College vs. Entrepreneurship? Who Wins in 2021?

Teach Better TeamBlog, Differentiate Better, Lead Better

TL;DR: College and entrepreneurship both have benefits and serve different individuals in different ways. The cost and benefits of both college and entrepreneurship need to be understood. For a functioning society, both college and career-ready individuals need to be supported and valued. College vs. Entrepreneurship As the job market continues to expand and more and more people are quitting their … Read More

Using Differentiated Instruction to Teach a Novel

Kristen KoppersBlog, Differentiate Better, Lesson Plan Better

TL;DR: Introduce the author first, and let students know why they are reading this particular novel and what the background of the story is. Teach essential questions, themes, motifs, and symbolism ahead of time, especially with difficult texts. Include visual art with their reading. Allow students to differentiate their pace. Using differentiated instruction in the classroom does not have to be … Read More

Setting Up ISNBs and ISJs Part 2: Procedures

Teach Better TeamBlog, Differentiate Better, Lesson Plan Better

TL;DR: This post shares procedures and tips for using ISNBs and ISJs.  Make a classroom notebook, use a table of contents, and make the pages fit to the composition notebook. Conduct weekly notebook checks. Remember the Purpose of an ISNB/ISJ In a recent Science Better blog post, I wrote about why I use an interactive science notebook (ISNB) and an … Read More

Setting Up ISNBs and ISJs Part 1: Materials

Teach Better TeamBlog, Differentiate Better, Lesson Plan Better

TL;DR: This post shares the process for setting up ISNBs and ISJs and the materials that are needed.  Use composition notebooks (not spiral bound), colored pencils, and liquid glue. Be sure to teach students how to use the glue correctly before giving them a notebook. Remember the purpose of an ISNB/ISJ In my last Science Better blog post, I wrote … Read More

Reinventing Culture

Brad HughesBlog, Connect Better, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Lesson Plan Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Dr. Courtney Plotts is the guest speaker on The Good News, Brad News Podcast. Right now is the time to reflect on our practices as we continue to survive through this pandemic. How could you restructure your teaching to be more inclusive? Make sure all of your students’ needs are being met and take action if they aren’t. Take … Read More