Posted inEnglish Language Learners

Three routines to increase student engagement with multilingual students

As an ELL teacher for over ten years, one of the things I am asked the most about multilingual students by classroom and content teachers is student engagement. Sometimes, the questions are about paying attention, lack of motivation, not completing work, staying silent, or just general worries about whether they understand anything at all. Until […]

Posted inBook Review

Scholastic reverses censoring “Share Every Story, Celebrate Every Voice” collection

In a letter addressed to their authors and community, Scholastic Trade Publishing President Ellie Berger revealed that Scholastic has reversed its previously contentious decision regarding the optional status of diverse texts at Scholastic Book Fairs. This letter was not released to the public but posted on social media last night by several authors, who addressed […]

Posted inInstruction & Curriculum

Scholastic faces criticism for creating separate section for BIPOC authors

Scholastic, a staple in children’s literature, has sparked controversy with its recent decision to create a separate section called “Share Every Story, Celebrate Every Voice” for diverse titles at its Book Fairs. Each Rising Voices Library was designed for students to have access to high-interest, culturally relevant texts that celebrate the stories of the historically underrepresented. […]

Posted inInstruction & Curriculum

Tough Conversations: Creating a Safe Space with Class Meetings around the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

During the past few weeks, our news feeds have become inundated with stories regarding the escalating Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Websites and news outlets update their information every few minutes, and social media has run amok with personal accounts of the atrocities of a civil war. As educators, it’s our job to help our students navigate these […]

Posted inEnglish Language Learners

Fluent in Expression, Rich in Identity: How Stories Transform English Learners

English Learners: In the bustling library at Kennedy High School in Richmond, CA, Carlos, a determined senior, recently embarked on an inspiring journey. He was preparing a presentation for the upcoming Latinx Heritage Month Celebration, eager to present options for cultural games that his peers could vote on. He came to me to help him […]

Posted inKindergarten

Keep Kindergarten Human in the Age of AI

We’ve heard a lot about artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom, from software that can ace exams to programs that aim to catch cheaters. But one intersection needs a closer look: the consequences of AI for early childhood education, especially in kindergarten.  Long ago, our school system was modeled after factories, incorporating principles of standardization, […]

Posted inDepartment of Education

Secretary Cardona appoints new members to National Assessment Governing Board

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona has announced the appointment of 11 prominent education leaders to the National Assessment Governing Board, which oversees the Nation’s Report Card (National Assessment of Educational Progress or NAEP). This nationally representative assessment provides critical insights into student learning gaps, especially exacerbated by the pandemic, covering areas such as chronic […]