School is starting this week. Greet your students with a smile and the ability to learn!

School begins this week in some school districts with the majority starting after Labor Day. I wanted to repost a few articles from the past that are so relevant now since the Covid Pandemic continues to affect our school aged children, especially the younger ones. Our education system is broken and under attack by many who do not have the children's best interest at heart, especially the younger ones. 

People used to say keep Religion out of Politics. I say it is more important to keep Education out of Politics! I did not mean government. Government has a role to make sure all our students have the opportunity for a good education. What I mean are the people running for office that are backed by Teacher Unions that have personal ambitions that do not put student basic fundamental (Reading, Math, Science) learning first.

In 2015 I started working as an educational team leader for grades K-2. I chose those grade levels because it provided me the opportunity to help mold and create young students as they begin their educational journeys.  I have found how important and “simple” it is to start their day out with a smile/greeting. 

K-2 Educational Team Leader Credo

I believe it is very important to greet students with a smile and kind word first thing in the morning in the grade school cafeteria (This is where they get dropped off for school before the bell rings) as they start their school day. In many situations it might be the only greeting/smile they receive all day. Students appreciate and respond to settings where they feel welcome. Students who feel more welcome are more likely to seek out my help or others when needed (In today’s dysfunctional families this happens frequently). 

By greeting students (Added plus – learn their names) at the door as they enter school or classroom, you can see and prevent potential problems. Correcting potential problems in the cafeteria (school provided meals) before school starts may help a student enter their first class free of stress or take out frustrated energy in the gym or even carry it all day to their home. Recognizing a potential problem and preventing it is critical to the overall success of the student, their teachers, fellow classmates and the school.

I was very fortunate to have worked with some truly remarkable teachers. Their dedication and passion for what they did was outstanding. 

Note: To a “Systems Thinker” this is building/designing quality upfront in the process. It is where the potential for failures and defects is at their most dangerous (If unchecked continue to grow) but they are almost always the easiest (Cheapest) way to prevent/fix problems. For example, starting in the earlier grades to guide students to a love a learning and to be able to ask questions and provide them with the basic fundamentals for future learning.

Most critical for teachers is the ability for them to enable their students HOW to think and learn (By WHAT Method) and not what to think and learn. Don't just give them the answers but rather lay the foundation by which they can discover and learn the answer for themselves. 

Two methods come to mind that will help students discover and learn for themselves. Build these methods into your learning/teaching process.

1) When learning HOW to do a Science Project: 

2) Dr. Deming/Shewhart - How to understand Systems Thinking: https://deming.org/explore/pdsa/

Also... Make Learning Fun!

Over the years I always tried to observe and learn what makes a good teacher. One of the measures by which I make my conclusion is how well the class learns and just as important how well it behaves and respects all (Teacher, Students) within the room.

If I find that 95% of the students follow this conclusion, I know there is a good teacher at the helm. I know when I have found a “Great” teacher when there is a substitute teacher and 90% of the students follow my conclusion because their regular teacher has instilled the pride and learning so that whoever is in the room, they give their attention out of respect for their regular teacher.

Common Sense vs Critical Thinking

I always find it amusing when politicians from each party start with a phrase and all the lemmings in the party no matter what the discussion is make sure they fit the phrase is their response. 

Recently, it's we are a "big tent party." All are welcome in our tent. It should be stated as a "Circus" Tent!

Lately, the new phrase is we need "Critical Thinking" people as to what used to be said "Common Sense" people. I suppose all the commonsense people really don't have common sense because people with common sense are displaying such stupidity.

Simply put, Common Sense is derived from one's cultural beliefs from their environment that helps them function is society. Critical Thinking is more logical in nature and is usually the next step in providing an answer to societies more complex questions with common sense as an input.

Politicians and the media want us to now believe people with common sense are less intelligent that critical thinkers. Why? because no one with common sense would say we don't need the police or prisons or laws or borders or anything that makes a society function. It takes a critical thinker to understand we must have police, prisons, borders and laws to have a functioning society.

Please understand that most politicians and most of the media have lost their way and are just lemmings hoping you will follow them over the cliff. 

