Listen to OM & Styx Viscous – We Coffin Up It’s True by STYX VISCOUS on #SoundCloud

Listen to Gold Fears – OmStyx.mp3 by Theodore Aplin on #SoundCloud

Listen to UnentitLed – OmStyx by Theodore Aplin on #SoundCloud

coat of ghosts

i move about
a skeleton
in a coat of ghosts
beneath an old blue place
people stop to say hello
even offer hugs
i smile & sometimes even
a laugh comes out
they don’t know
i’m 3 parts ghost
it’s all a show
b/c everyone who really
made me smile
is gone
they’re ghosts i wear
around me
like a cloak
& when i’m in my room alone
all i do is i cry
listening to songs
that make me remember
all i’ve lost
a skeleton w/ tear ducts
from when i was alive
& today they pass me & smile
they don’t know
my grin is a frown in disguise
even when we shake hands
they don’t notice my grip
is all bone
cuffs of ghosts at my wrists
i’m just a skeleton
in a coat of ghosts
moving about
beneath an old blue place

————————————————

suspended in the night

i woke in the wee
hours of the night
my arm numb
from sleeping on it
& i thought how
we bring things
into existence
w/ our reins of vessels
& circling blood
& slim branches
of nerves, etc…
& while my arm
slowly came
back to life
i lay there in silence
straddling both worlds
the unscrambled one
& one of total nothingness
the latter, of course
my better acquaintance

———————————————-

a visitation

i met my mother the day
after her father suddenly
died in the street
8 years before i was born
she was in the laundrymat
across the street
from our old apartment
in brooklyn
asking herself out loud
how dare the dryers spin?
the machines turn?
don’t they know that
my father’s gone?
& i was there next to her
folding my clothes
on a long white table
twice her age
i gave her my condolences
i told her my mother died
on a sunny day in june
while the baseball game played
loud on the hospital tv
while i was there in the room
& i asked the sun
to stop what it was doing
just for a moment
but it kept on shining
she stared at me as if she
knew something
said she was sorry & thank you
& then looked away
watching the towels lift & drop
in the little round window
& i picked up my basket
& walked out into the blaze
of my dream

1.Secret of Lake Como

Fall in the heart of Lake Como

The beautiful girl falls to the heaven

A witch from the highest mountain follows her,

steals her breath

steals her long hair

steals her blue eyes

She is naked

because her long scream is

transformed into short verses,

into waves in the Lake

I step on a ferry,

chase after her,

catch all the waves – blue verses

and see her naked soul

Her tears from the holes of eyes

fall to the Lake, making it full

she can’t hide now,

I want to die now

Every morning I wake up, sitting next to the window by lakeside

I meditate by blue verses in the Lake Como

to start my long journey, to search for you,

the secret of Lake Como,

the beauty at the bottom of the heaven,

to make love with the witch

at 425 metres deep,

the ice melts.

2.Waves of Como

Take a ferry along lake Como

I am alone on the waves

in a cloudy morning

I race with myself

You don’t want me

Upset – depressed

What can I do with this destiny?

I am alone on the waves

I can’t hold you in my arm

Suddenly you become a stranger

You are not here, or there for me

What can I do with this destiny?

You are another world

This defeats me

My heart closes

My soul cries

What can I do with this destiny?

Close my eyes, I see only waves in lake Como

So strong waves inside me

Up and down, I am alone on the waves

Close my eyes, and I tell myself never give up

Dance my life, dance on the waves

Learn from this grief

Learn from this adversity

Never give up, I hold myself on the waves

Up and down, and I am alone,

alone on the waves

Adversity can become opportunity, problem can become possibility

Grow up gradually.

Kieu Bich Hau, a celebrated Vietnamese writer and cultural ambassador, is a member of the Vietnam Writers’ Association. Born in Hung Yen Province, Vietnam, she is a prominent voice in contemporary literature and an active editor for Writer & Life magazine (Vietnam), NEUMA magazine (Romania), and Humanity magazine (Russia).

