Universal design for learning, or UDL, is a common phrase that I’m sure you’ve been hearing tossed around at professional development workshops, team meetings, or just in general educational forums. Universally designing your classroom essentially means that you design your curriculum and delivery of that curriculum to meet the needs of all learners in your class. This means you should … Read More
Standards-Based Grading: The Basics
Standards-Based Grading is a HOT topic right now as educators evaluate what the term “grading” means in the classroom. As grades continue to dictate a student’s ability to be accepted into a university, qualify them for specific career paths, and award financial support, administrators, teachers, and parents have begun taking a special interest in the ideal equation for a “perfect … Read More
7 Ways to Increase Student Success
As you read this you probably have a lot of ideas floating through your head about the amazing learning activities you’re going to experience with your students. Whether it is an idea you read about in an article, something a colleague of yours has tried, or an awesome PD session you’ve attended, it’s time to put those concepts into action! Regardless of … Read More
Stop Saying You Don’t Have Enough Time! (Video)
Trust me, I get it. I’ve been there. Changing your instruction, or implementing something new into your classroom, is not easy. It takes time. But if it is valuable enough and is going to increase the impact on your students learning journey, don’t tell me there’s not enough time. Put the time in now, because the payoff you’ll get later … Read More
21 Ways to Use Social Media in Your Classroom
Let’s be honest here, if you’re not using social media in your classroom, there’s a good chance you’re missing an opportunity to connect, engage, or inform. Working with schools and districts all over the country, we’ve noticed that no two schools think about social media the same way. Some embrace it and make it a part of their daily routines, … Read More