TL;DR: Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22nd. When considering outdoor education, it is important to think about safety, seating, and work surfaces. Earth Day happens every year on April 22 to commemorate the modern environmental movement that began in 1970. Until then there was no EPA, no Clean Air or Water Act. The first Earth Day was actually … Read More
Schools These Days
TL;DR: Hans shares a story about how his puppy, Winnie, was demonstrating deregulated behavior on a walk. Remembering his recent conversation with Dr. Carrington, she said we need “connection before direction.” 5 keys to reconnecting are listed below. Relationships and reconnection starts and ends with the adults in our schools. Children need adults to show them how to regulate when … Read More
Focus on the Focus Blog Series Overview
Focus on the Focus Blog Series Overview The Focus on the Focus Blog Series offers grading, assessment, and feedback support for educators! Learn more about purposeful student conferencing and refocusing your assessments with student understanding in mind. In addition, get simple tips to improve your grading practices! Posts in the Series Student Conferencing with a Focus on the Focus (Video Blog) … Read More
Focus on Improving Your Grading Practices
TL;DR: Focus on improving your grading practices by cutting the fluff, grading what matters, eradicating participation and completion points, and allowing redos. Avoid taking points off for late work. Use formative assessments to guide student progress and include students in the assessment process. Have you ever had a parent ask you why their child is passing your class but failing … Read More
Refocus Your Assessment: Grading and Feedback for Understanding
TL;DR: It is time to refocus your assessment and consider grading and feedback for understanding. Make sure students know what the learning goal is and what they are working toward. Ensure feedback is specific, useful, and given in a timely manner. Consider the following feedback structure: Where are you in your proficiency? Why are you there? What are your next … Read More