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.
K-6 literacy coach and NBCT Paula Bourque brings an extra spark to quick-write activities, expanding the concept to include brief low-pressure assignments designed to ignite passion, creativity, and awareness in students and encourage them to become lifelong writers.
Classroom Equity / Two Teachers in the Room
by Elizabeth Stein · Published 02/20/2019 · Last modified 11/30/2019
To meet the learning needs of students with diverse abilities in inclusion classrooms, NBCT Elizabeth Stein suggests a focus on equity. She offers four key strategies (with supporting resources) that align specifically with co-teaching strengths and student abilities.
Math Testing / Meaningful Math
by Michelle Russell · Published 02/19/2019 · Last modified 02/04/2023
Michelle Russell’s first try at giving a group math test – with students self selecting into groups of four – will add a new tool to her practice. She reports on how her students responded, what they achieved, and how she and the students evaluated the experience.
Background Knowledge / Class Apps
by Curtis Chandler · Published 02/18/2019 · Last modified 11/11/2023
Good teachers ‘stir the pot’ to activate student background knowledge before a new lesson. But what if student understandings are flawed? Teacher educator Curtis Chandler has research-based tips to help detect and fix the faults. Plus some tech tools that can add fun to the process.
It's Not Easy Being Tween / UDL Strategies
by Cheryl Mizerny · Published 02/12/2019 · Last modified 12/01/2019
ELA educator Cheryl Mizerny invites you to have fun developing your own UDL-enhanced unit. The former special ed teacher details how using Universal Design for Learning helps all learners grow, then she shares her argumentative writing unit enhanced with UDL practices.
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.
Write Think Learn is an easy read for busy educators, challenges teachers and students to examine their attitudes about writing, gives readers a purpose and a desire to write, and will be a go-to reference throughout the school year, says teacher educator Linda Biondi.
