[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 previously shared how I had developed an action plan and emphasized using volunteers for the professional development. Because I have worked in this district for my entire teaching career […]
Middle School
Part 2: How I Created a Professional Development Program and Lived to Tell About It
[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”] Many schools experience a gap in the scores of state assessments between regular education students and special education students. The “gap” is the spread in scores of regular education students compared […]
Computer Programming in the Elementary Classroom (Part 1)
[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”] We teach our students to prepare them for their futures. Elementary educators know it goes beyond our classroom walls and what our students learn inside these walls. We see the path […]
97% Reading Accuracy Now, Problems Later
I hear the chatter from elementary school teachers: -They can’t wait for reading! -Oh, they love to read! -When we have to cancel reading, they are so disappointed. Yet, what happens when I get the ninth graders in my class? I hear: -Reading is so boring. -I hate to read. -I don’t like reading. […]
Summer Slip Sliding Away — a Case for Year-Round School
Summer slide. Summer brain drain. All teachers know what it is no matter what you call it. Students forget over the summer. Math and reading skills will fall by the wayside no matter where you teach. How much the students lose does depend on where you teach. The lower the average income of the parents […]
No End to the School Year for an Unschooling Child
The end of the school year — a time of celebration for students and teachers alike! For my son and I, it is a little different this year. This last year was his first school year as an unschooled kid. It has been quite a journey for us, and as I reflect on what we’ve […]
School is Out for the Summer – What is Next?
“What is next for me personally?” is great question. In its simplicity and sincerity this question has left me believing that someone actually cares about my answer. Our middle and high school have already begun its professional development for next year’s fall semester and a move towards implementing 1:1 IPads for students. Because this carries […]
Take a Moment to Stop – And Enjoy the End of the School Year!
“Hey Jake,” Bill, our school custodian, stopped me as I sped down the hallway with a list of things to accomplish, “did you see the beautiful, blooming dogwood out in front of the school?” “Yeah, it looks great,” I said as I shrugged him off in ways only busy teachers understand. “I’m serious man, come […]