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The power of the pause: Why productive struggle is key to math success

We all know the scene: the pencil pauses, the brow furrows, and a deep sigh escapes. Watching a student wrestle with a challenging math problem feels, to any caring adult, like an emergency. Our impulse is to intervene, hand over the answer, and end the suffering. But when it comes to mathematics, we must resist that urge. That very moment of uncertainty — the struggle — is not a sign of failure, but the birthplace of true learning. Educators call this phenomenon “productive struggle”. It’s the critical, supported window of time when a student must genuinely grapple with a ...

Return of the Goldfinches, or Duke comes visiting

Iknow summer is here when I see the Goldfinches return. I call them Iowa Gold, and they are the State Bird of Iowa. They color coordinate with the dandelions that are ubiquitous in our yard. I’m not going to lift a finger to eradicate these globes of sunshine for three reasons: 1. When my grandkids come out to the Empty Nest Farm, I can show them how to hold a dandelion under their chins, and if their chins reflect yellow, it means they like butter. They love it! 2. The bees use the dandelions as a source of nourishment. We must protect our bee population! And, 3, I’m too short of ...

Hollywood can still make great movies

“Project Hail Mary” is proof. Based upon the novel of the same name by author Andy Weir (who also wrote “The Martian”), the science fiction film released by Amazon MGM Studios has already grossed more than $600 million worldwide, on a $190 million budget. The film had the highest opening box office revenues so far this year, and the best opening for any Amazon film ever. In fact, “Project Hail Mary” has enjoyed so much success that its theatrical run has been extended before it goes to streaming. (When was the last time that happened?) This only goes to show that ...

District 53 Newsletter from Rep. Dean Fisher

Week 15 of the session is complete, we have passed the 100 day mark. That means our pages and clerks are dismissed and the legislators are no longer receiving a per diem expense reimbursement for our travel and living expenses. And even more pressing, it’s getting into planting season, so the legislators that farm are anxious to get out of the Capitol and into the fields. We began the week with a subcommittee and public hearing on the Senate’s proposal for property tax reform, Senate File 2472. This was a chance to take feedback from the public on what parts of the bill they liked ...

I served my Country, but it’s leaving me high and dry

Take it from a veteran who’s been homeless: Just because you see me in the streets doesn’t mean I’m not working. After their service, many veterans struggle with low-wage work, mental health issues, and challenges with their families. It’s something most people don’t want to talk about, but it’s all too real for veterans across the country — including me. For years, I’ve oscillated between stable work and transitional housing. At different times, I’ve slept in shelters, outside the public library, or back in the woods. I’ve been a volunteer advocate for veterans ...

Barker Bulletin — Week 15: Property Tax Reform

This week brought the 100th day of the legislative session. Day 100 is the latest day we have with our clerks. I am thankful for Jeff’s hard work this session as he helped me keep up with all the correspondence from constituents in the 51st District. We also moved a bunch of policy bills on the floor this week. My highlight of the week was visiting with students from West Marshall on their field trip. I also had the honor to drop of letters to graduates at each high school in the district. I started the weekend at the Iowa GOP 4th District convention. Our party is built from the ...