Eat Better – Grilled Cheese vs. Standards and Rubrics

Alex T. ValencicBlog, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Grade Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Grilled cheese has many variations. Consider standards-based grading in education and the use of rubrics in assessment, grading, and reporting. When designing a rubric, be sure to stay focused on what you want students to know or be able to do. Resist the urge to add criteria that do not relate to the task. Grilled Cheese vs. Standards and … Read More

Learnability: Consumption, Creation, and Contribution

Steven WeberBlog, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Innovate Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Learnability may be at the top of the list of skills high school graduates need. Consider what every student should know and be able to do when developing curriculum and standards. Be careful not to just cover the unit plan or standards without considering the student evidence that demonstrates learning. It is important that students are provided opportunities to … Read More

Special Education Support in a Grid Classroom

Meghan PahlkeBlog, Differentiate Better, Innovate Better, Lead Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better, Mastery Done Better, Reflect Better

TL:DR: The Grid Method can be effective with all students, including those with IEPs. When building a Grid, be proactive in making accommodations ahead of time. Both the general education teacher and the special education teacher have an equal role in the classroom. At the beginning of the 2019-2020 school year, my general education co-teacher and I were ready to … Read More

Embrace Differences in Teaching Styles

Nilmini Ratwatte-HenstridgeBlog, Connect Better, Differentiate Better, Lesson Plan Better

TL;DR: Different teaching styles work for both teachers and students. Spiraling concepts helps students build knowledge. Take time for students to build relationships. Check in with parents for additional feedback. Embracing Differences in Teaching Styles I recently got the opportunity to reflect as a mentor in a guest panel at the Mentoree Podcast through Voice Ed Canada. Authentic questions were … Read More

3 Myths that Keep Us From Talking About Racial and Gender Justice in Schools 

Lindsay LyonsBlog, Connect Better, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Lead Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Consider the 3 myths that keep us from talking about racial and gender justice in schools. It is important for all students to discuss racial and gender justice by acknowledging the impact and by taking action. There are opportunities to talk about racial and gender justice in younger grades and in various subject areas beyond Social Studies and Ethnic … Read More