Reviewer Mary Langer Thompson believes every writing teacher needs Meigs-Kahlenberg’s The Author’s Apprentice, whether to expand their thinking of what writing can be or to put a year’s worth of strategies and ideas into action now. Writing novels with 7th graders?!
As Kevin Hodgson’s 6th graders completed a lengthy foray into short story writing, they finished with reflections on their craft. Hodgson shares some of their insightful comments and considers reflection’s potential catalytic effect on both students and educators.
The authors’ step-by-step formative assessment approach, along with a wealth of detailed resources, gives teachers and administrators the tools to implement a system of shared assessments with the power to transform a school. Erik Kreutner has just one reservation.
Author and veteran teacher educator Ann Weber outlines 3 key supervisory steps – preparation, coaching and evaluation – that can help cooperating teachers shine in their advisory roles and assure new teachers are ready to launch their careers in the middle grades.
Helen Hume’s survival guide for grades 7-12 art teachers, coordinators, content teachers and homeschoolers proves to be a rich resource for lessons, project ideas, and art history touching on all the arts. Retired principal Mary Langer Thompson recommends it.
Parent Teacher Conferences / Resources
by Susan Curtis · Published 10/10/2016 · Last modified 11/25/2019
From classroom to building to district, implementing parent teacher conference strategies collected from educators can strengthen communication and benefit students. Included: student led conferences, co-teaching approaches, challenges parents and guardians face.
Looking for ideas to engage students in meaningful work? Interested in expanding technology use to involve them in helping the world? Dena Hause recommends Bill Ferriter’s well researched, idea packed PBL book as a partial antidote to our obsession with testing.
Writing flow, says author and principal Matt Renwick, is achieved through the habits one builds by regularly participating in the experience. He offers suggestions on how teacher and student writers can establish writing rhythms and find flow in their craft.
Book Reviews / Building Relationships
by MiddleWeb · Published 09/21/2016 · Last modified 11/19/2019
In Hard Conversations Unpacked Jennifer Abrams offers effective strategies for engaging in difficult but necessary dialogue, helping educators grow the confidence and skills to create positive change in varied environments, says literacy specialist Lisa Maucione.
Innovation efforts never cease in today’s high-stakes school environment. But effort isn’t enough, say leadership experts Ron Williamson & Barbara Blackburn. Lasting change requires leaders to share ownership and invest long-term in professional learning support.
