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.
Help middle graders take the next step in environmental studies & awareness. Using USDA resource materials, students can join the effort to uncover and eradicate the invasive Asian Longhorned Beetle which threatens 70% of the tree canopy in the United States.
Future of History / US Constitution
by Lauren S. Brown · Published 12/15/2015 · Last modified 12/03/2019
What works to help 7th graders understand the US Constitution? Former HS teacher Lauren S. Brown got a crash course in teaching the document as she returned to full-time teaching this fall. Slowing the pace, using the primary source, and blending in current events all helped.
Integrated STEM Literacy / STEM By Design
by Anne Jolly · Published 12/08/2015 · Last modified 12/13/2019
In focusing on traditional text-based knowledge & skills, we miss the key role visual tools play in STEM exploration and innovation. Recognizing the ways scientists and engineers use visuals with text can help us better support students in every classroom, writes author/illustrator Roger Essley.
Do your students know that when they watch docudramas, they’re not watching history as it actually happened? Do they understand movie makers’ “artistic license” for condensing history into 2-hour films? Frank W. Baker suggests media-oriented films and teaching strategies.
In Teaching Outside the Lines, Doug Johnson addresses the need to start helping students to be creative and innovative rather than conformist. He includes strategies and tools to help teachers overcome reluctance to make the shift, says teacher leader Laura Von Staden.
Nancy Butler Wolf addresses how teachers can help middle schoolers solve authentic math problems, stressing rich tasks and converting textbook problems into challenging learning. Maia Fastabend recommends the book to newer teachers and those seeking clarity.
Because of the powerful way school culture shapes the activity of students, teachers, and administrators, it’s worth investing the effort to assure it sends a positive message. Ron Williamson and Barbara Blackburn suggest leadership actions to build values.
Heather Wolpert-Gawron’s passion for PBL goes back to her elementary years. Nowadays she builds units for middle schoolers to encourage their journeys through learning. Here she shares a structure to support students while simplifying teachers’ preparation.
The difficulty students have in writing clearly can be traced to many factors, says literacy consultant Sarah Tantillo, from muddled pre-CCSS standards to weak teaching practices. Here she offers concrete suggestions to correct persistent writing problems in the secondary grades.