She has received numerous accolades, including an honorary doctorate from Prodigy Life Academy (USA) for her extraordinary contributions to literature. Recognized internationally, she serves as the Ambassador of Ukiyoto Publisher (Canada) to Vietnam and is the founder and head of Hanoi Female Translators, promoting literary exchange and empowerment.

With 28 published works spanning prose, poetry, and essays, Kieu Bich Hau’s creative achievements have been widely acclaimed. Her works have been translated into 20 languages, including English, Italian, Korean, and French, amplifying Vietnamese literature globally. She has also earned nine prestigious literary awards, such as the ART Danubius Prize 2022 for fostering Vietnamese-Hungarian cultural ties and the Great Award of Korea 2023 for promoting Vietnamese poetry and prose internationally.

As a cultural representative, she has participated in numerous global literary events, including the ASEAN-China Writers’ Forum (2019, China), the International Poetry Festival – Europa in Versi (2023, Italy), and the World Writers’ Meet (2024, India).

Kieu Bich Hau’s storytelling captures profound human experiences, blending Vietnamese traditions with universal themes. Through her tireless efforts as an author, editor, and cultural advocate, she continues to enrich global understanding of Vietnamese literature and culture.

Teacher evaluation.

1. Purpose of Teacher Evaluation.
2. Methods of Evaluation.
3. Challenges in Teacher Evaluation.
4. Feedback and Professional Growth.
5. Teacher Involvement in the Process.

                                       Purpose of teacher evaluation.

Teacher evaluation is a systematic process designed to assess the performance and effectiveness of teachers. Its primary purpose is to enhance teaching quality, improve student learning outcomes, and support teachers in their professional growth.

Evaluation identifies teachers’ strengths and areas needing improvement. Through classroom observations, student feedback, and performance reviews, teachers receive actionable insights to refine their methods.

 Enhanced teaching strategies that lead to better student engagement and achievement. Teachers need continuous growth to adapt to changing educational needs.

Evaluations highlight specific skills or knowledge gaps, guiding teachers toward targeted training and development opportunities.

Teachers stay current with best practices and new teaching techniques. Schools are responsible for delivering quality education. Teacher evaluations provide evidence of their contributions to student success and adherence to school standards. Greater trust among stakeholders, including students, parents, and administrators.

In essence, teacher evaluation is a collaborative tool for growth, accountability, and educational excellence, benefiting both educators and learners alike.

                                         Methods of teacher evaluation.

Teacher evaluation involves various approaches to assess teaching effectiveness. These methods provide a well-rounded understanding of a teacher’s performance and impact on student learning.

1. Classroom Observations–Administrators, peers, or instructional coaches observe teachers during lessons to assess their teaching practices. Observers use a rubric or checklist to evaluate aspects like lesson delivery, classroom management, and student engagement. Feedback is provided based on what was observed. Direct insights into real-time teaching. Can be subjective if not standardized.
2. Self-Assessment-Teachers reflect on their own practices and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses. Teachers complete self-evaluation forms or write reflective journals. Often combined with professional development plans. Encourages personal accountability and growth.

3.Student Feedback-Collecting input from students about their classroom experiences. Surveys or questionnaires are given to students, asking about teaching effectiveness, clarity, and engagement. Provides a perspective from the primary beneficiaries of teaching. May not fully capture a teacher’s effectiveness, especially with younger students.

 4. Peer Review-Fellow teachers review each other’s teaching practices. Peers observe lessons, review teaching materials, or collaborate on instructional improvement. Promotes collaborative learning among teachers. Can be influenced by personal relationships or biases.

     5. Student Performance Data- Using student test scores, grades, or other metrics to evaluate a teacher’s impact on learning. Data is analyzed to measure student progress over time. Often combined with other evaluation methods for context. Provides measurable evidence of teaching effectiveness. Factors beyond the teacher’s control  can affect results.

