As a math consultant, I am often faced with the challenge of improving standardized test scores. My initial response is always to facilitate lessons centered deeply in constructivism, providing lots of meaningful moments where students can begin to see themselves as capable mathematicians. I am a
We are frequently asked how to assign alternative discipline and which approach works best for a particular incident. Our answer is simple: We deliver the same individual attention a student needs to improve behavior with the same response to a student struggling academically. For example,
Recently the National Education Technology Plan was released by the Department of Education and has outlined many best practices pertaining to innovation. Within the plan, there are five key components that are addressed: learning, teaching, leadership, assessment, and infrastructure. All five of the components are
I know readers of this post will recognize that the title is a little tongue-in-cheek (a play on the title of a great Pink Floyd song) and not intended as a negative portrayal of every high school graduate’s experiences at college or university. As the
Part 1: Developing Learning Progressions There are many differences between elementary and secondary teachers in terms of the challenges they face in supporting their students to learn at the highest levels. Elementary Teachers Diagnose—Secondary Teachers Prescribe Elementary teachers face different challenges than their secondary counterparts. For example, they
With the current focus on standards and high-stakes testing, never has assessment been a more important issue. In February, we’re bringing together some of the brightest minds in education to discuss what the role of assessment should be—and how to get there. If you want to
The Beginning A native Californian, 22 years old, straight out of college with a minor in education, I wanted to teach! The year was 1970 and Chicago Public Schools was in need of teachers, so that’s where my orange VW bug took me. Having no student-teaching