IPMAT is the entrance exam conducted by IIM Indore every year for its five-year integrated management course. Thousands of students appear for the examination every year to take admission to the renowned college of India. It is essential to understand how to crack the examination to avail admission to this preferred college.

IPMAT Exam pattern

The IPMAT exam is divided into three sections:

• Quantitative Ability MCQs – 40 questions
• Quantitative Ability Short Answers – 20 questions and
• Verbal Ability- 40 questions

The sectional time limit for each section is 40 minutes. So the total time duration of the examination is 120 minutes. There are four marks for each correct answer and negative 1 for an incorrect answer. Please note there will be no negative marking for the Quantitative Ability Short answer section.

Having understood the pattern and syllabus of the IPMAT exam, let us understand how to prepare for it.

Preparation, tips and tricks for IPMAT Exam

• Start with understanding what all syllabus, chapters, and pattern is there in the IPMAT examination. Make a layout of your study plan.
• Then start subject wise. Understand the basic concepts of every chapter of each subject. Cramming up is not the solution. This would not take you forward. Go back and revise your basic quant and English concepts from previous classes.
• It is always advised to move forward, chapter by chapter. Skipping any topic or chapter is not advisable. As the exam has a wide range of topics, anything could be asked in the examination.
• Ensure you do proper time management. This includes daily 2-3 hours of practice time for the IPMAT exam. It would be good if you focus and dedicatedly study every day for the same.
• Some of the candidates are good at oral maths. It does save a lot of time. Brush your mental math skills. Those who can’t remember try to establish short tricks to come to an answer.
• It is good to take guidance under the IPMAT coaching class expert for any examination preparation. The coaching will allow you to brace up your management skills and look upon different aspects to crack the examination like speed, accuracy, time management, etc.
• Kick start your IPMAT preparation on time. Delaying it thinking ample time is there would lose out on many things. Finishing the entire syllabus would take time, and if any issues, doubts can be solved with your IPMAT coaching experts.
• Regularly practice mock tests, and this is a very important step in cracking IPMAT. Giving mock tests regularly will help you in understanding how to manage them in each section. What are your weak areas, which topic needs more practice, how much time you can reduce to solve any question, etc., can be answered only if you daily practice mock tests.
• Only giving mock is not essential. Analyzing how you did in the mock is more important than it. Give ample time to understand your mistakes, learn from it, and do not repeat it.

All these preparation tips would bridge the gap between cracking IPMAT and your preparation for the examination.

The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way that we conduct our daily lives. The pandemic has forced many parents to make difficult educational decisions. Should we continue distance learning? Should we homeschool? Is it safe to let my child go back to school? This can take a toll on your mental health. The good news that there are several things that you can do to protect it.

Be Open to Change

Talkspace therapists recommend that you stay open to change. The research regarding coronavirus is always changing. State orders are always changing. That is why it is important for you to prepare for whatever happens.

If you decide to let your children learn at home, then it is important for you to create a child care plan. You should also create a plan for boosting your immune system. Regardless of the educational plans that you have, you will need to take extra steps to protect your children. Hand-washing and social distancing will help everyone stay healthy.

Set Boundaries

Stay-at-home orders have impacted most family relationships. People are spending more time together, and it is hard for them to get a break from their family. It would seem as though spending together would help people improve their relationships. However, only 18 percent of couples are happy with the communication that they have in their relationship.

It is important for you to set boundaries. You will need to schedule alone time every day. You will also need to assign everyone chores so that you do not get overwhelmed with housework.

Invest in Self Care

Talkspace therapists always talk to their clients about the importance of self-care. The uncertainty of life can take a physical, mental, and emotional toll on you. Self-care is one of the keys to staying healthy. There are several things that you can do to take care of yourself.

You should commit to doing less. You don’t necessarily have to complete everything that is on your to-do list. You may also want to exercise on a regular basis. Exercise helps you reduce stress and boost your mood.

Additionally, you may want to take a vacation. Spending a few days out of town can do wonders for your mental and physical health.

Show Empathy

Times are stressful for everyone. People have different opinions about the pandemic, and this can cause a lot of tension. However, Talkspace therapists recommend that you show empathy to everyone. People have to make difficult decisions, and everyone is trying to do what they feel is right.

Practice Patience

You need to have patience with your children. This is a difficult time for them. They are likely missing their friends. They may have behavioral issues because of this. You will need to talk to your children about the way that they are feeling.

You will also need to be patient with yourself. You are doing the best that you can during this difficult time, so you don’t want to be too hard for them.

Furthermore, you should look out for signs of a serious problem, such as depression. Do not hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional.