6. Parent Feedback-Gathering insights from parents about their perception of the teacher’s effectiveness and communication. Surveys or meetings allow parents to share their views.

7.Teaching portfolios-A collection of materials that showcase a teacher’s work and achievements. Portfolios include lesson plans, student work samples, assessments, and reflections. Demonstrates a teacher’s planning, creativity, and impact.

8.Standardized Evaluation Tool-Using structured frameworks like the Danielson Framework or Marzano Teacher Evaluation Model to assess performance. Teachers are rated on specific criteria like instruction quality, professional responsibilities, and classroom environment. Provides consistency and clear benchmarks.

Best Practices for Teacher Evaluation

• Use multiple methods: Combining methods ensures a fair and comprehensive evaluation.
• Provide constructive feedback: Focus on growth and actionable suggestions.
• Ensure transparency: Clearly explain the process and criteria to teachers.
• Foster a supportive culture: Make evaluation a tool for improvement, not judgment.

By leveraging a mix of these methods, teacher evaluations can effectively support both individual development and overall educational quality.

                         Challenges in teacher evaluation.

While student feedback is a valuable method for assessing teacher effectiveness, it comes with specific challenges that educators and administrators should consider:

1.Student Bias-Students may base their feedback on personal likes or dislikes rather than objective teaching effectiveness. Example: A teacher who enforces strict discipline may receive lower ratings from students, even if they are effective at teaching.

  2.Lack of Maturity- Younger students may lack the maturity or understanding needed to evaluate a teacher’s skills fairly. Example: Elementary school students may focus on how “fun” a teacher is rather than the quality of instruction.

3. Influence of Grades- Students’ opinions may be influenced by the grades they receive.  Example: Students who receive poor grades might rate a teacher poorly out of frustration, regardless of the teacher’s competence.

4. Limited Understanding of Teaching Practices-Students may not understand the complexities of effective teaching or why certain methods are used. Example: A teacher’s emphasis on critical thinking might be undervalued because students find it challenging or unfamiliar.

5. Pressure to Please-Teachers might feel pressured to prioritize popularity over effective teaching to receive positive feedback. Example: A teacher might avoid giving challenging assignments to keep students happy, which can compromise educational quality.

6. Cultural and Contextual Factors- Cultural or contextual factors may shape how students perceive and rate their teachers. Example: In some cultures, students may hesitate to provide honest feedback about their teachers out of respect or fear of repercussions.

To make student feedback a meaningful part of teacher evaluation, schools can:

1. Use age-appropriate tools: Design feedback forms suited to students’ maturity levels.
2. Provide guidance: Educate students on how to give constructive and focused feedback.
3. Combine with other methods: Use student feedback alongside classroom observations and other evaluation tools for a balanced view.
4. Focus on patterns: Look for consistent trends in feedback rather than isolated comments.
5. Ensure anonymity: Allow students to provide feedback confidentially to promote honesty.

By addressing these challenges, student feedback can become a valuable, fair, and actionable tool in teacher evaluation.

                 Feedback and professional growth.

Feedback is essential for professional growth, especially for teachers and professionals in education. It helps identify strengths, areas for improvement, and strategies for development.

Feedback is information or guidance provided about your performance. It helps you understand what you are doing well and what can be improved. Example: A principal might tell a teacher, “Your lessons are engaging, but try to ask more open-ended questions to encourage critical thinking.”

Feedback highlights what you’re good at and what needs improvement. Example: A teacher learns their classroom management is excellent but needs to improve lesson pacing.

Constructive feedback encourages learning new skills and improving existing ones. Example: After receiving feedback, a teacher attends a workshop on integrating technology in lessons.

 Positive feedback boosts confidence, while constructive feedback inspires growth.

 Example: Being praised for creativity motivates a teacher to explore innovative teaching methods.

