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Claus,

You've been a needed voice of insightful reason in the world of school reform, and will be sorely missed. I'll look forward to your future contributions in your new role!

Welcome to Anne! I've been impressed with your writing, and look forward to your leadership...

Larry

Thanks for providing thoughtful perspectives and unfailing advocacy for America's public schools, Claus. I echo Larry--you are leaving big shoes to fill, but the welcoming, reasonable ambiance of PSI as forum for dialogue on the most important ed issues will continue, I'm sure.

Welcome, Ann--and bon voyage to Claus.

Nancy Flanagan

Yes, you've been the voice of reason in this educational nightmare.

Since I am the mother of a Stanford-trained scientist, I feel I can give some advice on how to improve STEM education. When my son was little he wanted to "make stuff" and "build things" but I was tempted to drill him on academics. However, when he pleaded, "Please Mommy, I just want to play," I readily gave in. So he spent most of his childhood "playing" with computers, ham radio, experiments, and sophisticated construction toys. He loved going to summer science workshops at the local museums and community colleges, but disliked school because "It's just rote and I'm not good at that." When he matriculated at Stanford for his Ph.D. program, they asked, "What got you interested in engineering?" His reply was "My mother got me the greatest construction toy and after that I was hooked on designing machines."

So my advice to you and others: keep that joy of learning alive. Pay attention to children's interests and natural abilities and foster those talents. Give them lots of hands-on experiences and feedback because that's how children learn. Remember that play is the work of childhood. John Dewey was right!

The present emphasis on drill and testing is absolutely the lowest form of "education" and the most inappropriate for children. We're going to pay a high price for what we are doing at the present time.

Thank you, Claus, and good luck!

Claus,

Your contributions to the national education policy on this blog have been tremendous. I have enjoyed your analysis and perspective. Best wishes in your new endeavor!

Liam

Why wasn't I consulted about this move?
Well, Claus, go if you must. I'll miss your posts and your knack for picking good stories or good angles on more widely discussed stories. I hope your new work goes well, and that we'll be able to follow some of what you're doing through a new, future blog, guest posts somewhere, articles, tweets, etc. You've put together an impressive body of work here and a loyal following. All the best,
David

A dark day for those of us who like our bloggers thoughtful, fair, witty and subtle. Yours is a powerful, irreplaceable voice. Good luck, my friend. You will be sorely missed.

I'll add my voice to the choir. I've really enjoyed (and learned a lot from) your work over the past several months. Your next organization is lucky to have you.

-Matt

I know Anne has had some wonderful posts in the past, but I'll miss ya, Claus. God bless! :)

Larry, Nancy, Linda, Liam, David, Robert, Matt, Mrs C--

Thanks so much for the kind wishes and very kind notes. I know I will miss my interactions with all of you on this blog. I'm grateful for all you've brought to the discussion.

Larry, Nancy, Liam, David, Robert, Matt, and Mrs C--You're all wonderful bloggers. It's been an honor even to keep your company.

Claus

Claus, Good luck with your next venture. And in your moment of transition I feel quite chagrined to say (but feel compelled regardless), as a MIT PhD Chem Engineer please consider that a high challenge elementary math curriculum is essential for success for all our students and in particular there is nothing better in the US than the Singapore math textbooks.

Erin.

I will miss your insights. Thank you, and best wishes on your new endeavor.

Dear Claus,

Thank you for your wonderful service to LFA. You made each meeting as pleasure with your knowledge and intellectual insights.

Best wishes to you.

Barbara Markle
Michigan

Claus... Your voice and perspective will definitely be missed. But knowing you are still engaged in bringing desparately needed change to education is a comfort.

I wish you the best in your new position... and know that you will not just "fade into the sunset" but continue to be a beacon for what is good and needed for kids and families.

Best wishes...

Carole