Fighting the bombardment of propaganda is as easy as gathering the family around the dinner table and making political and cultural issues a regular topic of discussion.   Source: Fighting Propaganda One Family at a Time | Intellectual Takeout

Source: Practical Ways to Protest Election Fraud | Intellectual Takeout

  A University of Iowa professor is scrambling to re-write a lesson on slavery she’s been teaching for decades because it’s making some students uncomfortable. The assignment in Leslie Schwalm’s history course on slavery and emancipation tasks students with imagining themselves as a slave or slave owner, and at least one student complained about it on Twitter. “When I brought this up with her, she said to be a freed slave to lessen the trauma,” the student posted to Twitter. “And yes this woman is white.” KWWL identified the teacher involved, but did not identify the student. The student continued to speak out about the assignment and teacher despite the university’s attempts to reach out about her grievances, The Gazette reports. “Apparently this woman has continued to give out this assignment for years. She got this idea from another professor at iowa who did the same assignment for the holocaust,” the student tweeted. “We’d love to connect over direct message and share resources available,” UI wrote on Twitter. “We are sharing this with our Campus Inclusion Team right now.” In no time, Schwalm issued a statement explaining that she’s “taken her feedback seriously” and is now “reconfiguring the writing assignment.” MORE NEWS: ASU student group holds ‘charity fundraiser’ for alleged Kenosha killer Klye Rittenhouse “The professor is redesigning the assignment, and all students in the class will be engaged in an open dialogue when the assignment is reintroduced and their feedback will be incorporated moving forward,” UI spokeswoman Anne Bassett told The Gazette. “This is an opportunity to continue the important conversation about how student voices are critical in helping make sure things move forward in a racially just and equitable way both inside and outside the classroom.” It wasn’t nearly good enough. The student continued to complain about the situation via Twitter on Thursday, alleging “the solution was writing in third person!” Schwalm wrote: I hope, through this course, to empower students with new knowledge, to help prepare future teachers to bring an accurate and deep knowledge to their own classrooms, and to challenge our nation’s failure to come to terms with what I believe to be one of the most ignored and misrepresented feature of our nation’s history.  I believe that as a nation we will not be able to redress racial inequality and racism until we come to terms with this history.   Even with the deliberate care I take in teaching this course, I am always learning from my students, and one of those learning opportunities occurred this week.  I have taken her feedback seriously.  I am reconfiguring the writing assignment.  And, I believe that students should be challenging universities and teachers in the instance of racist or traumatizing pedagogies.  I think the scrutiny is appropriate, especially in a white-majority university like ours.  I look forward to learning with my students this semester, doing this hard work. Source: UI prof scrambles to rewrite slavery assignment after student complains on Twitter

Michael F. Shaughnessy –

Every once in a while something is brought to my attention that I think should be shared with the larger community…so here it is !

Cycle Around the Globe 2019

10th September – 10th October
in support of World Suicide Prevention Day

INFO SHEET

THE CHALLENGE:

To collectively cycle the globe (circumference of 40,075 kilometers / 24,900 miles).

THE AIM:

Last year, participants (both individuals and groups) from 35 countries cycled 13.91 times around the globe! This year, we want to bring more people together and cycle further!

THE PURPOSE:

To raise awareness of the risks of suicide and to fund suicide prevention activities.
We know that a person dies every 40 seconds by suicide and up to 25 times as many again make a suicide attempt. There are also many more people who have been bereaved by suicide or have been close to someone who has made an attempt. This event is about our global community: to encourage us to engage with each other and to join together to spread awareness of suicide prevention.

THE SPECIFICS:
WHEN: 10 September – 10 October, 2019 , although we will not exclude you if you cycle outside these dates. The more people who take part, the greater awareness raised.

WHERE: Anywhere: at home, the gym, on local roads, as part of a race, on holiday…

WHO: Anyone of any age. You do not have to be a professional cyclist!

COST: Nothing!! But we would love it if you would fundraise for us….

REGISTERING: Register by clicking the link to the online registration form on our website, either as an individual or as part of a group.

FUNDRAISING: Everyone is challenged to raise money for suicide prevention. To fundraise for IASP, you can donate directly through Paypal or link to the JustGiving fundraising platform to create your own fundraising page. Funds raised will go towards the establishment of community suicide prevention activities and training.

PRIZES: Furthest cycled (individual and group).

A Career research paper is very useful to students because at the end of it, they stick with the career they had chosen or they reconsider to change their career choices. The profession research paper gives accurate evaluations of the student’s career choice. The most important thing is to choose a career, then look at the negative and positive aspects as the teachers look at the shortcomings of the writer and their author skills. The research paper proves why the occupation you have chosen is right for you or if you fit the job.  A profession study paper outline should be informative, interesting and effective.