Feedback helps set realistic and meaningful professional goals. Example: “Focus on differentiating instruction for diverse learners this semester.”

Professional growth is the continuous process of improving skills, knowledge, and performance in your career. It involves learning new techniques, adopting best practices, and staying updated in your field.

Tips for Using Feedback for Growth.

1. Be Open: View feedback as an opportunity, not criticism.
2. Ask Questions: Seek clarification to fully understand the feedback.
3. Set Goals: Focus on specific, achievable goals based on the feedback.
4. Take Action: Implement changes and continuously evaluate your progress.

Feedback is a powerful tool for personal and professional development. When used constructively, it helps identify areas to grow, build confidence, and enhance skills, ultimately leading to success and career advancement.

                               Teacher involvement in the process.

Involving teachers in the evaluation process is essential for making it fair, effective, and meaningful. When teachers actively participate, they feel more ownership and are more likely to view evaluations as opportunities for professional growth rather than as judgment.

Builds Trust: Involvement ensures that teachers understand the process, reducing anxiety and fostering trust between teachers and evaluators.

Encourages Professional Growth: Active participation allows teachers to focus on areas of personal and professional development.

Promotes Fairness: Teachers can share insights about their unique challenges, ensuring evaluations are context-sensitive.

Strengthens Collaboration: Teachers and administrators work together to improve teaching practices and student learning outcomes.

Teachers reflect on their own performance and identify strengths and areas for improvement. Teachers set personal or professional goals that align with their development and student needs. Example: A teacher might set a goal to improve student participation through more interactive lessons.

Teachers can contribute to developing or refining evaluation tools and rubrics.

Teachers engage in discussions with evaluators to review feedback, clarify concerns, and develop action plans. Example: Discussing specific steps to address classroom management challenges highlighted in the evaluation.

Based on evaluation results, teachers work with administrators to create tailored growth plans. Example: A teacher might enroll in a workshop on using technology effectively if that was identified as an area for growth.

Teacher involvement in the evaluation process transforms it into a collaborative effort that fosters trust, encourages growth, and ultimately improves teaching and learning outcomes. When teachers actively participate, they take greater responsibility for their development and feel more valued as professionals.

             Self-study materials for practical lessons:

1.Test:

1. What is the primary purpose of teacher evaluation?
   a) To determine teacher salaries
   b) To identify teacher weaknesses
   c) To improve teaching effectiveness and student outcomes
   d) To rank teachers

Answer: ___

• Which of the following is NOT typically included in teacher evaluation?
  a) Classroom observations
  b) Student test scores
  c) Peer and student feedback
  d) Personal financial records

Answer: ___

• What is a commonly used tool for classroom observation during teacher evaluation?
  a) Rubric-based evaluation
  b) Open-ended interviews
  c) Anonymous surveys
  d) Informal chats

Answer: ___

• Which method of teacher evaluation is most likely to provide immediate feedback?
  a) Annual performance reviews
  b) Peer observation with discussion
  c) Student satisfaction surveys
  d) Reviewing student grades

Answer: ___

• Why is feedback considered a critical component of teacher evaluation?
  a) It provides evidence for dismissal decisions.
  b) It helps teachers align with administrative goals.
  c) It offers actionable insights for professional growth.
  d) It eliminates the need for student assessments.

Answer: ___

• What is the key benefit of involving students in teacher evaluations?
  a) It holds teachers accountable for student failures.
  b) It provides insights into the teacher’s instructional effectiveness.
  c) It allows students to influence curriculum design.
  d) It reduces administrative burden.

