In “Standing in the Gap” Lisa Dabbs and Nicol R. Howard encourage all educators, especially new teachers, to find support by connecting on social media, using internet resources in class, and facilitating e-communication with parents. A must read, says educator/writer Mary Langer Thompson.
STEM expert Anne Jolly takes a close look at the many well-funded STEM components found in ESSA, the new federal education act, and urges educators to remain true to the project learning and engineering elements that characterize authentic STEM curriculum.
Conferences are valuable ways to grow professionally. Consultant Anne Anderson, who attended many such events as a teacher, shares ideas for getting buy-in and funding, prepping for the trip, getting the most from talks and exhibits, and bringing it all home.
Book Reviews / Student Driven Learning
by MiddleWeb · Published 01/06/2016 · Last modified 11/16/2019
In Building School 2.0, Chris Lehmann and Zac Chase offer sharp insights on the world of learners and a vision for where schools should be heading. They include practical advice on how to move forward as a teacher, as a staff or as an administration, says Kevin Hodgson.
In Ditch That Textbook, educator Matt Miller helps teachers reflect on their current practice and find better ways to make a difference in the lives of their students, says educator Laura Von Staden. His acronym – Different, Innovative, Tech-laden, Creative and Hands-on – reveals his philosophy.
Annual resolutions to “get organized” usually fade quickly, despite ready access to smart devices and clever management apps. What we need, writes organizing expert Frank Buck, is some good advice. He begins his 5-part series with the digital calendar.
Principals can use social media to improve communication, provide information during school safety situations, increase collaboration, and enhance professional development. Ron Williamson and Barbara Blackburn argue, in fact, that social media is a leadership essential today.
How can we judge the effectiveness of students bringing their own electronic devices to class? Matt Renwick’s checklist looks at whether devices meet all students’ needs, how they are involved in choosing devices, and whether they’re able to collaborate in class and beyond.
For teachers considering a career in Special Education, an area of critical need, reviewer Laura Von Staden fears that those readers may not finish That’s Special feeling equipped or encouraged to teach this group of students and may decide not to enter the field.
A class full of middle schoolers are ready to learn. But supplies are low, technology is sparse, and you have already spent too much of your own money for the classroom. Educational consultant Anne Anderson repurposes 3 classroom staples you’re sure to have.
