Strategies for A Better Start to Your Class

Rae HughartBlog, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better

Strategies for a better start to your class

Starting each class period off the right way is key to the success of any lesson plan. There is no one way to start a class. There are plenty of options – find what fits your style and your students’ needs. Educators focus so much on effective lesson planning, posting targets, differentiating for students, and communicating with parents. But let’s … Read More

Blended Learning without Mastery Learning: The Failure of A New Initiative Without Proper Scaffolding

Rae HughartBlog, Innovate Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better, Mastery Done Better

Blended Learning without Mastery Learning

Post Highlights Blended Learning is an idea and new district initiative taking over many areas around the country. Blended learning is any formal education program in which a student learns, at least in part, through online mediums. A mastery learning classroom is a commitment to students’ ability to master content before moving on to more challenging information. It is possible … Read More

Getting Students to the “Ok Maybe” Zone So They are Ready to Learn

Rae HughartBlog, Lead Better, Manage Better

Getting students to the _okay maybe_ zone

Getting learners to the “Ok Maybe” Zone. The “Ok Maybe” Zone is the moment learners (whether students or adults) become open-minded. In order to reach this zone, you need to learn their story, understand their background knowledge, and paint the picture of success. Painting the picture of success requires 4 steps: Start With the Why, Stay Student Focused, Incorporate Models of Persuasion:  Ethos, … Read More

Student Reflection: How to Ensure It’s Done, Done Well, and Done With Grit

Rae HughartBlog, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better, Reflect Better

Student Reflection - How to ensure it's done, done well, and done with grit

Research shows daily student reflection and goal setting has positive effects on students. The missing piece of implementing reflection and goal setting in many classrooms is student ownership. Allowing students to choose the medium used, providing open-ended questions, sharing (some) of that reflection with stakeholders, embedding it into routine to make it a habit, reflection checks, and reflection on the … Read More

Mastering the “Gray Area” Transition to Standards-Based Grading

Rae HughartBlog, Grade Better, Innovate Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better

Mastering the _Gray Area_ Transition to Standards-Based Grading (1)

Have you considered the “gray area” during the transition from a traditional grade book to Standards-Based Grading? It can take multiple years for an effective shift to Standards-Based Grading for grade books and feedback provided in the classroom. As districts navigate the transition, there is a lot to think out, plan out, and put into practice. So, how do teachers manage in … Read More