Future of History / Parody for Synthesis
by Jody & Shara · Published 11/02/2014 · Last modified 11/26/2019
After watching a music video parody by history educator Mr. Betts, Jody Passanisi’s 8th graders begged to create their own parodies using American History topics. The resulting lyrics effectively synthesized the content and ideas they were studying.
Principal Matt Renwick says our definition of data has to broaden substantially if we expect to paint a complete picture of student learning. Renwick describes how two middle grades teachers are using technology to help meet the qualitative assessment challenge.
Common Core / Two Teachers in the Room
by Elizabeth Stein · Published 10/26/2014 · Last modified 12/10/2019
Teachers in every subject and type of classroom can tailor Common Core instruction to individual student needs using the Universal Design for Learning strategies, says instructional coach Elizabeth Stein, who provides a wealth of helpful resources.
Reading comprehension is a primary goal in Aaron Brock’s middle school history classroom. Building on last year’s annotation experiments, Brock has adapted the familiar 5 W’s strategy to help students pay closer attention to the meaning behind the words. It’s working.
Whitewater rafting with 6th graders puts plenty of excitement into Experiential Learning. Just back from the river, Kevin Hodgson describes sharing the 10-mile stretch of “instructional space” with 75 kids. A must-read for anyone planning such a trip!
Literacy expert Laura Robb offers her research-based argument for refocusing American school reform on strategies to strengthen support for teachers and promote opportunities for all children to become creative, divergent thinkers and problem solvers.
Administrative Overload / Kids on the Cusp
by Mary Tarashuk · Published 10/08/2014 · Last modified 11/30/2019
Mary Tarashuk fantasizes about a reality TV show that features education policy makers who must survive for a month as classroom teachers without drowning in the paperwork or getting voted off the island by a misguided performance evaluation system.
Brief yet thought provoking, Short on Time is a worthwhile read for leadership teams, says principal Joseph D’Amato. Readers will find suggestions for managing priorities, maximizing learning, and growing through collaboration – plus a helpful list of action steps.
Future of History / Music for Understanding
by Jody & Shara · Published 10/05/2014 · Last modified 11/24/2019
When our social studies bloggers planned their U.S. History curriculum, they made sure to add contemporary music. The lyrics of rap and country decontextualize historical themes and let students make connections tying the past to the present.
Have you ever sat in a meeting and were afraid you might nod off? Reviewer Linda Biondi recommends Energize Your Meetings! The easy-to-implement guide offers 35 strategies for leaders to help all attendees feel engaged and valuable.
