Why Gradeless? Breaking Free From Grades

Mike SzczepanikBlog, Engage Better, Grade Better, Innovate Better, Mastery Done Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: Our grading habits can be inconsistent and have limited value in the learning process. The extrinsic motivation of grades often limits our students’ drive for deeper learning. Going gradeless is not a simple process, but a worthy one to help students reflect, listen to feedback, and grow. In traditional education systems, grades have long been the primary measure of … Read More

Special Education Support in a Grid Classroom

Meghan PahlkeBlog, Differentiate Better, Innovate Better, Lead Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better, Mastery Done Better, Reflect Better

TL:DR: The Grid Method can be effective with all students, including those with IEPs. When building a Grid, be proactive in making accommodations ahead of time. Both the general education teacher and the special education teacher have an equal role in the classroom. At the beginning of the 2019-2020 school year, my general education co-teacher and I were ready to … Read More

Highlights of 2022: In Case You Missed It

Teach Better TeamBlog, Connect Better, Differentiate Better, Engage Better, Grade Better, Innovate Better, Lead Better, Lesson Plan Better, Manage Better, Mastery Done Better, Personalize Student Learning Better, Reflect Better, Self Care Better, Teach Happier, Teacherpreneur Better

Highlights of 2022: In Case You Missed It This post shares highlights of Teach Better blog posts in 2022. Categories for posts include SEL, Management, Instructional practices, Connections & Collaboration, Development & Improvement, Leadership, Self-Care, Reflection, and monthly series. SEL Carrying Heavy Things: Support Our Students by Matthew J. Bowerman The Secret of Building Resilient Kids by Pamela Hall Random Acts … Read More

Gifted Strategies Are Just Better Teaching

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

TL;DR: Using strategies that support gifted students can support all students in your classroom. While at the Teach Better conference, I attended several sessions that would work well for gifted students, including using Depth of Knowledge and the Grid Method as well as finding ways for students to look at math creatively. Gifted Strategies Are Just Good Teaching These are … Read More

The Uncomfortable Truth About School

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

TL;DR: Students forget most of what they “learn” in school. Acknowledging this gives us the freedom to focus on powerful learning experiences. Wrestling with the impermanence of some school “learning” challenges our core values as educators. What is Learning, Really? Educational thought leader Will Richardson loves to invite teachers to share their definitions of learning. His observation: most of us … Read More