Answer———–

• Which of the following is a critical ethical consideration in teacher evaluation?
  a) Publishing teacher evaluation results publicly
  b) Ensuring evaluations are based on objective criteria
  c) Only evaluating experienced teachers
  d) Using only quantitative measures

Answer: ___

• How should evaluators address biases during teacher evaluation?
  a) Focus solely on student test scores
  b) Use multiple sources of data for a balanced perspective
  c) Avoid observing classes personally
  d) Ignore feedback from students and parents

Answer: ___

• Which of the following is a recent trend in teacher evaluation?
  a) Relying exclusively on annual reviews
  b) Using AI-based analytics to analyze teaching effectiveness
  c) Eliminating self-assessment processes
  d) Disregarding peer reviews

Answer: ___

1. What is the significance of professional development plans in teacher evaluation?
   a) They replace the need for formal evaluations.
   b) They help in aligning teachers’ goals with institutional objectives.
   c) They prioritize teacher weaknesses over strengths.
   d) They limit teacher autonomy in planning.

Answer: ___

2.TRUE/FALSE question.

1. Teacher evaluation is primarily conducted to identify ineffective teachers and terminate their employment.
   (True/False)

• Classroom observation is one of the most common methods used in teacher evaluation.
  (True/False)

• Student feedback should never be considered in teacher evaluations as it is subjective.
  (True/False)

• A good teacher evaluation system includes both formative and summative assessments.
  (True/False)

• Using multiple measures, such as peer feedback, student outcomes, and self-assessments, reduces biases in teacher evaluations.
  (True/False)

• Teacher evaluation results should always be made public to ensure transparency.
  (True/False)

• One purpose of teacher evaluation is to help teachers identify areas for professional growth.
  (True/False)

• Student test scores are the only reliable metric for evaluating teacher performance.
  (True/False)

• Ethical teacher evaluations should focus on both teacher accountability and professional development.
  (True/False)

1. Self-assessment is a useful component of a comprehensive teacher evaluation process.
   (True/False)

AN ABUNDANCE OF JOY 

God has given me a wonderful life. Each day is wonderful and I can live a joyous life. Yes, dialysis enables me to focus on my relationship with our Heavenly Father. My joy that started in childhood comes from talking to God all the time. 

He has given a life full of riches. I get to take time to thank Him while I’m treated. I continue to pray and give thanks for my life and for that abundance of joy. God’s gift has allowed me to have Heaven here at the present time. I experience the wonders of the All Mighty. Imagine having an experience of God’s grace while still living here on earth.  

Joy and joy and joy. Nothing on this earth can now take my heart for God is showing me the purpose of my life. He has allowed the writing of Jeremiah 29:11 to be His gift to me to have and to keep. I experience His unending mercy and grace. I can’t explain my peace in my relationship with God now. 12 hours a week at three hours a season with His healing of me and others. I find myself having compassion for others to teach them to enjoy the gift of life without taking it for granted. 

Each moment is a moment to converse with Him and praise Him. Giving glory. 

Nothing in this world is greater than His love for us. Now I understand my purpose. 

God has given me a chance to fully live having dialysis. I am no longer captured by the world because of God’s Mercy. I’m prospering and have hope and a future with Him in this life and eternally. 

I share God’s amazing grace to me. His grace to live in the inner city. His grace to just live a life of abundance of peace and prosperity and a future and hope. Nothing surpasses His grace.  

So, in closing, dialysis has shown me God’s love to me which is beyond my comprehension. I leave you all with this thought: wherever you are in life, God is there. In difficult situations or joy, He is with you.

1

 Green grass in the belly of a dead cow

The sun hides behind a bashful horizon

2

And when the banana peel turned black, God was no longer able to fix anything.

3

man rested his head 

against the wooden sky 

and there is nothing 

higher than the sky

4

My hand has dried up and my stomach has rusted. I have become an empty iron can of cola that will cut your tongue in half. My home is now a cesspool of industrial history, because no one needs me either. (As well as world history and culture.) The doctors will try to help you, but sepsis. There is a commercial break on the surgical screen and then shit again. The freckles have disappeared. Someone will have to pay back the loan for all this.

5

Kill me with a clay name oh chitinous god

But others are dying again

Someone is watering the lilacs that grew instead of a cemetery