Moving beyond the five myths of rigor to incorporate true instructional rigor in the classroom is critical in light of the Common Core, says expert Barbara Blackburn, who advocates scaffolding and differentiation to help all students achieve more.
Future of History / Student writing about history
by Aaron Brock · Published 12/08/2013 · Last modified 11/22/2019
Inner city middle school teacher Aaron Brock describes how he scaffolds the writing of a thesis-driven history essay with good results for students.
Media literacy consultant Frank W. Baker considers some of the ways that media arts intersect with STEM and present STEAM learning opportunities.
Book Reviews / Classroom Management / Engagement
by MiddleWeb · Published 10/28/2013 · Last modified 11/30/2019
“What does student engagement look like?” is just one of 14 questions Larry Ferlazzo & other experts answer in this new eBook reviewed by Julie Dermody.
The founders of What Kids Can Do share a selection of middle grades student voices expressing what teachers can do to help all kids be successful.
Kids on the Cusp / Teacher Evaluation
by Mary Tarashuk · Published 10/14/2013 · Last modified 11/15/2019
Mary Tarashuk is working on the Classroom Management domain of NJ’s teaching self-assessment rubrics. Some words are a bit hard to digest.
Magazines about popular culture are an effective tool to teach media literacy and “a host of Common Core standards,” says expert Frank W. Baker.
Anne Jolly doesn’t claim she knows the magic formula to produce a “perfect” STEM lesson, but the starter pack she shares here will get you well on your way.
Kids on the Cusp / Summer Activities
by Mary Tarashuk · Published 08/04/2013 · Last modified 05/20/2024
4th grade teacher Mary Tarashuk’s summer activities include a 1-week book club with six former students, done workshop style with a brown-bag supper.
Learning Styles / Two Teachers in the Room
by Elizabeth Stein · Published 07/29/2013 · Last modified 01/05/2022
Learning styles theory is not an effective way to design lessons for diverse learners, says special educator Elizabeth Stein. Teachers need better glue.
