Unlocking Learning Potential: Culturally Responsive Teaching

Suzanne RogersBlog, Connect Better, Lead Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Culturally Responsive Teaching goes beyond diversifying the curriculum. It reshapes education by embracing students’ diverse backgrounds, fostering respect, and celebrating cultural differences. CRT emphasizes authentic connections with students, integrating their cultural backgrounds into learning to foster belonging and ownership of their educational journey. CRT promotes equity in education by bridging gaps and nurturing critical thinking and empathy, preparing students … Read More

Food for Thought: Shrimp Scampi and Standards-Based Grading

Alex T. ValencicBlog, Grade Better, Lead Better, Lesson Plan Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Standards-based grading is like shrimp scampi: great when done right, frustrating when done poorly. It is essential to understand what stands-based grading is if we are going to use it to make a difference. Insist on quality professional learning and ongoing support to make sure SBG is implemented with integrity. One of my wife’s favourite dishes to order whenever … Read More

The Powerful Impact of Curriculum Gaps

Steven WeberBlog, Connect Better, Lead Better, Lesson Plan Better

TL;DR: Traditional curriculum design involves a focus on key skills, conceptual understanding, and assessment strategies. Identifying curriculum gaps is crucial for student success and requires collaborative efforts. Strategies like SWOT analysis, evidence-based evaluations, and identifying common misunderstandings help bridge these gaps. Traditional curriculum design teams focus on key skills, conceptual understanding, essential questions, formative assessment, resources/materials, and instructional strategies.  Most … Read More

How Can We Fight Censorship?

Daniel LindstromBlog, Connect Better, Engage Better, Lead Better

TL;DR: Book challenges in the US nearly doubled in 2022, focusing largely on children’s and young people’s books. Response to censorship includes President Biden’s plan to appoint a federal coordinator to address book bans, along with efforts from educational organizations, librarians, and publishers like Penguin Random House. Various groups, such as the Great Books Foundation, are actively fighting censorship by … Read More

Courage, Sacrifice, and Resilience: Month of the Military Child

Suzanne RogersBlog, Connect Better, Lead Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: April celebrates the Month of the Military Child, recognizing their courage and resilience. Military children embody strength and resilience and form strong bonds amidst constant change. Let’s honor and support military children, acknowledging their sacrifices and contributions. As April blooms and spreads its warmth, it brings a poignant reminder of courage, sacrifice, and resilience: the Month of the Military … Read More