TL;DR: Implicit bias is when people hold ideas about groups of people without consciously realizing it. Directly teach students about bias so that they can identify it and stop it when they see it. “Equity and Inclusion Just Got Better” Blog Reflection Questions: Why is it important to consider implicit bias? How do you plan on addressing implicit bias when … Read More
The Best Way to Challenge Gifted Students (and all students, for that matter)
TL;DR: To challenge gifted students, you can accelerate learning or go into more depth. We must engage their minds in higher levels of thinking. Consider Bloom’s Taxonomy when asking students questions. How to Challenge Gifted Students There are all sorts of strategies for challenging gifted students. Sometimes we accelerate or go fast. Other times we go more in-depth meaning rather … Read More
Sneaking Assessment Into Writing Instruction
TL;DR: Assessment doesn’t always have a positive connotation. Start with an asset-based mindset: what can students do well? Clarify what you want the students to be able to do and look for it. Involve students in the goal-setting process. Sneaking Assessment Into Writing Instruction If I mention assessment to teachers, they cringe. Maybe the cringe comes from the thought that … Read More
Accelerating Learning
TL;DR: This year is hard—sub shortages, dysregulated students and adults, and behaviors have made this year harder than 2020 or 2021. Growth happens when we are uncomfortable. Many are making decisions based on emotions as part of a trauma response. Teachers need to focus on how to accelerate the learning of their students. Give students ownership over their learning and … Read More
Science Better: Using Models
TL;DR: Models are a great way to determine student understanding of content. Use exemplars to inspire students to do great things. Encourage students to let their passions fuel their creativity, and give them lots of loose parts to experiment with. Provide expectations, but let students determine how they rise to those expectations. Student Designed Models I am big on student … Read More