Future of History / Student Research
by Sarah Cooper · Published 02/11/2019 · Last modified 11/23/2019
Sam Wineburg’s new book Why Learn History (When It’s Already on Your Phone) is a game changer, writes Sarah Cooper. Here she focuses on his ideas for teaching students to evaluate websites laterally in addition to vertically, in the manner of professional fact checkers.
Lawnmower parents have an irresistible urge to clear away all the stress and struggle for their children. The result, says principal and NBCT Rita Platt, can be kids who don’t learn to mow their own paths. Read her tips for parents, educators, and the kiddos themselves.
What mix of behavior strategies can build happier, higher achieving middle schools? Principal Michael Gaskell shares customized PBIS methods his New Jersey school uses to help students stay in school, develop positive mentor relationships, and achieve greater success.
2018 was a bonanza year for STEM, and 2019 holds even more promise. But we face some big challenges to get STEM education where it can fully deliver on its potential. Anne Jolly outlines four areas to radically improve STEM and instruction generally in today’s schools.
Rethinking Practices / The Unstoppable ML Teacher
by Valentina Gonzalez · Published 01/28/2019 · Last modified 11/26/2019
English learners and their classmates can both benefit from efficient and effective instructional opportunities. Valentina Gonzalez points out three practices to leave behind, allowing time to incorporate three others that will advance language and academic performance.
Many millions of people who tune in to the 2019 Super Bowl will be there to watch the pricey, high-engagement commercials. Media literacy consultant Frank Baker explains how to teach about these “super ads,” approaching them as informational text worthy of close scrutiny and analysis.
Ask teachers for some Do Now synonyms and they’ll come up with terms like Warm-up, Quick Review, and First Steps. Teaching coach Sarah Tantillo’s favorite is Brain Defibrillator. When done right and used routinely, she says, Do Nows establish a norm of urgency in your class.
Facilitating science-based research around real world problems empowers students through the skills they acquire and the subject knowledge they gain, says teacher Angela Duke. And what better topic than climate change? “The environment of the future will be theirs to live in.”
Co-teaching Reflections / Two Teachers in the Room
by Elizabeth Stein · Published 01/08/2019 · Last modified 11/24/2019
As the new year (and 2nd semester) unfolds, coach Elizabeth Stein suggests forgoing resolutions in favor of a set of reflective questions than can strengthen your co-teaching effectiveness. Stein uses the story of teacher “Joan” to illustrate and suggest some solutions.
Inclusion / It's Not Easy Being Tween
by Cheryl Mizerny · Published 12/31/2018 · Last modified 11/12/2019
Former special education teacher Cheryl Mizerny says the same techniques used to help kids with dyslexia succeed can benefit all students in the core subjects. Now an ELA educator, she highlights useful tools, instructional techniques, assessments, and SEL strategies.
