Environmental Action / Wide Open Learning
by Megan Kelly · Published 03/17/2019 · Last modified 04/04/2022
Megan Kelly is passionate about informing students about human impact on the planet and working with them to take action. Earth Day is on April 22. You can plan now how you will celebrate and make your school a more eco-friendly place. Kelly shares her Eco Club ideas.
Mike Schmoker dispels many myths that guide American education, says teacher leader Jennifer Peters, proposing instead a manageable, research-backed solution for educators to revolutionize their teaching and infuse literacy. She’s bought a copy for all her colleagues.
Heart of the School / Social Justice
by Rita Platt · Published 03/13/2019 · Last modified 05/29/2020
Giving students examples of how to fight against hate and injustice and for their rights and the rights of their fellow human beings is critical to a healthy democracy. Rita Platt shines a light on Jewish, black, and native American freedom fighters and protestors.
No single practice stops cruelty, but a combination of proven strategies used by committed staff trained in anti-bullying will maximize impact. Michele Borba outlines six rules that can help defeat the culture of bullying and replace it with the power of character.
When it comes to learning new words, a few minutes goes a long way, says author-consultant Pam Koutrakos. Teachers can jump-start word study at any point in the year. Use her “cycle” strategy to fit vocab into the daily lesson flow and build students’ curiosity about words.
Writing with inviting humor, Allyson Apsey gives readers steps to follow along a path to a more serendipitous life, singling out some of the most common situations educators face. Teacher leader Laura Von Staden says Apsey’s book is a must-read for stressed educators.
In The Next Step Forward in Reading Intervention, teacher leader Michelle Voelker discovered a wealth of knowledge and intentional lessons by two educators who work to grow students as readers. She praises the ready-to-use resources for short-term, small-group interventions.
Create Compose Connect / Digital Writing Portfolios
by Jeremy Hyler · Published 03/06/2019 · Last modified 12/05/2019
Although many of his colleagues disagree, middle school teacher Jeremy Hyler is convinced digital portfolios are the best way to measure student growth in writing skills over the whole school year. Learn why he thinks so, and how he does it, with plenty of useful tips.
Close Reading the Media / Government Hearings
by Frank Baker · Published 03/05/2019 · Last modified 06/10/2020
Exposing students to broadcasts and other news of past Congressional hearings brings those events to life and can help kids relate to current hearings. Media literacy consultant Frank Baker traces 60 years of hearing coverage, underscoring the vital role of a free press.
School leaders have likely dealt with someone who didn’t support a proposed change. But principals need to assure that schools provide students with quality education, a process often requiring change. Ronald Williamson and Barbara Blackburn show how to build support.
