Jeff Benson’s 10 Steps to Manage Change in Schools offers an efficient blueprint for leadership teams, forcing participants to think critically about the rationale for change and its likely impacts. Sustainable improvement will justify the time commitment.
Genius Hour gives students the opportunity to be autonomous in their learning. Sometimes, though, they need a little start-up help. Experts Gallit Zvi and Denise Krebs share lots of starter ideas for students and classrooms and urge readers to add their own.
ESSA Opportunities / Two Teachers in the Room
by Elizabeth Stein · Published 01/04/2016 · Last modified 11/14/2019
With passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act Elizabeth Stein says co-teachers must continue to keep their eyes on the prize of student achievement, continuing to ask: How does this law translate into my school? Into my classroom? And with my students?
The first days back after the holiday are a perfect time to strengthen behavior and culture in active classrooms. Libby Woodfin shares text and video tips that teachers can use to make the transition smooth and set the tone for the rest of the school year.
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.
Book Reviews / Social & Emotional Learning
by MiddleWeb · Published 11/12/2015 · Last modified 11/18/2019
The social-emotional concerns addressed by Tom Conklin are long overdue for guided discussion by today’s adolescents. Mary Langer Thompson appreciates his inclusion of foundational thinkers and his instructional materials for middle schoolers.
As working adults, our kids will deal with dilemmas involving wholesome food, cloning, climate change, drones, clean water, availability of medicines, genetic testing, and more. Is STEM study preparing students to make decisions that meet ethical standards?
School and student data can be confusing and challenging to collect and use effectively. Ronald Williamson and Barbara Blackburn offer a four-step process to help educators and administrators collect and analyze data and support better teaching and student learning.
A New School Year / Kids on the Cusp
by Mary Tarashuk · Published 08/25/2015 · Last modified 11/16/2019
Mary Tarashuk is packing for her trip back to Room 106 and her new class of fourth graders. She shares her pre-flight checklist and her new student-centered theme for the year: “In Class 4-T We DO Learning.” Along the way she includes middle grades resources.
Now is the perfect time to read The First Six Weeks of School, 2nd Ed. from Responsive Classroom. Reviewer Linda Biondi finds even more to use in the new edition of a book she has incorporated into her smooth-running 4th grade classroom for years.
