Chief Executive, Advantage Schools
Joined February 2009
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Stuart Lock retweeted
So much damage is done by the idea that there is a majority of people for whom life is straightforward. The world was designed for them, they effortlessly comply with societal demands and get over their life stresses easily. They never wonder whether there is something different about them, or criticise themselves for minor failings. They sail through school and work. They have meaningful relationships with only transient conflict. Their emotions are manageable and in proportion. They are round pegs in round holes.
The neurotypical
Some people look like this from the outside. Hardly anyone reports being like this from the inside. Yet more and more books and training programmes promote the idea that if you’re not like this, you must be neurodivergent. Wired differently.
We have pathologised the human condition.
The New York Times suggests that Alpha is an experiment on fewer kids than one of the schools we run, with quite pathetic results, unethical offrolling, and apps that aren’t ready, with claims not matching reality.
Not worth the attention.
Stuart Lock retweeted
Suspensions and exclusions are a necessary part of a functioning system. Their elevated use can indicate a healthy system responding to increased or high challenge, or attempting to improve standards that are low. There is no correct rate of exclusion. The only question that needs to be answered is, 'Was this exclusion necessary, given the behaviour that preceded it?'
If this can be honestly answered 'yes' then the rate is simply a by-product of that circumstance.
Criticising a school for having a higher than average rate is like criticising a hospital for having a greater mortality rate than the cinema next door.
Schools cannot be sensibly asked to tailor individual suspension or exclusion decisions to a hypothetical 'right' level described by other circumstances.
Stuart Lock retweeted
Very disappointing to see education folks burning their credibility like this. Notable, too, how many of them were sharply critical of virtual during COVID but now think a AI education is the future.
Saying your typing is 'angry' when you yourself say you are 'furious' is not misogyny.
You like throwing these accusations around. I'll block. Shame.
OK, well as I say, I was just asking you to avoid 'moron' because of this implications and etymology regarding learning disabled people.
I'm sorry that you've been called names. I called you angry because you are - you say "fuming". I don't think that's the same.
Stuart Lock retweeted
If you feel the need to start your argument by claiming that what you are advocating in education is not dumbing down, then it's probably dumbing down.
I was objecting to the use of the word. I instinctively dislike the policing of language so I realise this is hypocritical - but I guess just take it as a request to avoid the word if you can. I respect your right to ignore me.
My friend Ben Newmark, whose daughter is learning disabled, was the person who challenged me on my lazy use of 'moron' - and 'idiot'. I have failed to eliminate the latter from my use but I recognise the etymology and hence I'm requesting a bit less of that.
I'm not a snowflake (though this might come across like it), and I recognise people don't use it in this manner and it is commonly used, but I'd appreciate less of 'moron' in particular, please.
I do recognise your anger, hence have personally disengaged.
That’s a different point entirely.
The framework has a whole section on inclusion and every other section has inclusion in it. Her statement is not true.
I have my own theories as to why she would say something observably not true but I deleted them.