Assessments…it’s almost become a dirty word in education. Those of us in the trenches know assessments are necessary and have a purpose. We understand there are different types of assessments that guide our instruction, help us focus students on their learning objectives, and show us where re-teaching and extension need to take place. Everyone has […]
Instruction & Curriculum
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum, Social Studies
Voices of our Past: How Primary Documents Can Make Lessons Come Alive
What if we could sit at the feet of Socrates and ask him philosophical questions? What if we could have a conversation about agricultural design with Thomas Jefferson, or about the rule of law with John Adams? What if we could sit in a room and listen to Frederick Douglass explain his experiences and […]
Posted inFeatured, From the Front Lines, Instruction & Curriculum, Uncategorized
Let the Nurturers Nurture
There were some amazing stories of human courage and compassion that came out of the horrors in Newtown, Connecticut. Teacher Vicki Soto gave her precious young life to protect her tiny first graders. Shielding them from harm was her first instinct and her last act. In the face of terror unimaginable, her instinct to protect […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Let's Just Sit Down and Talk! The Socratic Discussion: Creative Implementation of Common Core Assessment
One of the most misunderstood aspects of implementing Common Core standards is that they are about learning goals, not methods. This opens up lots of possibilities for including the standards in assessments across the curriculum. The standards currently include core skills and knowledge in Reading, Writing, and Math. However, the idea is not to limit […]
Posted inFrom the Front Lines, Instruction & Curriculum, Legal, Uncategorized
Do Teachers Have Freedom of Speech?
The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees many freedoms. It guarantees the right to publish news (freedom of press), the right to practice or not practice a religion (freedom of religion), the right to request a course of action from the government (freedom of petition), and the right to gather to express your views […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, New Teacher Bootcamp
A Pocket Full of Assessments: Using Quick SIOP Strategies to Check for Understanding
One of the biggest contemporary challenges of teaching is a classroom that is not only significantly overcrowded, but also packed full of students at all levels of learning abilities, English language speaking and reading skills, and emotional maturity. Mix all that together in one classroom and any teacher, new or veteran, has the potential to become very […]
Posted inFeatured, Instruction & Curriculum, Legal, Special Education, Uncategorized
Firm Decisions Before an IEP Meeting May Violate the IDEA
[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”] Every teacher is a special education teacher. From attending Individual Education Program (“IEP”) meetings to differentiating instruction to meet the needs of students, every teacher plays some role in educating special […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum, Literacy, New Teacher Bootcamp
Grammar and Writing- Bring Back the Basics!
By Adrienne Lanier They’re, their, there…Two, to, too! These are common homophones I see misused on social media by even the brightest of professionals. As a professional, do I pause when I notice these errors? Yes! Does this inability to write effectively make me stop to think about their experience with writing at a […]