Students who write in class every day become more skillful at expressing what they feel and what they are learning, says NBCT Mary Tedrow. Using prompts that connect content and personal experience helps students “write their way to an understanding of curricula.”
Nancy Dean’s “Finding Voice” will help teachers in grades 4-6 supplement their studies of complex text using brief, compelling mentor texts as they study word choice, detail, imagery, figurative language and tone. Reviewer Linda Biondi likens it to “a GPS system.”
Russell Quaglia advocates for “principal voice” using a creative Three L’s framework, surfacing our awareness of things that we know are good leadership practices. Former principal Rick Jetter finds Quaglia’s tips and take-aways thoughtful and easy to implement.
Current Events / Future of History
by Sarah Cooper · Published 11/10/2016 · Last modified 11/27/2019
In the wake of the election, Sarah Cooper recalls that teaching MS history means teaching identity. “It’s our job to give examples. It’s our students’ job to internalize what they agree with, set aside what they don’t, and grow into the human beings we know they can become.”
During her 27 months teaching English in a Macedonian village school, Peace Corps volunteer Jordan Lucas learned a lot about the relationship between culture and learning – insights that will help her be a better language educator. It all began with a kombi ride.
In the busy world of school our well-intentioned plans grow dust. Loose ends are too numerous to count, and nothing seems to be moving forward. Welcome to Stuck Valley, says organizational expert Dr. Frank Buck. But take heart – he’s here to get you back on track.
Meaningful Math / Reviewing for Tests
by Michelle Russell · Published 11/06/2016 · Last modified 11/23/2019
Michelle Russell set out to improve her formative assessment practices but soon found herself thinking about summative assessment too. What are the best ways to make math test review both engaging and effective? Learn about her Gallery Walk and other experiments.
The Flexible Classroom / Vocabulary / Vocabulary
by Amber Chandler · Published 11/06/2016 · Last modified 11/28/2019
Instead of just saying “study your vocabulary,” Amber Chandler is trying out Quizlet Live, an online team-based game that has students begging for more. She says the easy tech tool promotes collaborative competition, meets SEL needs, and requires little extra work.
Arguing that grades not only limit learning but can actually interfere with it, Starr Sackstein makes the case in “Hacking Assessment” for going gradeless and shows how it can be part of a traditional grading school. Teacher Marek Dzianott agrees it works well with PBL.
Steven M. Constantino leads school and district teams through a process of building a culture that welcomes and engages students’ families, says veteran teacher Cindy Purdy. She suggests that individual teachers can also apply some of the author’s key ideas.
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