What is Translanguaging?

Carly SpinaBlog, Differentiation, Student Engagement

TL;DR: As educators, we must be strategic and intentional in our language instruction. It is crucial to strengthening our students’ language development. The beauty of translanguaging is honoring and elevating the languages of those we serve. QUICK! We’re going to do a quick experiment! Go grab a clear glass of water. Now put in 2 drops of red food coloring. … Read More

Great Leaders Know When to Get Off Their Soapbox

Steven WeberBlog, Classroom Management, Differentiation, Leadership, Reflect Better, Student Engagement

TL;DR: We all have a soapbox. It may be more important to get off the soapbox than to constantly stand on the soapbox and announce our good intentions.  The “Knowing-Doing Gap” is created when school staff know the jargon, but fail to change their practice. Eduspeak is one of the main barriers to supporting more students and transforming teaching and … Read More

5 Scandals in Education

Steven WeberBlog, Classroom Management, Differentiation, Grading & Assessment, Leadership, Lesson Planning, Reflect Better, Student Engagement

TL;DR: Scandals exist in schools. Teachers and administrators must analyze their schools to see if they exist or have the potential to develop. There are 5 scandals in education: low expectations, lack of instructional leadership, culture does not emphasize formative assessment, curriculum alignment is left to chance, and students are not required to think. Throughout history, scandals have been documented. … Read More

3 Ideas to Level Up Learning

Teach Better TeamBlog, Classroom Management, Differentiation, Innovation, Reflect Better, Student Engagement

TL;DR: Educators have the opportunity to impact and influence every learner by unlocking their unlimited potential. Learners must have a strong connection with their teachers first before they can feel empowered to engage in deep learning. There are 3 ways to level up learning: Tell personal stories that share who you are and your why. Build bridges by asking questions, … Read More

Transforming Learning Space: 20 Questions Educators Should Ask

Steven WeberBlog, Classroom Management, Differentiation, Innovation, Reflect Better, Student Engagement

TL;DR: We need more academic playgrounds. We need to spend time observing children in outdoor spaces to discover how indoor learning spaces can be better designed. Consider 20 questions to ask when designing and transforming learning space to enhance student performance. The goal should be to design learning spaces that meet the needs of today’s learners. All students deserve a … Read More