President Obama "Slow Jams" on Keeping Student Aid Affordable

On Tuesday, President Obama stopped by Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, where he had a message for Congress:  A funny video, but a serious message.  Federal Financial Aid has made college education available to so many.  Keeping the loan rate down means passing a re-authorization now.  Further, the Republican Romney-Ryan Budget would permanently double Stafford Loan interest rates.

We can't let this happen and still prepare our workforce for the 21st Century Economy.

Just for Educators

From time to time, I want to share some best practices, new technologies, and proven strategies for enhancing teaching and learning.  I know how frustrating it can be for teachers to try to keep up with the many great ideas that are a potential solution for their challenges in the classroom.  As a candidate for the Tennessee House of Representatives District 26, I want to be a passionate advocate for improving education throughout our state and at all levels.  Remember, I have spent most of my professional career engaged in teaching and learning.

Two of the most exciting concepts that are gaining a lot of traction are Project Based Learning (PBL) and the concept of The Flipped Classroom.  I will have more on PBL, but if you want to explore this concept right away, I recommend checking out The Buck Institute for Education's Website.  

 
Have you heard about "Flipping the Classroom?"  I came across this video with science teacher Aaron Sams that is a great overview of the concept.  

For more, I recommend reading a short article by Andrew Miller (no relation) on Edutopia - 5 Best Practices for the Flipped Classroom.

Aaron Sams and some of his cohorts have created a Blog "Flipped Learning" that is worth following.

A Conversation with David Croslin

I spent some quality time today with David Croslin, a well-known technology leader, futurist, innovator, & innovation coach. Among other roles, he was Chief Technologist at Hewlitt Packard.  David was the keynote speaker at the 5th Annual Technology Transfer Conference held at the Chattanooga Convention Center. 

We spoke about some of the themes that come from his recent book, Innovate the Future, in which he lays out strategies for small businesses to beat competitors in generating new ideas and getting them to market first.  We both agreed that American companies face stiff competition, especially from China which is now leap-frogging ahead by employing innovation strategies.  Fascinating and a little bit scary. 

Thanks to Chris Daly and The Enterprise Center for bringing David to our town.

Larry Visits House of Representatives in Nashville

Yesterday I traveled to Nashville, accompanied by Gary Fisher of my campaign staff, to spend some time with the leadership of the Democratic Caucus in the Tennessee House of Representatives.  Special thanks go to Representative JoAnne Favors for spending time with us an facilitating meetings with House Democratic Caucus Chairman Mike Turner and others.

Steppin' Against Violence

PICTURE:  Larry with Rev. Kenneth Love

April 14 was a special day - a day of remembrance and of fellowship centered upon victims of violence.  Reverend Kenneth Love, pastor at St. Paul AME Church, organized The Rev. David Harrison Strong “Steppin’ Against Violence” 5K Walk to remember people who have died by violence. The walk began begin at St. Paul, where Strong was pastor before being beaten and stabbed to death in 2010.

For more photos of the walk, CLICK HERE

read the Time Free Press story

New Neighborhood Association Formed in Hixson

Congratulations to the citizens who came together to form the North Hixson Neighborhood Association.   Frank Eaton, Democratic candidate for House District 27, has been elected interim president.

Neighborhood associations are a very important asset for the region, so the creation of this group to serve North Hixson is a great thing.

The Chattanoogan.com story

Dr. Mary Headrick Addresses JFK Club in Chattanooga

Dr. Mary Headrick, a Maynardvillle internal medicine physician, spoke Monday to the JFK Club at the Blue Orleans in Chattanooga.  Dr. Headrick is one of the Democratic candidates running for the 3rd Congressional District to replace Congressman Chuck Fleischmann. 

In her address, she passionately denounced the amount of special interest money involved in modern campaign finance and encouraged all Democrats to stand up to the harsh damage that would come from the Republican (Ryan) budget proposal.



 

New facebook Page

The campaign now has a Facebook page - Lawrence G. Miller for Tennessee House, District 26.  Please go there and do the LIKE thing.  I would also appreciate it if your would SHARE this with your friends.

Thanks for your support!

Why Not Patient-Centered Medicine?

According to an article in the Nashville Medical News, better health outcomes at less cost might come from a collaborative effort.:

The Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) is one of the innovative models gaining traction across the country as providers, payers and patients look at ways to work collaboratively to shift from a ‘sick care’ system to one that promotes wellness and delivers better outcomes and higher quality while reducing costs. By coordinating care and increasing investment on the front-end, this model aims to reduce or eliminate the higher costs associated with duplicated services, emergency care, hospital readmissions, and chronic disease management.

This is the type of thinking that should be encouraged.

Campaign Theme: HEALTHCARE

Healthcare in Tennessee is in serious trouble.  We must work together to slow down the rapid increase in the most serious diseases and conditions, such as diabetes, stroke and heart disease.  We can do much more on the local level to create a sense of health and well-being.  

Healthcare is much more than Obamacare.

Just Getting Started

My campaign for House #26 is just getting started, and there is much to do.  I am conducting extensive research and talking to many people who can help me develop policy positions.

Of course, I need to get my campaign organization initiated.  Thankfully, there are many folks who have already indicated their willingness to help.

Stay tuned for more as we get rolling!

Welcome to My Candidate Blog

I have been an avid user of Web tools and applications for many years.  I will use this Blog as a very personal way to tell you about my candidacy for the Tennessee House of Representatives, District 26.  

This is a very new district, having been created by the Republican-controlled Tennessee State Legislature just recently.  Don't get me wrong - they won control of both houses and they took advantage of their majority..

I want to thank the many folks who have encouraged me and assisted me in launching my candidacy.  I promise to be truthful, open and to speak from my best understanding of what will do "the greater good" for all the residents of House District 26.