Years ago, the only real computer technology being used in schools was found in the computer lab, were rows of students would sit and learn how to manage files and type with some speed. In fact, computer classes at that time were optional. Students were allowed to decide whether or not they felt like […]
Instruction & Curriculum
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Teachers, Being Loyal May Cost You Your Professional Career
Yesterday in my staff meeting, we found out that the founder of my school was leaving the school to pursue other career opportunities within the district. He was obviously torn between his decision to stay at the school he founded but eventually opted to do what was best for him professionally. As he broke the […]
Posted inFeatured, From the Front Lines, Instruction & Curriculum, Middle School
Testing Time is Here in Physical Education Too!
Many Physical Educators are now in the midst of their physical fitness tests across the nation. Just like classroom teachers, we need to do a “pre” and “post” assessment in order to not only evaluate our students, but also our planning and classroom strategies used throughout the year. Part of the testing process has to […]
Posted inCharter Schools, High School, Instruction & Curriculum, Opinion
Watch out for the "Saviors" (Charter School Diaries #14)
Week 4/8-4/12 [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”] I have a son. He is developing and growing before my very eyes and it is the most beautiful thing that I have ever seen. Over the course of […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Literacy
Part II: How Does That Sound? Reading with Fluency
To teach your students to read you must know where they are. It is important to understand their current instructional reading level (accuracy and comprehension combined) as well as their fluency level. If you are unsure how to test your students and gather this data, check out my recent article “See Jane Read.” Students below […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Mathematics
Interactive Student Notebooks – My Mathematical Lifesaver
Taking notes has always been the downfall of many of my students. They can copy what is on the board, but sometimes it is just not organized or even legible. Many students will just jot down the numbers, not writing down any part of the discussion or copying anything given during instruction. The students that […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Mathematics
Almost Free Math Games: Teaching with a Deck of Cards!
Time and money, two things of which we are forever short in education. While I can’t help you find more time, this is about inexpensive, almost free, math games. I love when I find every day, simple objects that can be used multiple ways. In my classroom, it is a simple deck of cards. You […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Opinion
NGLB – No Gifted Students Left Behind
Education has taken a major swing in the last five years with its new focus on the Response to Intervention movement. Through the RTI program, students that are in the bottom 20% of their class are to receive Tier I interventions in their regular education classroom. While many resources define this as differentiated instruction, many […]