But once you start tacking on projects requiring trips to hobby shops, computer software, and things that obviously require parental involvement, rich and abled kids get a huge advantage.

You can't be in favor of project-based learning and equity at the same time. The two are mutually exclusive.

A kid with dexterity impairments can do the reading, do the assignment in Open Office, and get the same grade as an able-bodied kid who did the reading.

A poor kid with a mom with two jobs can conceivably do the reading and get the same grade as a pampered rich kid who did the reading.

#Rotelearning is as close to a truly equitable teaching style that we'll ever get.

Rote learning is totally objective. Either you know it or you don't. Either you did the reading or you didn't.

Rote doesn't let you hide behind an extra $100 at your local art supply shop.

And again, this isn't the fault of #teachers. Our caveman brains are hardwired to give things and people that look good an extra benefit of the doubt.

You can't train away the caveman brain.

The solution is an end to project-based learning. Bring back rote.

Conversely, the kids who don't have the money or physical ability for the extra glitz and glam will find their grades artificially deflated. They'll do the best they can and find themselves being penalized and graded more harshly for a perceived "lack of effort."

The kids whose projects have all the glitz and glam will have better grades on their projects. Even if the content is questionable, they'll still get an extra boost from the perception that they put extra effort into the project.

The extra boost can inflate their grade

And every teacher who says they're not grading the project based on how good they look, but on the content, is lying. Every single one.

It's not intentional. People are just unconsciously biased towards things that look good.

If a kid's living in a car or housing insecure, he can't do a project that requires a tri-fold board.

If he's poor and #disabled, he's extra screwed. If a mom is working two jobs, she can't help her kid with cerebral palsy or other dexterity impairment glue things to posters.

The cruel part is that these creative projects are an extreme portion of a kid's grade. Often, about a third of a kid's quarterly grade. If they bomb a project, they might as well not return to class that quarter.

Families who are food insecure have to deal with wannabe art teachers who want to cram posters, dioramas, and multimedia nonsense into every little thing

So in addition to struggling with food, they have to blow money on art supplies because the #teacher is feeling "creative."

With rote learning, you only need a pencil, paper and a book. A parent doesn't need to drop money at Hobby Lobby every 2 weeks. If a kid has a dexterity impairment, there are ways to get around it.

But with projects, you're screwed if you're poor and/or #disabled.

Especially when the teachers and admins engage in open deception

"Sure Rollingredneck is in a regular ed gym class but he's safe."

I wasn't.

And everyone was stunned when my grades improved.

Weird how acknowledging reality has positive outcomes

"I don't get it! Little Rollingredneck excels at the tests where all he has to do is fill in bubbles, but he sucks at handwriting and posters! Is this laziness!?"

And then in 4th grade, a paraprofessional said, "Okay let's let him type his work and find alternatives to dioramas"

However, it is essential for individuals who advocate for causes such as #universalhealthcare, #Medicaid, or #disabilityrights to make a concerted effort to maintain their health and lose weight if possible. We are judged by our weight the minute we start making health policy demands

You can't out-exercise a bad #diet either.

A can of ravioli by Chef Boyardee can be tasty when you're too stoned to actually cook, but it isn't a serving of vegetables