“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.
Book Reviews / Common Core State Standards
by MiddleWeb · Published 06/11/2015 · Last modified 11/14/2019
A Non-Freaked Out Guide to Teaching the Common Core is a useful supplement to the primary CCSS document. Teachers will benefit from Dave Stuart, Jr.’s thorough analysis of each anchor standard, says reviewer Susan Schwartz, although she does have one concern.
To understand how America’s infatuation with high-stakes testing negatively impacts our quality of life, we need look no further than China’s education history, says principal Matt Renwick, in his review of Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Dragon? by Yong Zhao.
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.
Book Reviews / Vocabulary Instruction
by MiddleWeb · Published 04/22/2015 · Last modified 11/17/2019
Given the current focus on reading & writing across the curriculum, Janet Allen’s cogent & concise book on vocabulary will be useful to non-ELA teachers, who may not be as familiar with strategies for teaching literacy skills, says reviewer Susan Schwartz.
Future of History / Teaching strategies
by Sarah Cooper · Published 04/19/2015 · Last modified 01/12/2023
What do middle school students gain and lose in a thematic history curriculum? Sarah Cooper relays her experiences with both theme and chronology approaches, finding strengths in each, as national standards shift from facts and dates to skills and big questions.
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.
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.
