District Coach on the Go
14 Sep 2022 Leave a comment
in NYCDOE Tags: parking permit, spelling
Can you find the mistakes on the DOE parking permit website?
“This application enable principals, APs, teachers, and UFT members to require a parking permit for their school” (sic)
On my websites, I ask a coworker who has “fresh eyes” to review the material before/after I post.
22 Dec 2021 Leave a comment
in Microsoft Tags: microsft, spelling
You are surprised? Oui? No?
This spelling mistake was discovered within Outlook, in the Apps section.
When I add the app and click the link, this is the page it takes me to…
17 Dec 2021 Leave a comment
in district office Tags: spelling, Staples
The Office Supply superstore needs to slow down and check the spelling…
27 Feb 2020 Leave a comment
in NYCDOE Tags: latinx, spelling, womxn
Recently I came across two items from the New York City department of education in which a word is spelled such that the letter X stands in for another vowel.
Example 1:
“Celebrate Latinx Heritage: During Latinx Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15) we celebrate the heritage, culture, and contributions of Latinx Americans to the United States.” Note that the DOE wrote Latinx instead of Latino or Latina.
Interestingly, consider the URL for the page — https://www.weteachnyc.org/resources/collection/national-hispanic-heritage-month/ .
I have heard some argue that “Latinx” is best, because it is gender-neutral (as opposed to “Latino” or “Latina).” But then, isn’t “Hispanic” also gender-neutral?
Example 2:
“Womxn’s Call to Action: Join us Saturday, March 14 for fun, NEW hands-on workshops and soul-sustaining talk for educators from Computer Science pioneers. Celebrate womxn in CS with our keynote speaker Dr. Ayanna Howard! Participants will get great resources for their school and hear from speakers focused on building community, introducing “Modern Figures” in CS and increasing the representation of womxn in CS.”
And once again, a mixed message: look at the banner at the top of the web page with English-standard spelling:
In both cases the DOE seems to be putting political correctness over spelling correctness.
14 Aug 2018 Leave a comment
in code, computer lab Tags: coding, spelling
In this activity, students use N(orth), S(outh), E(ast) and W(est) arrows to spell words off a letter grid.
For example, “JUMP” is E, E, E, S.
In this example, “ABOVE” is S, S, E, S, E
After doing several examples, give students a code (e.g., S, S, E, S, E) and let them figure out what word it spells!
Remember to specify the starting box (which is typically the upper left-most cell — like in a spreadsheet)
Occasional Observations of Traveling Technology Coach 