Of course, if you have read this blog, you know that I am a firm believer in "Systems Thinking". https://qualityg.blogspot.com/search?q=systems+thinking

In today's world one must also include AI Learning or Thinking. An interesting read can be found at: https://systemsthinkingalliance.org/systems-thinking-and-ai-what-every-leader-must-know/

The worst type of thinking is "Entitlement Thinking (ET)." Unfortunately, this ET is very dangerous and results in no thinking at all just give me what I want and deserve according to what I don't have as opposed to what others have.

Brotherly Love (Jake and Max)- Autism Style! - Updated 8/2/2026

August 2nd, 2026 - Brother Max

I saw this story on my local news station last week. This is a brotherly love that goes way beyond the common good of what family means. https://www.wxyz.com/news/voices/two-michigan-brothers-show-the-world-that-autism-is-no-barrier-to-independence

Here is how you can follow Jake and Max's journey:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mybrothermaxie

Website: https://mybrothermax.xyz/

June 1st, 2026 - So Sad

Autism services are frequently targeted for fraud because the programs funding them — primarily state Medicaid initiatives — combine high demand, rapid growth, and minimal regulatory oversight. It’s also a very human emotional response when anyone questions something that is supposed to help so many in need (Primarily Children). Why are not people in these states outraged and demanding change at their local and state government positions. Most of these dollars are federally funded (We should all be upset).

The Department of Justice recently charged 15 individuals accused of defrauding Minnesota’s Autism Medicaid program out of $46.6 million. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) put Medicaid spending for autism care in Indiana, Wisconsin, Maine and Colorado under the microscope, conducting audits examining 100 monthly bills in each state over a year.

According to the HHS audits, Indiana made at least $56 million in improper payouts, Wisconsin $18.5 million, Maine $45.6 million and Colorado a whopping $77.8 million.

April 2nd, 2026

A few notes and resources for this year's Autism Awareness Day. My home state has some great resources for Autism. 

https://autismallianceofmichigan.org/our-work/

https://autismallianceofmichigan.org/service/grants-and-scholarships/

I have always admired Temple Grandin - she was one of the first honored and publicized person with autism. Her story is remarkable and she continues to excel in her efforts to promote autism. https://www.templegrandin.com/

Two television shows I started to watch in the past year dealing with autism are:

Professor T (BBC/PBS) and Atypical (Netflix). I would add that these shows for viwing but they are for mature audiences.

The best watched TV Autism moment was ESPN's sport's analyst and former pro quarterback Dan Orlovsky watching his son Madden express his talent and feelings on World Autism Awareness Day. https://www.totalprosports.com/nfl/espn-dan-orlovsky-bawling-his-eyes-out-live-tv-video/

September 1st, 2025

I have always been a fan of the “Big Easy” Ernie Els. He is a hall of fame golfer and his manner and grace both on and off the links are also worthy of hall of fame status. 

Not many know of his son Ben who has autism, and many do not know about his foundation located in Jupiter Florida.

https://sports.yahoo.com/article/ernie-els-priority-autism-foundation-204418559.html?fr=sycsrp_catchall

https://www.elsforautism.org/about-us/on-our-campus/

June 1st, 2025

I have always been a follower of Mike Rowe. For the past 20 years+ he has sounded the charge for the need of vocational workers. He also states the alarm of the lack of work ethic in our country especially among young men. https://moneywise.com/employment/mike-rowe-warns-americans-that-the-will-to-work-is-disappearing 

Mr. Rowe has a wonderful segment on his website about teaching community trades to the Autism Community (TACT). Please check it out. https://mikerowe.com/2025/05/teaching-the-autism-community-trades-ep-2-pysk/

April 2nd, 2025

I first read about this new Autism group last November. https://outliermedia.org/detroit-autism-friendly-play-center/ Since this was so close to home, I wanted to promote the group and their activities during World Autism Month.

Autism in the D is worthy organization that provides many resources in the Detroit area. Please help out if you can for a worthy cause. https://www.autisminthed.com/about

Here is another excellent website with valuable information and many resources available about autism.

https://riseupforautism.com/blog/what-is-autism-awareness-month

April 8th, 2024

This is such a tragic and disgusting video. Awareness MUST also include the sad fact of autistic children being abused.

https://rmlawyers.com/littleton-public-schools-special-education-student-abuse-cases/

https://www.yahoo.com/news/littleton-bus-aide-fired-students-230200317.html

April 2nd, 2024

 https://www.autismspeaks.org/world-autism-awareness-day

In the past month I have seen two actors that are on the autism spectrum do wonderful work. It's wonderful to see autistic actors in roles not played but non-autistic actors (i.e., Freddie Hightower "The Good Doctor"). 

