The Jose Vilson Blog

Education. Math. The Culture. For us.

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So Close I Can Taste It

I got some updates on Penny Harvest at my school: So far, the 8th grade has collected a good 150+ pounds of pennies. The 7th
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Why My Kids Can’t Count To A Million

As some of you know, I had an assignment in which we wanted to make 1 million stars and fill up the wall with that
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Makes Me Wanna Holla

Before I continue, a big shout out to Right Wing Nation, for linking me on the Carnival of Education. And a special shout-out to Dan,
Featured image for “Mars and Venus Are in the Same Damn Universe”

Mars and Venus Are in the Same Damn Universe

This week, I’ve decided to focus on my girls because, 1) I’ve been reading Pandagon far too much and 2) sexism is still alive, simple
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Tan Joven

Honestly, today’s professional development didn’t do anything to make me a better teacher, and I’m pretty sure I have a ways to go before I
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Student of the Month

I have this one girl in one of my classes who’s awesome. She’s one of the sharpest students I’ve ever had as far as math.
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Short Notes: Live From DC

A few notes of interest: – I love e-mails, especially the hate mail. It usually makes me laugh, but this one really made me shake
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2007 Weblog Award Finalist

It looks like all the nominations and votes worked. I’m one of the finalists for Best Education Blog for the 2007 Weblog Awards. Pretty cool
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A Tale of Two Lower East Siders

I’m a resident Lower East Sider. I don’t teach around here, but my heart, soul, and body still resides here. So when news from this
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Take a Bow

I’m not sure if I still have a couple of sports fans reading, but notice how as soon as the Red Sox won the World
Featured image for “Everyone’s Got Their Doctorate Now”

Everyone’s Got Their Doctorate Now

Before I continue, I’d like to thank Tia (not sure who she is, but she likes my blog) for nominating me for the Best Education
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Penny Harvest Mania

Tomorrow’s the first Weigh-in at my school for Penny Harvest, the annual system-wide fundraising event for charities across the US sponsored by Common Cents. I’m
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Our Own Conductorless Orchestra

First off, shout-outs to History is Elementary for the latest Carnival of Education, which I participated in. I need to get with the program and
Featured image for “Having Your Cake and Eating It Too, Workshop Model Style”

Having Your Cake and Eating It Too, Workshop Model Style

After an intense review of the test that my kids bombed, and running around the school trying to get the school ready for Penny Harvest,
Featured image for “Raindrops Falling On My Head”

Raindrops Falling On My Head

On Friday, a fellow teacher and I took 2 of my classes on a trip to the Central Park Zoo, and I have to tell
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Not Your Average Joe

I became a baseball fan when I was around 9 years old, when the Yankees were getting their butts beat in the division by the
Featured image for “Penny Harvest Math”

Penny Harvest Math

Ah, I’m taking a breather from politics. Not that I don’t like duking it out with different individuals on my beliefs, but because I like
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A Synopsis of The Road Less Wanted

Last week, I spoke extensively about one student who had some serious behavioral problems in his classroom, and how that’s a microcosm of what he’s
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After Notes from the AfroLatino Immigration Discussion

Yesterday afternoon, I attended a panel discussion entitled “Black, Latino, Both” sponsored by the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture (of which I am
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Incalculable

Every year, sometime in September, teachers and administrators get a huge stack of papers describing to us exactly how our kids performed in the 2-3
Featured image for “Who’s The Savage?”

Who’s The Savage?

This kid in my school’s about 5’10, Black Latino, raspy voice, and a good 225-235 pounds easily. The first time I ever observed him, I
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Let It Be

When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me, speaking words of wisdom, let it be … While everyone’s been hitting
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Imagine

Imagine there’s no HeavenIt’s easy if you tryNo hell below usAbove us only skyImagine all the peopleLiving for today … Field Negro’s contemplations about religion,
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Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds

Before college, I was never much into drugs. The closest I ever came to actually having drugs were the moments of secondhand contact and at
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Helter Skelter

Those that need an explanation as to why people made a big uproar over the Jena 6 need no further comment from me after this:
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We Can Work It Out

Life is very short, and there’s no time for fussing and fighting, my friend. I have always thought that it’s a crime, so I will
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Revolution

You say you want a revolution, well you know we all want to change the world. My annoyance right now stems from the idea of
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Across The Universe

I finally settled on a new layout. Though it’s not exactly the one I wanted, it’s the only one that works for both Internet Explorer
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Leave Fame Alone

I recently saw one of the most disturbing videos of the year when I saw Chris Crocker (a.k.a. “Leave Britney Alone” guy) on MySpace, sobbing
Featured image for “Ms. B Does Her F*(k!n Job!”

Ms. B Does Her F*(k!n Job!

Today, I had the grand opportunity of observing a “veteran” teacher, and I hate to go into details, but let’s just say that this person’s
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The Common Factor

“The mediocre teachers tell. The good teachers explain. The superior teachers demonstrate. The great teachers inspire.” – my good friend Indira, who quoted someone else,
Featured image for “Black, White, and Read All Over? Terrorism!”

Black, White, and Read All Over? Terrorism!

I recently read on Slate.com that not only is Big Brother watching, but he’s also trying to get into my library, keeping records of the
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Color Commentary

The problem / blessing with being a blogger of “color” is that, because of our natural tendency to discuss politics, we’re instantly labeled and constricted
Featured image for “Do Your F*ck!n Job”

Do Your F*ck!n Job

Mayor Bloomberg’s latest ideas on creating incentives for people doing what they’re supposed to do annoys the shit out of me. I hate to curse
Featured image for “And The Crowd Goes Wild”

And The Crowd Goes Wild

By the way, I didn’t know my last blog was blocked from comments, but that’s fine. It was a post I just needed to exhale.