This post was originally published on Finding Common Ground. We are surrounded by gimmicks. Turn on the television and wait a few minutes for a commercial to come on, and you will certainly see a gimmick. "Buy this car before 11 am and we will give you
This post was originally published on KidWorldCitizen.org. The proliferation of technology in our connected society has trickled into our classrooms, whetting the appetites of savvy teachers and kids who have been born with technology in the palm of their hand. While it has been blamed for isolating individuals,
Roughly ten years ago I had the opportunity to teach in a classroom that received a grant titled “Classrooms for the Future”. The problem was, despite added pieces of hardware and software to my classroom, this was not the future. Nor would this be the
Contributed by Janelle McLaughlin This was originally posted on Reflecting Inspiration. What does it mean to be doing enough? Let’s pretend that a teacher is well-connected on LinkedIn, Twitter, and other social media sites learning with/from other educators. She reflects on her instruction regularly and shares those thoughts
Contributed by Spike C. Cook Ed.D. There has been a great deal of research indicating students experience a summer learning loss, but have you ever thought that could happen to educators? The answer is a resounding yes! Of course the summer is a great time to relax
There’s so much to do as the school year comes to an end! The days are some of the busiest. We have to write final reports and/or submit grades, put textbooks away, order next year’s supplies, and tidy up classrooms for summer cleaning. Yet the
I attended the most recent Title I conference in Salt Lake City and was reflecting on the work of the National Title I Association that began fifty years ago as an initiative of then President Johnson. He wanted to ensure equity for all by increasing
Meaningful projects—the ones that engage students and set the stage for deep learning—don’t happen by chance. Summer can be prime time for good project ideas to percolate. By keeping your eyes open for project possibilities, test-driving technology tools, and perhaps engaging in some do-it-yourself professional
Contributed by Kathleen McClaskey Our current school culture rewards children when they are "good students." Children are considered good students when they follow directions, complete their homework, study for tests and earn good grades. Sadly, a student can progress through their school career and graduate without
A Parallel Protocol for Increasing Learning Contributed by Barb Pitchford and Paul Bloomberg Teaching is complex work and because of the complexity of the work, teachers naturally connect with colleagues to solve problems, make decisions, and share challenges, frustrations, and successes. Current research has shown that although