I'm not criticizing Mr. Hightower his show is very good, and he does an outstanding job.

In fact, one of the actors is on his show this season.

https://www.aol.com/good-doctor-newbie-kayla-cromer-150200087.html

Kayla Cromer is the first autistic actor to play an autistic main character on a primetime TV series.

The other actor is Paras Patel in the hit show “The Chosen.” He portrays Matthew the tax collector and apostle of Jesus.

https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/video/paras-patel-chosen-people-feeling-108767411

I urge everyone to watch these shows, they are really good.

April 2023

Autism Acceptance Month, previously named Autism Awareness Month, in April aims to celebrate and promote acceptance for the condition that occurs in one in every 54 children as of 2020 in the United States.

Why April Is Autism Acceptance Month, Not Autism Awareness

Acceptance vs. Awareness

“Acceptance is about moving beyond this idea of awareness, which has been medicalized and has been used to spread ideas of autism that are stigmatizing,” says Zoe Gross, Director of Advocacy at ASAN. “[Autism] make life harder, but it’s part of our experience of the world. It’s not something to be scared of.” 

https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?fr=yfp-t&ei=UTF-8&p=April+is+autism+awarens+month#id=3&vid=f537484a81236db2e300515d90bff8f2&action=click

April 2022

 A Proclamation on World Autism Awareness Day, 2022

A nice message from the White House - https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2022/04/01/a-proclamation-on-world-autism-awareness-day-2022/

P/S - Update on the Good Doctor - Much better than 2021 season with the focus returned to ASD in most of the episodes.

April 2021

With the Global Covid 19 virus I can't help but wonder about all the routine movements, processes and help that is now so fragmented for people on the spectrum. Perhaps, others can now learn what it is like to have your "normal" life in such a disarray. Autism people have known this kind of stress their whole lives.

While sitting at home with the rest of the world I found this movie that was really good about an English lad who has autism. Check it out!

https://agoodmovietowatch.com/brilliant-young-mind-2014/

And of course, I really like the Good Doctor. However, the 2021 season has lost its gusto. Too many social issues and political correctness is ruining the show about ASD.

April 23 - Update

I was sent (Thank you Matthew) this link
https://www.wizcase.com/blog/internet-safety-guide-for-people-with-autism-spectrum-disorders/
that provides valuable information about internet safety for people with ASD.

Click link below for all my posts on Autism over the years. http://qualityg.blogspot.com/search/label/ASD%20-%20Autism%20Spectrum%20Disorders

or on the ASD Label (Left Sidebar) for more of my posts on Autism.

I was throwing away some old papers today when I came across this poem, I wrote 25 years ago for Michael, Jason, Robert and my other friends and students I have had the pleasure to know...

SHINE!

At 11:45 we start to get antsy while he smiles like an old gray fox
At noon we go to our lockers and get our Sponge Bob lunch box
He then checks our shoelaces and pulls up our socks.

Then it’s back to class and get called in to line
We shuffle to the back because he said that’s where we shine
He walks with us quietly and whispers all will be fine.

As we walk quietly in line headed to the lunchroom we go
We then search for a place at a table where a friend might show
While the man who is with us sits across the room laying low.

Often times we don’t eat, and we just play with our food
Then the lunch lady turns and signal to the man that we are being crude
He then stands where we can see; and gives us the “Look” we best eat before he gets in a mood.

After we eat, we go to recess, sometimes it’s in, but we hope it’s out
It all depends on if the flags are green hanging about
Yellow means stay inside then we groan and pout.
Today we go outside and play on the playground equipment
We hope a friend will stop and play even if for a minute
But most of the time we play alone, and it seems to be infinite.

At 12:35 the whistle blows loud and sometimes we cover our ears
You see the decibel and noise level brings out some fears
But we know we are safe because our guardian is always nearby.

Another lunch has come and another has gone by
Sometimes we get into trouble and sometimes we cry
But mostly we wonder about friends and ask him WHY?

After we line up, we will try not to talk and to stay in line
Then our teacher meets us and says you all look fine
And the man who walks behind smiles and says we SHINE!