P. L. Thomas, Professor, Furman University. Teacher/Writer/Poet. Twitter is not my classroom. Tweets represent me only and no organization
Spartanburg, SC
Joined February 2011
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Paul Thomas retweeted
I know a lot of teachers and have been in contact with thousands through my Ed Week column. I have never heard of a teacher employ the ‘discovery learning’ that so many complain is rampant in schools. Maybe, during a school year, a tchr might use it for short lesson now and then
Paul Thomas retweeted
We acknowledge that no one has the bandwidth for this, but if it helps:
-It’s ‘sleight of hand’
-It’s ‘bated breath’
-It’s ‘lo and behold’
-It's 'buck naked'
-It’s ‘brass tacks’
-It’s ‘free rein’
-It’s ‘toe the line'
Paul Thomas retweeted
Public service announcement: Do not use the proportion of students who are proficient on NAEP as a justification for the need to raise achievement unless you know what proficient on NAEP means.
Paul Thomas retweeted
I appreciate NPR Illinois / 91.9 UIS promoting my Mary Shelley talk tomorrow evening at Williamsville Public Library and Museum - already have a nice size group registered - registration encouraged but not required williamsvillelibrary.org/
Paul Thomas retweeted
Wait, I thought reading was over.
“Actually, in America, the reading of books is up. Sales of print books have increased nearly twenty-five per cent from a decade ago. The number of independent bookstores in the United States has climbed steeply since 2009, with a seventy-per-cent increase since 2020.”
These nuggets & more in this delightful @NewYorker profile of James Daunt, founder of Daunt Books, CEO of Barnes & Noble, and Managing Director of Waterstones: newyorker.com/magazine/2026/…
Paul Thomas retweeted
October 21 has been shown in the comics to be Matt Murdock's birthday. (I guess this also means it's Mike Murdock's birthday too)
Paul Thomas retweeted
beyond the obvious pedagogical flaws with teaching scripts, remember that they are generally produced by transnational corporations who generate serious economic profit for themselves by (wrongly) convincing teachers that scripts make teaching more equitable and efficient.
Actors use scripts. Musicians use sheet music. Surgeons follow established procedures.
Why are scripts for teachers treated as an affront to professionalism?
@ehanford explains why Direct Instruction uses them.
Paul Thomas retweeted
Teachers, You May Think You’re Using Direct Instruction
But Unless You’ve Read an Obscure 1954 DI Book That Was Only Published in Dutch, You’re Doing It Wrong
Paul Thomas retweeted
New Talarico ad running statewide:
"Ken Paxton says, I don't have his experience, and he's right.
"I've never been indicted for fraud. I've never been reported to the FBI for bribery. I've never been impeached by my own party, and I've never given a sweetheart deal to a pedophile.
"I have a different kind of experience. I've worked with both parties to cap the cost of insulin and pass the largest property tax cut in Texas history. I'm James Tallarico and I approve this message because we need a different kind of experience in Washington."
Paul Thomas retweeted
Eugene Debs died 100 years ago today!
I'm in the Chicago Tribune today, using Debs's life and legacy to rebut the absurd claim that socialism is un-American.
Shawn Gude: Democratic socialism is as American as apple pie. Eugene Debs showed it. chicagotribune.com/2026/10/2…
Paul Thomas retweeted
I've seen some folks complain recently that meta studies seem to be proliferating uncontrollably. Apparently that is TRUE. What does this mean for how we, including the general public, understand or misunderstand science? I have a look in my essay today.
Link to follow...
