Math Running Records in Action by Dr. Nicki Newton is an easy-to-read book that offers a helpful framework for assessing, teaching and practicing math facts. Reviewer Rita Platt says “this book was a revelation to me” for its focus on how students think about math.
Media literacy expert Frank Baker offers a fresh idea for Black History Month – exploring the life, career and creativity of photographer, writer and director Gordon Parks, whose powerful images from the Segregation Era serve as iconic primary sources.
In FAST Grading, says veteran science/math teacher Joyce Depenbusch, Douglas Reeves has reached his goal of inspiring teachers and administrators to rethink grading and use his FAST strategies (Fair, Accurate, Specific, Timely) to optimize student learning.
Book Reviews / Project Based Learning
by MiddleWeb · Published 01/26/2017 · Last modified 11/14/2019
PBL is an excellent vehicle for civic engagement, Zemelman’s From Inquiry to Action will help teachers prepare students to become global, responsible, and respectful, says teacher Linda Biondi. Its stories from the classroom and research show what is achievable.
Principals and other school based leaders will find succinct, useful discussions of building level concerns in Williamson and Blackburn’s The Principalship from A-Z. Educational leadership professor Margaret Jones-Carey also recommends the book’s online resources.
Called to the Middle is a primer for anyone considering the challenges of middle level teaching. Veteran MS educator Linda Mancia says Joey Eidson’s commitment to adolescent education comes through his relaxed writing style but notes some editorial shortcomings.
Class Apps / The First 5 Minutes
by Curtis Chandler · Published 01/15/2017 · Last modified 03/06/2024
To improve student outcomes, says teacher educator Curtis Chandler, it’s important to invest extra attention in the first five minutes of class. He shares a variety of techy and not-so techy ideas to ignite student interest and energy for whatever else is to follow.
It's Not Easy Being Tween / Teaching Strategies
by Cheryl Mizerny · Published 01/15/2017 · Last modified 11/24/2019
Middle grades teacher Cheryl Mizerny’s favorite way to introduce new concepts in her ELA classroom engages students in “sticky” inductive reasoning and group investigations. Based on Bruner’s Concept Attainment research, the technique can work in any subject.
Why use a PBL approach when designing STEM lessons and programs? The answer may be obvious to PBL champions but for the rest of us, Christa Flores’ exploration of science and STEM teaching in a “making” classroom is a valuable resource, says STEM expert Anne Jolly.
Barbara Boroson offers a useful, comprehensive, summative guide providing positive and proactive strategies to educators who are not familiar with or may not be comfortable yet working with students on the autism spectrum, says SpEd veteran Carrielynnn O”Reilly.
