Tips & Tricks Blog Series Overview The COVID-19 / Coronavirus Pandemic has changed so much about how we live our lives, socialize, and especially how we run our schools and classrooms. As we begin the next school year, things are different – but we can be better. As you continue to navigate the details for next school year, we need … Read More
3 Steps to Close the Math Gap, NOW!
TL;DR: We must meet students where they are. There is not a math gap, only a distance you must travel to meet your students. First, determine where the students are. Then plan, implement, reflect, adapt, and repeat. Be sure to advocate for your students, your method, and your plan. For many of us, this past calendar year has felt a … Read More
Envisioning a “New Normal”
TL;DR: Blended learning promotes student ownership and helps to address the needs of different styles of learners. A successful example of blended learning at Sangamon Valley Middle School offers the best of both worlds. The shortcomings vs. benefits of blended learning are explored. Envisioning a New Normal: Imagine the Possibilities The pandemic has created a great deal of angst for … Read More
3 Tips for High Quality Student Conferences
TL;DR: Make student conferences a part of your unit arc. Give high quality feedback outside of your conferences. Invite students to lead and give them ownership in conversations about their grade. These tips can support the regularity, efficiency and effectiveness, and student ownership of conferences. For the last half of my teaching career, weekly student conferencing has been a staple … Read More
Career and Technical Education Starts in Elementary School!
TL;DR: Career and Technical Education (CTE) should start in elementary school. Create clubs that connect students to interests they already know they have. But more importantly, clubs that connect students to interests they don’t know they have yet. I just had the distinct honor and privilege of being a guest on a great new podcast called BridgEd. It is hosted … Read More