Why Mark Twain Was an Analytics Guru

Some really cool quotes about analytics in this article. :-)

Why Mark Twain Was an Analytics Guru | ClickZ

New York Regents Exams vs ADP Achieve Exams (Sample tests with answers here)

I wish that New Jersey used the NY Regents Exams instead of the ADP Algebra End-of-Course Exams. 

I remember taking the Regents when I was in HS (in the 1980's).  The exams seem to be pretty good.  They've been around for decades and change very little over the years.

There are plenty of review guides available and it is very clear to teachers and students which material and types of questions they need to master to do well on the test.

Info and Sample tests with answers here:

New York Regents Exams

NY Regents (Integrated Algebra)
http://www.nysedregents.org/IntegratedAlgebra/

NY Regents (Geometry)
http://www.nysedregents.org/Geometry/

NY Regents (Algebra II/Trig)
http://www.nysedregents.org/a2trig/

NY Regents (Mathematics B)
http://www.nysedregents.org/MathematicsB/

New Jersey used these for the past two years and ended up not counting them.

ADP Algebra I End-of-Course Exam
http://www.achieve.org/AlgebraITestOverview

ADP Algebra II End-of-Course Exam
http://www.achieve.org/AlgebraIITestOverview

Cell phones should not be allowed in school

I really think that cell phones are one of the main reasons some students don't do well in school.  I was way too nice this year in dealing with texting in class.  As a first year teacher I was a bit anxious dealing with this problem.

My plan for year two is to start out very strict.  I will keep this image that I manipulated in Photoshop in mind every time I even see a cell phone.  I need a bit of Darth Vader in me.  :-) (think Captain Morgan ads)

How do you deal with texting in class?

24 pencils at Walmart for $1

Great deal on these pencils at WalMart. 

Only $1.00 (actually $0.94)

I bought 8 packs.  :-)