Grading in the New Normal

Teach Better TeamBlog, Classroom Management, Student Engagement

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

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

Teach Better TeamBlog, Leadership

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, Differentiation, Lesson Planning, Mastery Learning

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

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

Culture in the New Normal

Teach Better TeamBlog, Leadership

TL;DR: Using your Professional Learning Network (PLN) to inspire positive culture in your classroom. Reimagining your PLN through positivity, authenticity, and modeling appropriate norms. Using the tools, skills, and ideas established with your PLN to maintain valuable relationships with your students. “Learning is finding out what you already know” – Richard Bach. With our new normal quickly approaching this fall, … Read More