1. Discuss your career goals

Focus on one career when writing about your career goals. Discussing your career goals is as simple as asking yourself where you see yourself in the next five or ten years of starting your career. This is important because you focus on your long term vision if you plan to stick in the career for long. This helps you focus on career goals you might have short term, including the first thing is to get a job. Briefly explain steps to achieving the goals as opposed to just listing your goals. If the long term goal is to become a manager explain if you will pursue different management courses to achieve it.

• Important features and facts about the career

When pursuing there are the obvious features you consider about the career. Clearly state particular responsibilities you plan to take on and if they allow flexibility. Consider if it is easy or challenging to find placements in your chosen career. How many hours do you need to work to achieve a certain goal? Focus on yourself and the career at the same time. Most people think that to succeed in their dream career they need to be talented, but the talent is not the only factor to career success.

• The Possibility of advancement in the career

Career advancement is very important for employee satisfaction. Clear career path systems are more powerful for career motivation as one work’s towards tangible goals. Careers which have uncertain career paths lead to one being less focused and motivated because they are working towards no reward. The aspects of career advancement include opportunities for expansion of the set employee skills, opportunities for additional responsibilities or a change of roles, acknowledgments by management through promotions and raises and opportunities for tailored advancement for employees in line with their professional goals.

• The challenges involved in pursuing the career

When looking at the facts about the career focus on your emotional intelligence, the ability to tackle the challenges, how do you deal with problems when they arise, are you ready to move an extra mile to find solutions. Are you tough, confident and have the ability to embrace your career? Are you ready to move on amid challenges without dwelling on them so much? How do you manage difficult situations, are able to maintain your cool.  Are you a natural complainer, complaining of everything or do you have a positive attitude in the things that happen to you? Are you the type to sit down and wait for things to happen or are you fast to recognize opportunities both good and bad or spot possible threats and deal with them. Sticking to good habits will get you the results you so desire. Continue building your self-esteem and always embrace opportunities continually setting goals. You need to be appreciative of the things you have done right over time.

• Pros and cons of the possible career

You will find that according to society women are refrained from certain careers and men are discouraged from pursuing non-traditional careers. Some careers will lead to raised questions on the ability to accomplish them, which is why practical evaluation of the pros and cons of the chosen career should be done before settling for your dream career. Some of the most important things to look out for are the opportunity to have maximum satisfaction by doing something you love, chances to score higher pay, how do the careers make a positive impact in the society, the chances of getting attention, such as appreciation for efforts, possibility of advancement, an opportunity to explore creativity and how accommodating is the career to different stages of life such as marriage, children, sick off and annual leave.

Researching a career is important because you work towards a specific goal. Research can be conducted from computers, texts in articles, libraries, and e-books, conduct an informational interview with a person already in the career, or use assessments given in class to help determine the career choice. Always cite your sources of information on career research papers. As homework done, career research papers help students do a practical self-evaluation of if they have what it takes to acquire their dream careers.

UPTON SINCLAIR – 2019

Michael F. Shaughnessy

Since 2005, we endeavor to acknowledge some individuals who have made great contributions to education. This year we are proud to recognize and acknowledge a number of scholars, writers, theoreticians and other researchers who have contributed to the field of education.

Every year, we pause at this time to reflect on certain individuals who, like Upton Sinclair, have made an impact on either education or their chosen field of endeavor. Some of the individuals below have been nominated by others and others are simply outstanding in their chosen field of endeavor.

Heather Mac Donald is the Thomas W. Smith Fellow at the Manhattan Institute, a contributing editor of City Journal, and a New York Times bestselling author. She is a recipient of the 2005 Bradley Prize. Mac Donald’s work at City Journal has covered a range of topics, including higher education, immigration, policing, homelessness and homeless advocacy, criminal-justice reform, and race relations.

Her writing has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, The New Republic, and The New Criterion. Mac Donald’s newest book, The Diversity Delusion: How Race and Gender Pandering Corrupt the University and Undermine Our Culture (2018), argues that toxic ideas first spread by higher education have undermined humanistic values, fueled intolerance, and widened divisions in our larger culture (taken from her web page).

Heather’s work has consistently been focused and on target and she does not shy away from difficult topics that are either relevant or indirectly relevant to education, higher education, and society.

