TL;DR: Grilled cheese has many variations. Consider standards-based grading in education and the use of rubrics in assessment, grading, and reporting. When designing a rubric, be sure to stay focused on what you want students to know or be able to do. Resist the urge to add criteria that do not relate to the task. Grilled Cheese vs. Standards and … Read More
Learnability: Consumption, Creation, and Contribution
TL;DR: Learnability may be at the top of the list of skills high school graduates need. Consider what every student should know and be able to do when developing curriculum and standards. Be careful not to just cover the unit plan or standards without considering the student evidence that demonstrates learning. It is important that students are provided opportunities to … Read More
Introducing Children to Mindfulness
TL;DR: It is important to teach young children how to meditate and practice mindfulness at a very early age. This gives them a head start in becoming a positive, joyful, and compassionate person. Here are two mindfulness practices to try with young children: Belly Buddies and Spidey Senses. See below for links. We want our children to be physically and … Read More
Teaching About Current Events and Controversial Issues
TL;DR: Teachers can press pause to develop a lesson, collect factual sources, and determine how to teach the lesson in an age-appropriate manner. Determine if you are ‘preaching’ or ‘teaching.’ Provide a balanced perspective and seek resources from multiple perspectives. What is the best approach to teaching about current events and controversial issues? Americans are divided on issues related to … Read More
Do You Have a Wish or a Goal?
TL;DR: A goal without a plan is simply a wish. You can wish to do better or you can plan to do better. Start with the end state. Focus on developing a specific plan and work on the process to achieve your goals. Consider resources needed too. Plan the work that is needed to be done. Measure progress every day. … Read More