TL;DR (Too Long, Didn’t Read) Students often disengage when systems allow them to opt out of learning without consequence. In this post, Chad Ostrowski explores how traditional instructional structures can create hidden “escape routes” and offers practical strategies to increase accountability, promote reflection, and foster true mastery. By removing opportunities to avoid effort, teachers can build classrooms where perseverance and … Read More
Computer Science Education Week and its Impact on Students
Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek), first established in 2009, is a national initiative that champions the importance of computer science education across the United States. Born from a partnership among organizations like Google, Intel, and the National Science Foundation (NSF), CSEdWeek continues to grow as a movement that inspires students and empowers educators to bring computational thinking into every classroom. … Read More
10 Lessons for EDUpreneurs – Learned Over 20+ Years of Entrepreneurship
I’ve been doing this entrepreneurial thing for more than 20 years now. I’ve had a bunch of wins, and a WHOLE LOT of losses. I say “losses” but I’m one of those people who doesn’t really like that word. I’m with the people that say “lessons” instead. As cliche as that might be, it’s true. Every loss has been a … Read More
Stop Making Excuses and Start Making Changes
I know that title sounds harsh, but let me explain. As educators, we face numerous challenges daily. Whether it’s limited time, scarce resources, standardized testing pressures, or varying levels of student engagement, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and fall into the trap of making excuses for why things aren’t going as planned. However, dwelling on these obstacles doesn’t lead to … Read More
5 Transformations That Revitalized My Teaching Career
Teaching is a journey filled with highs and lows. There was a time when I felt my passion for education waning, and my classroom management was slipping. It was a challenging period, and I even considered quitting. I realized that to reignite my enthusiasm and enhance my students’ learning experiences, I needed to make some significant changes. Making changes is … Read More