Don Winn is an author, advocate, and caring competent, compassionate individual whose work has impacted teachers, reading specialists and others nationally. Don write for an about learning disabilities in reading and dyslexia and has won various awards that readily acknowledge his skills and expertise and concern about children with reading difficulties and those who work with them. Don has done more than write books- he has provided a plethora of materials to assist parents enhance the vocabulary growth and development of their children and to enhance pre-literacy skills. More information about him can be accessed at “ www.donwinn.com

Jane Robbins has been concerned about the security of student data, and what is done what that data and has written extensively about confidentiality, student concerns and related issues such as Common Core. Here is a brief description from her web site:

Jane Robbins is an attorney and a senior fellow with the American Principles Project in Washington, DC. In that position she has crafted federal and state legislation designed to restore the constitutional autonomy of states and parents in education policy, and to protect the rights of religious freedom and conscience. Her essays on these topics have been published in various print and online media. With Emmett McGroarty she co-authored the APP/Pioneer Institute report, Controlling Education from the Top: Why Common Core Is Bad for America. She has written numerous articles about the problems with Common Core and has testified about the issue before the legislatures of nine states. She is a graduate of Clemson University and the Harvard Law School. (Nominated by Will Fitzhugh of The Concord Review).

Larry Lipsitz (posthumously) For many, many years, Larry Lipsitz edited Educational Technology: The Magazine for managers of change in Education. For many, many years, Larry brought together the thinking of the leading minds across America and across the world to try to keep pace with the educational technology changes that were sweeping the Internet. The number of articles he edited and published must run into the thousands and the impact of this “magazine” is incalculable. Educational Technology published since 1961 always featured the cutting edge technology, the cutting edge thinkers and the main innovations in the field. Sadly, Larry left us all too soon, but his impact will be felt, his work will live on- and the impact of his journal cannot be measured by any criteria. Larry’s only error was not calling his “magazine” a true journal- since people in administration are often clueless as to the impact factor of his “magazine” and the impact of the articles that he promoted and the wide impact he had on the field. One can talk about “impact factor” but the impact that Larry has made on the field cannot be calculated.

Dr. Jay W. Friedman is highly regarded individual, advocate and public health professional as well as a dentist and he is recipient to many awards within the dental field. We believe he is worthy of any award that magnifies his dedication to public health and the selfless work he has done in various parts of the world for research and educational progress.

For a more extensive review of his life and his work, interested dentists, dental hygienists and policy advocates are referred to the following link:
https://pdfslide.net/documents/1994-special-merit-award-jay-w-friedman-dds-mph.html

There are many “unsung heroes“ out there in the world who just go about their daily business of helping others and educating others. Dr. Jay W. Friedman is one of those (nominated by Dianne Petrale).

Ugur Sak – is currently at the Andolu University in Turkey where he teaches and impacts that part of the world in terms of research, scholarly activity and investigation into talent, giftedness and creativity. He is a major figure in that part of the world and mentors and encourages scholars in that section of the world and his interviews and articles have appeared in journals world- wide. He has just completed an intelligence test of his own and is involved in the standardization process. His involvement and mentoring have impacted individuals and organizations around the globe.

Glen Taylor is the CEO & Co-Founder of WAY American School. WAY American School is a creative and innovative educational system of learning that helps make every child a hero. It prepares youth for their future and not our past with a dynamic project based learning platform.

Before he co-founded WAY American School, Glen was a teacher, principal, athletic directly, and Executive Director of Innovation, State, and Federal Programs. Quite honestly, he is one of the most dynamic educators I met while serving as Michigan’s state superintendent of schools from 2001 – 2005.

I could list all his educational credentials and accolades he has received in his young career but they are tiny when juxtaposed to the integrity, human decency, and commitment he brings to his daily routine. The highest compliment I pay to anyone is to say they are a good person. Glen Taylor is a good man.

When many local schools were making excuses why they could not accept free teachers from China to teach in their district, Glen embraced the idea and saw it as an opportunity to enhance teaching and learning for his educationally starved students in a working class neighborhood. In the early days of blended and e-learning when some were talking about the educational possibilities, Glen developed an e-learning platform that enabled hundreds of former dropouts to drop back in and complete their high school diploma.

When he saw traditional school districts kicking students out of school in underserved communities, he created charter schools to meet their social, emotional, and educational needs. He also partners with traditional public and private schools to enhance their educational opportunities for many forgotten young people, giving them hope and opportunity.

Glen has also partnered with schools, teachers, and students internationally in Brazil, China, and the United Kingdom. He is constantly looking for ways to prepare students for their future in a hyper-competitive, disruptive, and technologically-driven global economy where ideas and jobs can and do move around the world effortlessly.

Mr. Taylor has been recognized nationally and internationally for his leadership in servicing teens in Michigan. He is a member of the Consensus for Change Think Tank, which is comprised of legislative, educational, and business leaders from around the state of Michigan. He regularly presents at regional, national and international conferences. He hosts various professional groups comprised of teachers, administrators, and regional consultants about new educational innovations.

