Personalized Learningā€”It Can Be Done

By Dr. Douglas Green

During the pandemic, after students returned to school, I observed a move toward personalized learning in the elementary school in the district where I independently observe.

I believe that this effort resulted in near-normal learning gains for almost all students in this...

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To Assign Homework ā€¦ Or Not?

By Elizabeth Jorgensen

As teachers, we value work/life balance. It makes us better practitioners. 

At work, we:

  • collaborate with colleagues
  • assist students
  • plan lessons
  • contact parents
  • write letters of recommendation
  • teach
  • attend IEP meetings
  • provide feedback on student work
  • and more!
  • ...
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But I Have To Accept Late Work ... Donā€™t I?

By Elizabeth Jorgensen

In a Facebook group I’m part of, fellow teacher Jeralicia Crooms posted, “Many of our districts force us to accept late work. We’re not ‘allowed’ to hold students accountable. How do we make that work?” 

It’s a common...

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My Post-Pandemic Teaching and Learning Observations

By Dr. Doug Green

In New York State, a certified administrator from a different building must observe each teacher at least once a year. This started about six years ago—thanks to the thinking that too many insufficient teachers received good evaluations from principals who were their...

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Focus on Habits to Curb Extra Credit Requests

By Elizabeth Jorgensen

At the end of the school year, many of my colleagues are inundated with late work and appeals for extra credit. But because my students have learned to value the process over grades, I have no late work to assess and no requests for extra credit. 

Even with summer...

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A Concerningly Empty Grade Book

By Tyler Rablin

I’ve heard it called an epidemic.

I’m talking about the amount of missing work at the secondary level. It truly defined the beginning of the school year. Teachers returned to the classroom excited to be back with students, try out new ideas, and engage in the type of...

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Cultivating Student Happiness: Beware of Toxic Positivity

By Lisa Parry

When my oldest daughter graduated from high school a few years ago, I gave her and her four closest friends a bracelet with this affirming message:

She believed she could, so she did.

It seemed like the perfect sentiment for five young ladies ready to leave the comfort and security...

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The Benefits of Books on Dealing With Anxiety

While reading, in general, can help alleviate stress and anxiety, helping you feel more relaxed, if you’re looking for anxiety tips for your daily life, you can find books on dealing with anxiety specifically. When you read these books, you will experience many benefits.

Learn Essential...

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Why I Was Done with Late Work

 

By Elizabeth Jorgensen

I wish I had realized this sooner:

Students complete late work not because they care about the authenticity of the assignment but because they want to move their grade up a letter.

Early in my teaching career, I accepted all late work. At the end of each semester, I...

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Civics is Good, but Politics are Bad: A Serious Conundrum

By Michelle Blanchet

“I’m sorry to be political” or “I’m sorry to bring politics into this” became phrases over the years when people want to discuss something important in our world.

I often wonder what this means and why people think they need to apologize...

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