“High expectations” shouldn’t be about teaching obedience or expecting cookie-cutter work from all students. Middle school educator Cheryl Mizerny offers her take on teacher attitudes and practices that help or hinder student efforts to achieve their very best.
Teacher Evaluation / Working Draft
by Kevin Hodgson · Published 06/14/2015 · Last modified 11/26/2019
Soon Kevin Hodgson’s school will begin including student feedback in teacher evaluation. But Kevin is curious now. He shares a survey he created for his 6th graders to gather their views of learning in his ELA classroom. See how well he met expectations.
Book Reviews / Professional Development
by MiddleWeb · Published 05/28/2015 · Last modified 06/11/2015
The breadth and depth of the topics covered by John Murray offer school administrators an excellent overview of what works when putting professional learning into practice, says reviewer Matt Renwick. “As straightforward as an educational resource gets.”
Guest expert Dr. Susan Pruet stresses the need to stretch beyond simple arithmetic to incorporate more challenging math content in STEM lessons. Pruet also cites the supports middle grades math teachers will need to spark student engagement in STEM careers.
In today’s budget-conscious and time-stressed schools, virtual field trips are a great way to excite students without leaving the classroom. Teaching expert Barbara Blackburn shares a sample lesson idea and some good places to hunt for relevant field trips.
If you need content-rich short nonfiction texts to support social studies lessons, this spiral bound book is for you. “The American Revolution and Constitution” also provides online access to a ‘trove’ of lesson-ready images and resources, says reviewer Linda Biondi.
As science teachers pursue Next Generation Science Standards, many wonder how STEM and NGSS match up. Can a good NGSS-aligned science lesson be a good STEM lesson too? Anne Jolly and guest Marsha Ratzel offer insights via the Matchstick Rocket Challenge.
Each chapter of Cultural Literacy for the Common Core includes ELA connections, practical advice, research support, and classroom examples. Teachers can modify the ideas for students across grades and content areas, says reviewer Ashley Walther.
Dialogue circles can facilitate brain function and help “increase generosity, trust, intrinsic motivation, social connection, and cooperation so students can work together for a common purpose,” writes inner-city middle school principal David Palank.
STEM By Design / STEM Program Design
by Anne Jolly · Published 03/15/2015 · Last modified 11/29/2019
Access to STEM education is more than an economic issue. It’s a matter of equity as well. Anne Jolly highlights the story of an urban district where an intentionally disruptive program is successfully involving all middle school students in STEM studies.