Mr. Taylor has actively served as a member of the State Executive Board Committee for the Michigan Association of State and Federal Program Specialists since 2004. He has also chaired the District Vision Committee responsible for district strategic planning.

Note: Glen Taylor was nominated by Tom Watkins and Tom Watkins wrote the about information, detailing Glen’s accomplishments. We appreciate Tom’s involvement and contributions to www.educationViews.org

Grant Wiggins ( posthumously) (1950–2015) was the president of Authentic Education in Hopewell, New Jersey, a consulting, research, and publishing organization.

Wiggins consulted with schools, districts, and state education departments on a variety of reform matters, organized conferences and workshops, and developed print materials and web resources on curricular change.

For 20 years, Wiggins worked on some of the most influential reform initiatives in the country, including Vermont’s portfolio system and Ted Sizer’s Coalition of Essential Schools. He established statewide consortia devoted to assessment reform for North Carolina and headed standards clarification work for the state education departments in Delaware, New Jersey, and Mississippi.

He earned a doctorate in education from Harvard University and a bachelor’s degree from St. John’s College in Annapolis, Maryland. (the above is taken from an ASCD website-

http://www.ascd.org/Publications/ascd-authors/grant-wiggins.aspx and

readers are encouraged to learn more about his thinking, his books and his clarity of thought from his writings and his professional development workshops) .

Previous Upton Sinclair Award Winners:

2005: Gerald Bracey, Nicholas Colangelo, Elaine Garan, Martin Haberman, Jonathan Kozol, Peter and Pam Wright, Reid Lyon;

2006: John Stossel, Jan and Bob Davidson, Peyton Wolcott, Fred Baughman, M.D., Will Fitzhugh, Joel Turtel, Bernard Gassaway, Ned Davis, Her Highness Sheikah Mozah Bint Nasser Al Missned, “All the Children of the World”;

2007: Sean Hannity, Don Meyer, Ron Clark, Frank Wang, Harry and Rosemary Wong, Tracey McGrady, Dr. Eldo W. Bergman, Queen Rania of Jordan, Celeste Roseberry-McKibbin, Ph.D., G. Gbaanador, MD, FACS, FICS, Bill Cecil,  Here’s to the Upton School Principals of America;

2008: Harold V. House, Kathleen Chamberlain, Dee Alpert, Kevin Donnelly, Dona Matthews, Ph.D., Aisha Ussery, Collin Hannaford, Andrew Rotherham, Jim Zellmer., JoAnn Collins;

2009: E.D. Hirsch, Jay Mathews, John Goodlad, Billy Reagan, Geoffrey Canada, Fredrick Hess, Jay Hartling;

2010: Tom Watkins, Marlena Vaughn, Susan Ohanian, Dr. Marion Blank, Neal McCluskey, Ernest Boyer (Posthumously), Mr. Pierre Fignole, Chris Woodhead, Diane Ravitch, Ph.D.

2011: C. M. Rubin, Tavis Smiley, Joe Nathan, Ann Thompson, James Webb, Kiernan Egan, Professor Hani Q. Khoury

2012: Sandy Hook Elementary School of Newtown, CT , individuals, who gave their lives for their pupils and in the service of education individuals, who gave their lives for their pupils and in the service of education. First responders for their courage and on-going assistance in the little town where Sandy Hook Elementary School of Newtown, CT , took a worldwide human race to its knees. Bless Be the Tie That Binds Our Hearts.

2013: Donna Garner, William Korach, Alan Singer, Bror Saxberg, Rick Hess, Paul Horton, Antoinette Tuff, Michael Nuccitelli, Psy.D., Dr. Valerie Hill-Jackson

2014: Terry Grier, Paul E. Peterson, First Lady Barbara Bush, Yong Zhao, Christopher Arnold and Tracey Baker, Karen Nave, James Webb, Alice Linahan, Robert Nasson

2015: Dr. Kevin Donnelly, Robert Pondiscio, George Leef, Monty Neill, Bob Schaeffer, Lisa Guisbond, David Mirabella, Michael Petrilli, Peter Greene, Jennifer Waddell, PhD, Gus Jacob, Michael Harris, Lynn Wade, Nicholas D. Hartlep, Alan Hooker

2016: Ben Carson, Elie Wiesel, Jennifer Buckingham, Deborah Confredo, Dr Hani Q. Khoury, Professor Theodore Zeldin, Anna Ulrich, Stephen Colbert, The Unknown Teacher.

2017: Carol J. Carter, Mike Hess, Marion Brady, Joan Freeman, Scholastic Books, The International Literacy Association, The Ayn Rand Institute, The American Enterprise Institute, The Thomas B. Fordham Institute, Lastly, we need to recognize those teachers and students who have lost their lives due to violence over the past few years.

