The learning opportunity this week is about memory, or more accurately, false memory. Why corral 3 articles on this? Because you’re more likely to remember the concept in the context of Brian Williams' #misrememberings. 1 2 3 You already know how important it is to read to your kids. Even so, don't miss the post by Doug Lemov, author of the best-seller Teach Like a Champion. His reasons why reading aloud matters will inspire and motivate you. 4 Now, what to read aloud? Any Newbery winner is a slam-dunk choice! Check out the 2015 winner, announced this week. 9 In education, the big topic is testing, or more correctly, over-testing. Congress is debating the annual test requirement in No Child Left Behind. Parents can deeply influence this policy. Read pro-and-con positions and stay informed. 5 6 7 8 The Where’s Waldo eye-track suggestion is sheer genius! 10
Parenting
Uncovering Security Flaws in Digital Ed Products for Schoolchildren - Natasha Singer, NYT
Techies Are Hacking Education by Homeschooling Their Kids - Jason Tanz, Wired
Consultants Steer Parents Through Maze of School Choice - Arianna Prothero, Education Week
Is Your First Grader College Ready? - Laura Pappano, New York Times
Pros and Cons of Skipping a Grade - Connie Matthiessen, GreatSchools
Learning
1 Scientists Explain How Brian Williams' Memory May Have Failed Him - Brittny Mejia, L.A. Times
2 Is It Possible Brian Williams Really ‘Misremembered’? - Melissa Dahl, Science of Us
3 You Have No Idea What Happened - Maria Konnikova, The New Yorker
"Study Less, Study Smart": Best Ways to Retain More in Less Time - Patrick Allan, Lifehacker
Researchers: iPad or Smartphone Use Can Harm Toddler’s Learning, Social Skills - T. McCoy, WP
4 Why Reading Aloud Still Matters - Doug Lemov, Teach Like a Champion
Education
8 Best Things Teachers Do For Kids - Lisa Endlich, Grown and Flown
5 In Defense of Annual School Testing - Chad Aldeman, New York Times
6 Exams Have Left My Students Incapable of Thinking - Secret Teacher, The Guardian
7 ‘The Test,’ by Anya Kamenetz: Book Review - Dana Goldstein, New York Times
8 School Testing Is Unpopular, So It Must Be Conservative - Rick Hess, National Review
What Would It Mean to ‘Fix’ No Child Left Behind? - Room for Debate, New York Times
States Weigh Turning Education Funds Over to Parents - Stephanie Simon, Politico
Gifted and Talented Programs Dumb Down Our Students - Matthew M. Fields, Time
How Schools Are Dealing With Anti-Vaccine Parents - Jacoba Urist, The Atlantic
Resources
9 2015 Newbery and Caldecott Winners - Melissa Taylor, Imagination Soup
10 Finally, Science Has Solved the Eternal Question of "Where's Waldo?" - K. Trendacosta, io9
7 Steps to Good Digital Parenting - Family Online Safety Institute
Milestones: Free Online Videos to Understand Grade-Level Expectations - GreatSchools
13 Numbers That Explain the Resurgence of Measles in the U.S. - Anna Almendrala, Huff Post
Read a few articles each week, and gain parent cortical mass! If you enjoy our weekly article roundup, please email it to a friend, or share on social media. Thank you!