If demoralizing teachers worked, then our educational system would already have reached a state of perfection. Instead, says reviewer Jenni Miller, policymakers can find a true roadmap for change in Richard DuFour’s “In Praise of American Educators And How They Can Become Even Better.”
“I’m just like my country, I’m young scrappy and hungry, and I’m not throwing away my shot,” sings Alexander Hamilton in the Broadway show on his part in American history. Jody Passanisi & Shara Peters are enthusiastically sharing “Hamilton” with their 8th graders.
Debbie Zacarian and Michael Silverstone successfully build the case for school and community partnerships in diverse settings that are two-way relationships with the goal of increased student achievement, both academic and social, says principal Deb Hubble.
The difficulty students have in writing clearly can be traced to many factors, says literacy consultant Sarah Tantillo, from muddled pre-CCSS standards to weak teaching practices. Here she offers concrete suggestions to correct persistent writing problems in the secondary grades.
The 6th Grade Student / Working Draft
by Kevin Hodgson · Published 10/19/2015 · Last modified 11/26/2019
In this “faux” research study, Kevin Hodgson describes the four widely varied 6th grade classes he has this year. His field research reveals four cohorts: The Silent Squad, The Questioning Crowd, The Chatterboxes, & The Selfies. Do any of these sound familiar?
Co-Teaching Teams / Two Teachers in the Room
by Elizabeth Stein · Published 10/14/2015 · Last modified 11/25/2019
Too often co-teaching teams simply take turns as they focus on general student needs, rather than blending their strengths to serve all the learners in the room. Co-teaching coach Elizabeth Stein shares some ideas and resources to build strong partnerships.
As working adults, our kids will deal with dilemmas involving wholesome food, cloning, climate change, drones, clean water, availability of medicines, genetic testing, and more. Is STEM study preparing students to make decisions that meet ethical standards?
Field trips don’t have to be elaborate, says school leader Mike Janatovich, but they are important for young adolescents who are still making connections between academic content and the real world. He shares ideas and tips to plan an outing this fall.
Nancy Dean has created mini-lessons to help students come to a deep understanding of the often misunderstood concept of “voice.” The lessons are solid & implementable, using familiar excerpts from complex & engaging literature, says reviewer Sarah Shah.
As a school leader, consultant Frank Buck’s experience was that “if I wanted to launch something new, re-tool something old, or do some course correction, October was my best shot.” Here, Buck suggests several organizational ideas to pursue during the October Oasis.