2018: Delia Stafford, Monty McNeil, Wilfrey McClay, Bruce Urhmacher, Jane Robbins, Stan Lee (posthumously), James Webb (posthumously), Maurice Fisher (posthumously)

UPTON SINCLAIR – 2018 Michael F. Shaughnessy – For the past ten years or so , we endeavor to acknowledge some individuals who have made great contributions to education. This year we are proud to recognize and acknowledge a number of scholars, writers, theoreticians and other researchers who have contributed to the field of education. The winners for 2018 are: Delia Stafford Monty McNeil Wilfrey McClay Delia Stafford Bruce Urhmacher Jane Robbins Stan Lee (posthumously) James Webb (posthumously) Maurice Fisher (posthumously) Delia Stafford has worn many hats over the years- but she needs to be recognized for her work with the Haberman Foundation and her assistance over the years with the Upton Sinclair awards and her extensive work in Texas with alternative certification and her publications in this realm. Like many past award winners- she has contributed much to education and to students everywhere. For a brief resume of her life go to : https://habermanfoundation.org/about/delia-stafford/ Monty McNeil has devoted many years of his life in an attempt to get a fair just valid reliable type of test administered in the schools. Like many educators, he is dissatisfied with the standardized test format and believes that we can do better. All parents want their children to learn, grow and develop and many parents are concerned about their child’s growth. Hence, there is a need for some type of evaluation, assessment, or test or quiz. The issue becomes – how much time should teachers devote to the assessment of their students, and what types of tests are appropriate at what ages, and how much weight should be placed on the results of these tests. Often due to student illnesses or absences, students do not perform well on tests. These outside factors should be taken into account. In other instances, we have a student whose first language is not English who is being bombarded with tests written in English. Wilfred McClay has distinguished himself as a true scholar- teaching courses involving the Great books, rigorous scholarship and academic integrity.  He explains his ideas thusly: “Students begin to see how the great texts not only are monuments of unchanging intellect and living things in conversation with one another, but that such texts can be the food and drink sustaining the life of a master artist. They can take the books as their own food and drink too and can see from him—and hopefully from their teachers too—how the life of the mind can be lived, how a life of intense creativity and searching moral imagination rooted in this rich inheritance can be theirs for the asking.” Wilfred M. McClay currently holds the G.T. and Libby Blankenship Chair in the History of Liberty at the University of Oklahoma. His book, The Masterless: Self and Society in Modern America, won the 1995 Merle Curti Award of the Organization of American Historians. McClay received his BA from St. John’s College in Annapolis and his doctoral degree in history from Johns Hopkins University. The above is from :  https://theimaginativeconservative.org/author/wilfred-mcclay His classes are typically full as word of mouth has reached far and wide as to the intellectual challenge and stimulation his classes and lectures afford.  He has endeavored to keep the idea of an in depth study and comprehensive evaluation of thought and literature as well as history alive. P. Bruce Urhmacher has served as President of the American Association for Teaching and Curriculum (AATC), and as Chair of the Elliot Eisner Special Interest Group of the American Association for Educational Research. He was honored with the University of Denver Distinguished Teaching Award.  He has served as the department chair of Educational Research, Policy, and Practice and as Coordinator of Curriculum and Instruction. He has been a co-editor of the Curriculum and Teaching Dialogue and book review editor for the International Journal of Leadership in Education. He currently serves as the faculty advisor for the Creativity Institute for Teachers.  His research interests include the development of arts-based research, an understanding of race and qualitative research, and the development of environmental curriculum with an infusion of the arts. He is also one of the main writers about CRISPA.  For readers who do not know what that is? Check out: http://www.crispateaching.org/ (most of the above is taken from his web site ) He has published (with Lingqi Meng) in the Journal of Aesthetic Education, has published on “Aesthetic Themes of Education (with Christy M. Moroye) in Curriculum and Teaching Dialogue, and with J. Matthews has written “Intricate Palette: Working the Ideas of Elliot Eisner” and has co-authored (with Christy M. Mooroye ) Instituting the Arts . He is perhaps best known for his work on the arts, art education and aesthetics and has endeavored to keep the arts alive in the schools and conduct research on this topic and encourage the development of thinking in this regard. Jane Robbins is a Senior Fellow of the American Principles Project. She is a Clemson graduate with a law degree from Harvard Law School.  