Building Better Rubrics

Chad OstrowskiBlog, Grade Better, Innovate Better, Lesson Plan Better

In This Post: An experience with a badly created rubric. What rubrics should measure… and what they shouldn’t. Ideas to include students in rubrics and assessment. Some time ago, I sat listening to presentations from my students. I paused at a student who obviously had not understood the concepts they were presenting on. The student spoke well, included the required components in … Read More

Top 20 Blog Posts to Start 2020

Teach Better TeamDifferentiate Better, Engage Better, Grade Better, Innovate Better, Lead Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better, Personalize Student Learning Better, Tech Better

In This Post: A look back at my favorite blog posts from 2019. Want to be on this list? Guest blog with us in 2020! As we embark on 2020, I find myself reflecting back on 2019. There’s been a lot of growth and change, much of it positive. And at Teach Better, that is always our goal. Better today. … Read More

Change Your Grading Practices, Change Student Behavior

Rae HughartBlog, Engage Better, Grade Better, Lesson Plan Better, Mastery Done Better

In this Post: Classroom management is defined as the process by which teachers and schools create and maintain appropriate behavior of students in classroom settings Enhance management by finding time to meet with students for a more personalized approach to learning Make a deliberate choice to connect feedback to student understanding According to the American Psychological Association based out of … Read More

3 Ways to Focus on the “Why” Instead of the “What” – Building Deeper Meaning in Learning

Teach Better TeamBlog, Engage Better, Grade Better, Innovate Better, Lesson Plan Better, Mastery Done Better

In this post: How to move from “What” to “Why” Dive into DoK to deepen the learning Just ask! The power of asking your students “Why” Don’t rob students of the chance to discover and go deeper Ban “What” From Your Classroom Education has long been far too focused on the acquisition of information and learning how to follow algorithms … 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