Co-Teaching / Two Teachers in the Room
by Elizabeth Stein · Published 05/24/2015 · Last modified 12/10/2019
If you find yourself moving from one co-teaching situation to the next or being placed in a co-teaching situation for the first time, read veteran special educator Michele Simonetty’s useful advice for successful adaptation that assures all kids will learn.
Although “You Can Do This” is targeted to 1st year teachers, experienced educators & new administrators can also benefit from reading about a novice teacher’s experiences through the lens of an accomplished instructional leader, says reviewer Jason Gordon.
It remains unclear to Mary Tarashuk how rampant standardized testing is actually helping her fourth graders become successful and enthusiastic learners. As she prepares for her own evaluation, Mary shares pushback from parents, students, and HBO’s John Oliver.
Op-ed columnists often spread misconceptions about STEM education, says expert Anne Jolly. An article by Fareed Zakaria claims STEM is threatening the future of liberal education, but Jolly says good STEM programs can actually address several of Zakaria’s concerns.
Professional Development / Two Teachers in the Room
by Elizabeth Stein · Published 05/10/2015 · Last modified 11/25/2019
It can be a challenge to find time for co-teachers to attend a traditional workshop with their colleagues. Fortunately, workshops are not the only way to learn about effective co-teaching! Expert Anne Beninghof shares eight great time-saving alternatives.
Reading Workshop 2.0: Supporting Readers in the Digital Age by Frank Serafini is a useful tool for helping teachers move toward integrating technology into their reading instruction, including plenty of reviewed online resources, says reviewer Laura Von Staden.
To understand how America’s infatuation with high-stakes testing negatively impacts our quality of life, we need look no further than China’s education history, says principal Matt Renwick, in his review of Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Dragon? by Yong Zhao.
Guest expert Dr. Susan Pruet stresses the need to stretch beyond simple arithmetic to incorporate more challenging math content in STEM lessons. Pruet also cites the supports middle grades math teachers will need to spark student engagement in STEM careers.
In today’s budget-conscious and time-stressed schools, virtual field trips are a great way to excite students without leaving the classroom. Teaching expert Barbara Blackburn shares a sample lesson idea and some good places to hunt for relevant field trips.
Future of History / Teaching strategies
by Sarah Cooper · Published 04/19/2015 · Last modified 01/12/2023
What do middle school students gain and lose in a thematic history curriculum? Sarah Cooper relays her experiences with both theme and chronology approaches, finding strengths in each, as national standards shift from facts and dates to skills and big questions.