She is a long-time warrior against intrusive data collection (without parental permission) on students, on which she has testified before Congress, against Common Core, and “Personalized” Learning, and other issues in education. Most recently, she was a co-author on a revision of the new Massachusetts Social Studies Standards (which was not accepted), and she is the co-author, with Emmett McGroarty and Erin Tuttle, of Deconstructing the Administrative State.  She has been tireless against “political correctness” and EdReformers ravages in the public schools. Stan Lee –   People can say what they want about “comic books” but I can think of no other author who has contributed so much to the endeavor of getting students to read. As I reflect back to younger days, I grew up reading about the Fantastic Four. I enjoyed looking forward to what was happening to Peter Parker and Aunt May. I feverishly sought the latest about Bruce Banner- also known as the Hulk. I could go on naming other characters such as Tony Stark/Iron Man and the X-Men- but suffice it to say that these comics were the staple of many children’s educational years. Stan Lee probably died happy knowing that he lifted the spirits of many children across the U.S. with the stories of heroism of the Fantastic Four and the escapades of Spidey, and the gadgetry of Tony Stark and his Iron Man suit. I do not know Jack Kirby and the various other co-authors with which he worked- but I hope that they recognize the contributions of this great man- and the adventures that stemmed from his imagination. And what an imagination he had!  All one has to do is peruse any book devoted to any one of his superheroes and they will be mesmerized by the depth, breath and scope of the various characters he created. And one thinks that during his final years- he had a ball doing those cameos in various movies featuring his characters!  Stan and his imagination will sorely be missed. His characters will live on and his cameos in movies treasured.  For a picture of Stan Lee – click here! James Webb – The field of gifted education has lost a leader- a man of stature and character and a man that gave so much to gifted children, adolescents and even adults. James Webb was a man who saw the future and he saw that the future belonged to the gifted and talented and creative children of the world and he also thought far enough ahead to devote his time to publishing books of considerable worth and speaking at conferences and conventions, and on occasion taking time to respond to e-mails from all over the world. To say that the field is stunned with the loss of this fine scholar, gentleman and kind giving person would be an understatement. I know that his work will be cited and his work will live on and those impacted by his generosity will stop and say a brief prayer of thanks for all of his work. We have lost a great man.   For more information and a picture of this great man, see below: Dear friends of Gifted Education Press, We are sad to inform you that our father, Maurice D. Fisher, founder and publisher of Gifted Education Press, passed away on Oct 15th, 2018. Many of you were customers, colleagues, and subscribers to his newsletter for many years, and we know he appreciated your support in serving the gifted education community. Maurice D. Fisher, Ph.D. (1940-2018) Maurice David Fisher was born in Roanoke, VA, to parents Jean Shapiro and Sidney Fisher. He had one older sister, Ina Fisher. Known as “Mack David” or “Mack” in his younger years, he had a great love of music and learned to play the drums at a young age. He attended Michigan State University on a music scholarship, where he played in the marching band, and continued on to earn a Master’s degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a Ph.D. in Education at the University of Virginia (UVA). While at UVA he met his wife, Eugenia — they were married for 46 years, and raised two children, Steven and Sarah, in the Northern Virginia area. Dr. Fisher worked for three decades at Fairfax County Public Schools as a Statistical Research and Testing Analyst for gifted and special education. He also ran an independent publishing company, Gifted Education Press, for over 30 years, publishing books for gifted and talented students and educators. Through his work at GEP he reached thousands of educators who brought his articles and books into their schools to benefit gifted students. He was an avid book collector and enjoyed many subjects in the arts, humanities, and science. He had a passion for classical music, jazz, and poetry, and loved lighthouses, amateur photography, stamp collecting, and animals. Dr. Fisher passed away on Monday, October 15, 2018 and was 78 years old. He is survived by his two children. We would like to share some words about our father from two of his closest GEP authors, collaborators, and friends: From Dr. Michael Walters, a longtime colleague and friend of Dr. Fisher: “The best legacy for Dr. Maurice Fisher is the understanding of the wonderful personality traits that he possessed. The first one is reflection. For Dr. Fisher there was no such thing as the devil in the details. He reflected on everything that he encountered and examined it closely. He was one of the