In “The Educator and the Oligarch,” says teacher-reviewer Elisa Waingort, education activist Anthony Cody has written an informative, highly referenced work that traces the relationship of Bill Gates to the gradual privatization of public education in the U.S.
It’s the first day of school and your middle level students are acting like, well, adolescents. You’ve got to hook them quick, says teacher Elyse Scott. Forget the pre-tests and paperwork. Jump in and let them know how exciting your classroom universe is going to be.
Articles / Back to School / New Teacher Advice
by MiddleWeb · Published 08/02/2016 · Last modified 11/12/2019
When you walk into your own classroom for the first time, options (and stressors) abound. Keying in on essentials and asking for help can help new teachers build a vibrant learning space. Veteran teacher trainer Laura Robb shares newbie tips to use or adapt.
First, effective school leaders have to hire the right people. Leadership experts and former principals Ron Williamson and Barbara Blackburn share tips about generational characteristics, interview protocols, and the kinds of questions principals shouldn’t ask.
Book Reviews / Common Core State Standards
by MiddleWeb · Published 07/28/2016 · Last modified 11/21/2019
Hacking the Common Core by Michael Fisher is the book on the CCSS that many teachers have been waiting for, says reviewer Rita Platt. The short but powerful text, in ten easy-to-read chapters, is a practical guide to making the standards work for your students.
Eric Jensen provides research plus easy-to-implement strategies around 4 key mindsets for learning – relational, achievement, classroom climate, and engagement – that can help poor students succeed. Consultant Anne Anderson calls it “must” summer reading.
Educators who read “Best Practices at Tier 1” will look at curriculum differently, says ELA teacher Mark Domeier. With its tight focus on grades 7-12, the book clarifies how differentiation can work in classes characterized by student collaboration and group work.
Summer offers a rare opportunity for principals to devote ample time to their own professional learning, say Ron Williamson and Barbara Blackburn. The leadership consultants offer four summer strategies to help assure continuous growth as an effective leader.
Book Reviews / Vocabulary Instruction
by MiddleWeb · Published 06/09/2016 · Last modified 11/25/2019
Joanne Billingsley’s Making Words Real provides specific, detailed instructions for teachers to use when introducing a vocabulary strategy. Anne Anderson recommends her systematic approach to card sorts, sample lessons, sentence starters/stems and more.
The Co-Teaching Relationship / Two Teachers in the Room
by Elizabeth Stein · Published 06/06/2016 · Last modified 11/11/2019
Summer is a good time for co-teachers to revisit the meaning of “CO-“, says instructional coach Elizabeth Stein, and discover definitions like joint, mutual, common. Stein offers tips to prepare for a co-teaching year marked by CO-creation for student success.
