It is not a secret that professional learning is often the mechanism used to build excellence in educator practice. Ensuring that the professional learning actually translates into improved student outcomes is easier said than done. Often whole school or individual professional learning plans are vague
Goal setting is a vital part of amplifying student learning and motivation. What kind of education do our students deserve now? Alongside all the other things students have been asked to give up during the pandemic—their time with friends, their learning environment, their activities—we’ve also asked
When I speak with other teachers about feedback, one of the main concerns I hear is that the feedback we give students — feedback we pour countless hours into — seems to have little impact on student growth. I know this frustration well, and for many
Many teachers have shared with us their successes in implementing the 5 Practices for Orchestrating Productive Mathematics Discussions (Smith and Stein, 2018). Starting with Setting Goals and Selecting Tasks, and moving through Anticipating, Monitoring, Selecting, Sequencing, and Connecting, the 5 Practices provide concrete guidelines about
If a goal is going to make the desired impact, then it ought to be just the right size and scope. We like to think of this as setting “Goldilocks goals,” or goals that are just right. The table below provides examples of goals that
Surely most of us would like to move beyond merely surviving in the new year to THRIVING in every aspect of our lives. Let’s consider three specific things educators can do to spark and/or renew our joy in what we do each day. 1. Focus on
“As I began research for this book, I realized this over-emphasis on strategy instead of purpose was not only affecting students’ ability to write meaningful pieces, it was also affecting their ability to infer and interpret the stories they read. When students see no meaning
Coaching is all about establishing effective partnerships that will enhance student performance. It is important for educators on every level within a district to understand the importance of proactive collaboration. From district administrators, to principals and teachers, to coaches and everyone in between, working together
In our February 2018 blog post, we wrote about the power of assessment-capable visible learners. This work is derived from John Hattie’s seminal research on what matters for student learning. Those of you that have been following Hattie’s work know that he has created a list of 250 influences on
The final months of the school year can feel pretty sloggy. We’re tired, kids are restless, and it often feels like it doesn’t matter much anymore. After all, the year is nearly done! Summer is practically here! The standardized tests are over! Cue the Moviefest. The