most unique researchers who used his reflective scholarship. This approach enabled him to possess humanistic responses to his research studies. The second trait is respect. Dr. Fisher respected talent and giftedness in all its domain. He also respected the talents and gifted qualities of the people that wrote for him. The individuals that worked with him were his correspondents in the search for truth – not just a bureaucratic team. The third quality is enjoyment. Dr. Fisher thoroughly enjoyed his work in the field of gifted eduction. He didn’t view his job as editor of Gifted Education Press as a task – it was pure enjoyment of research that could help humanity. The fourth and most important trait is his courage. He had the courage to proceed with what he thought was right at the expense of being a prominent bureaucrat. He possessed skills that would enable him to work with many educational bureaucracies and educational agencies but he preferred the freedom to express his passion for gifted education. Dr. Fisher had a commitment and passion that was religious in scope. Let us continue the legacy of Dr. Fisher and these traits so that his sensibility for gifted education continues for generations.” From Joan Franklin Smutny, Director of The Center for Gifted / Midwest Torrance Center for Creativity: “Maurice Fisher was one of the finest men I have ever met. He stood for all that is real, good, and harmonious in education, and often led the way to new views of education in the humanities and the arts, in creativity and originality. His years of articles took a leadership position in gifted education and will stand for their integrity, clarity, vision, and mission. Maurice Fisher was a man of great sight and insight who understood all that was fine and good in his field. He will long be remembered for what he stood for and what he wished to see accomplished. The people who worked for him always felt honored, as did I. Maurice’s command of the English language and the style and the capacity to articulate was astonishing. He knew exactly what he wanted to say and he did it well. His colleagues commended him and will forever remember his ability to write, edit, compose, and communicate. He was a writer’s writer. None finer. I feel privileged to be speaking of him, and will forever remember his work. In every way, Maurice Fisher was outstanding.” It is our intention to continue serving the Gifted Education Press community in the future. We look forward to communicating with you again soon about our upcoming plans. Sincerely, Steven and Sarah Fisher Previous Upton Sinclair Award Winners: 2005: Gerald Bracey, Nicholas Colangelo, Elaine Garan, Martin Haberman, Jonathan Kozol, Peter and Pam Wright, Reid Lyon; 2006: John Stossel, Jan and Bob Davidson, Peyton Wolcott, Fred Baughman, M.D., Will Fitzhugh, Joel Turtel, Bernard Gassaway, Ned Davis, Her Highness Sheikah Mozah Bint Nasser Al Missned, “All the Children of the World”; 2007: Sean Hannity, Don Meyer, Ron Clark, Frank Wang, Harry and Rosemary Wong, Tracey McGrady, Dr. Eldo W. Bergman, Queen Rania of Jordan, Celeste Roseberry-McKibbin, Ph.D., G. Gbaanador, MD, FACS, FICS, Bill Cecil,  Here’s to the Upton School Principals of America; 2008: Harold V. House, Kathleen Chamberlain, Dee Alpert, Kevin Donnelly, Dona Matthews, Ph.D., Aisha Ussery, Collin Hannaford, Andrew Rotherham, Jim Zellmer., JoAnn Collins; 2009: E.D. Hirsch, Jay Mathews, John Goodlad, Billy Reagan, Geoffrey Canada, Fredrick Hess, Jay Hartling; 2010: Tom Watkins, Marlena Vaughn, Susan Ohanian, Dr. Marion Blank, Neal McCluskey, Ernest Boyer (Posthumously), Mr. Pierre Fignole, Chris Woodhead, Diane Ravitch, Ph.D. 2011: C. M. Rubin, Tavis Smiley, Joe Nathan, Ann Thompson, James Webb, Kiernan Egan, Professor Hani Q. Khoury 2012: Sandy Hook Elementary School of Newtown, CT , individuals, who gave their lives for their pupils and in the service of education individuals, who gave their lives for their pupils and in the service of education. First responders for their courage and on-going assistance in the little town where Sandy Hook Elementary School of Newtown, CT , took a worldwide human race to its knees. Bless Be the Tie That Binds Our Hearts. 2013: Donna Garner, William Korach, Alan Singer, Bror Saxberg, Rick Hess, Paul Horton, Antoinette Tuff, Michael Nuccitelli, Psy.D., Dr. Valerie Hill-Jackson 2014: Terry Grier, Paul E. Peterson, First Lady Barbara Bush, Yong Zhao, Christopher Arnold and Tracey Baker, Karen Nave, James Webb, Alice Linahan, Robert Nasson 2015: Dr. Kevin Donnelly, Robert Pondiscio, George Leef, Monty Neill, Bob Schaeffer, Lisa Guisbond, David Mirabella, Michael Petrilli, Peter Greene, Jennifer Waddell, PhD, Gus Jacob, Michael Harris, Lynn Wade, Nicholas D. Hartlep, Alan Hooker 2016: Ben Carson, Elie Wiesel, Jennifer Buckingham, Deborah Confredo, Dr Hani Q. Khoury, Professor Theodore Zeldin, Anna Ulrich, Stephen Colbert, The Unknown Teacher. 2017: Carol J. Carter, Mike Hess, Marion Brady, Joan Freeman, Scholastic Books, The International Literacy Association, The Ayn Rand Institute, The American Enterprise Institute, The Thomas B. Fordham Institute, Lastly, we need to recognize those teachers and students who have lost their lives due to violence over the past few years.