Eat Better – Grilled Cheese vs. Standards and Rubrics

Alex T. ValencicBlog, Differentiation, Grading & Assessment, Reflect Better, Student Engagement

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

Approaching Learning From a Positive and Proactive Approach

Teach Better TeamBlog, Grading & Assessment, Video(s)

Video Highlights: Katelyn Giordano discusses how to approach and implement a “gradeless” or standards-based classroom and the transformational impact it can have on your students. [scroll down to keep reading] About Katelynn Giordano Katelynn Giordano is a Middle Level Language Arts Educator in Illinois and the Director of Curriculum & Instruction for the Teach Better Team. She is a dynamic … Read More

Key Considerations for Educators During Pandemic Teaching

Steven WeberBlog, Grading & Assessment, Leadership

TL;DR: Key considerations for educators during pandemic teaching include grading and reporting, connectivity, and ‘Profile of a Graduate.’ The pandemic provides educators with the opportunity to reflect on the purpose of a grade. Connectivity should be considered because every student has a right to learn. Having a clear vision of the type of learners we want to produce will support … 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