and support.  Having every student succeed is a great challenge that is well worth achieving and ensuring its continuity.  All who take part in education can make it possible for every student to succeed.



Manuel R. CortezRodas - Chief Educator/Founder

All Rights Reserved.  MRCR Educational Consulting Firm.  Copyright 2016.