Grading in the New Normal

Teach Better TeamBlog, Engage Better, Manage Better

TL;DR: Maintaining student motivation and accountability in a gradeless classroom. Using grades to communicate and provide feedback. Grading practices that promote a passion for learning, a willingness to take risks, and an increased investment in progress. Education has undergone monumental shifts over the past few months. Whether you are in the classroom, in a leadership role, a district office, or … Read More

Essential Reflection & Goal Setting

Rae HughartBlog, Lead Better, Reflect Better

TL;DR: It is essential that educators reflect and set goals in the same way we ask our students to. Choosing your medium to self-reflect is a necessary step to start your journey of reflecting and goal setting. A few years ago I became obsessed with student goal setting and reflection. I read every piece of research I could get my … Read More

Preparing for School with COVID-19 and the Heightened Impact of Racism in Mind

Teach Better TeamBlog, Connect Better, Lead Better

TL;DR: Preparing for school with the impacts COVID-19 and racism in mind. Checking your heart and mind, becoming knowledgeable, and taking action are necessary steps to prepare for school this fall. Preparing for school with the impacts of COVID-19 and racism in mind is essential. Once students enter their classroom physically or gather virtually this school year, they will have experienced … Read More

Instruction in the New Normal

Chad OstrowskiBlog, Differentiate Better, Lesson Plan Better, Mastery Done Better

TL;DR: To prepare for any scenario, materials, lessons, and activities should be accessible to students anywhere and anytime. Teachers should create non-time dependent instructional plans that flow from one learning environment to another. Utilizing mastery and standards based grading to focus on targeted objectives provide a pathway to success. Things Are Different Now. No matter how you look at education … Read More

Key Tips for Beginning a Virtual School Year

Teach Better TeamBlog, Self Care Better

TL;DR: Contacting your local mental health community partner is a strategy to start addressing mental heath in your school. Increase the effectiveness of online learning by using learning management systems, personalized learning, creating relationships online, and incorporating social-emotional learning. A technique for transforming your student relationship building activities to a virtual setting is shared. As districts begin to finalize their … Read More