This piece originally ran on Bluffcityed.com on July 29, 2014; In mid-July last year, I was ready to try something completely different. I had previously taught Algebra I, but I was moving to a new content; geometry. I’d taught it before under the old Tennessee state standards but had left the course feeling like the kids […]
Common Core
Posted inCommon Core, Elementary School, Instruction & Curriculum
Science Inquiry: Take the Plunge
This summer the Kansas State Department of Education hosted three academies led by teachers for teachers. I attended a session on science curriculum to learn about the next generation science standards that will be implemented in my classroom next year. I have been teaching inquiry based science for five years (or more) and enjoy the learning […]
Posted inCommon Core, Instruction & Curriculum
Announcing LeBron’s Return with Informational Space with Information Text
Teachers are looking to include informational text in their English Language Arts classrooms, but what about informational space? The hard copy of the NYTimes Saturday Sports section on Saturday, July 12, 2014, was an opportunity to teach how space can be information. [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” […]
Posted inCommon Core, Elementary School, Instruction & Curriculum
Integration: Bringing it Together For Kids
Dictionary.com defines integration as: “an act or instance of combining into an integral whole.” Schools across the nation are using this idea to purposefully combine curriculum and standards in meaningful ways for student learning. Just like making a recipe or putting together a puzzle, you must combine different pieces of your curriculum, disciplines, concepts and skills under an essential question, theme, or unit. There […]
Posted inCommon Core, School Improvement, Uncategorized
Irrational Fears Prevent Real Common Core Progress
Ashley is smart as a whip but often doubts her own abilities. When she first encounters a new math concept she always believes it’s going to be hard and fears attempting it. But with a little help she makes the attempt, and by the end of class I’m almost always rewarded by hearing her exclaim […]
Posted inCommon Core, Elementary School, Instruction & Curriculum, Instructional Strategies, Middle School, Social Studies
Social Studies: The Not So Ugly Step Sister
With implementation of the Common Core across the US, classrooms are seeing a shift in reading, writing, and math standards. Science is also getting a spotlight with STEM and STEAM integration. Social Studies, however, seems to get pushed into the corner. There is an importance in learning from our past and thinking about changes in […]
Posted inCommon Core, Featured, Instruction & Curriculum, Uncategorized
End of Course Test: A Testing Week That Shouldn't Count
Guest Writer: Rebecca Leech [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”] This week, the rural Tennessee high school where I teach is finishing our annual TCAP End of Course standardized testing. End of Course tests are given in […]
Posted inCommon Core, Instruction & Curriculum
Asking vs. Training for Common Core
An ad supporting the Common Core State Standards posted by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation featured a Missouri Teacher of the Year, Jamie Manker, saying, “I support the Common Core because it’s asking kids to think.” Manker is asking kids to think, but what does asking mean? According to the Free Dictionary online, the first example given after defining the verb ask is a little ironic: […]