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.
Using Mindset, Rigor, and Grit as examples, veteran teacher Cheryl Mizerny weighs the potential value of trendy pedagogical ideas while pointing out how easily they can be misinterpreted or poorly implemented by educators, to the detriment of students.
Future of History / Teaching strategies
by Jody & Shara · Published 03/22/2015 · Last modified 12/12/2019
Should middle grades history classrooms emphasize project learning or teacher lecture? Written or activity-based assessment? Student inquiry or teacher designed units? Teacher Jody Passanisi considers the pros and cons and wonders about the right blend.
Dan Feigelson makes the case for reimagined reading projects and goes on to share conversations, student notes, and teacher conference plans. The result, says reviewer Linda Biondi, is a fresh approach to having students think for themselves and helping teachers take conferring to a new level.
Common Core tests require students to analyze two literary texts and compare & contrast themes or points of view. Literacy consultant Sarah Tantillo shares a better tool to help students organize these essays. Included: Links to all her PARCC Prep articles.
Call it grit or resilience, it’s a behavior that can serve students well. We’ve gathered advocates’ views, pushback from critics and ideas to build it.
With Common Core discussions as a sturdy frame, Heather Wolpert-Gawron provides solid commentary about how writing and literacy relate to all curriculum areas, says reviewer Kathleen Pham. Central to the sample lessons: project based learning.
If you are looking for detailed, richly resourced content ideas on how to integrate technology, Literacy Lessons for a Digital World is for you. The book does not emphasize how to work with the software and programs, says Sandy Wisneski.
Rather than wasting space unpacking the standards (again), PD director Bryan Harris supplies educators with tips on running a classroom, asking questions, and staging conversations for a CCSS friendly culture, says teacher-reviewer Lena Welch.
The Co-Teaching Relationship / Two Teachers in the Room
by Elizabeth Stein · Published 10/01/2014 · Last modified 11/24/2019
Elizabeth Stein believes Jim Knight’s instructional partnership approach to coaching can also benefit co-teachers as they build a relationship. Stein describes how Knight’s seven core principles point the way to a dynamic co-taught learning community.
