Viewing: Educational Policy
The Death of Teacher Conferences or I Can’t Believe I Miss My Canvas Bag
So, CATE (the California Association of Teachers of English) just came to an end. The hotel was lovely. All ran smoothly. We were greeted with smiles aplenty, and everything ran on time. Sheridan Blau, Kelly Gallagher, Carol Booth Olson, Taylor
Am I So Past My Prime?
Somehow, and maybe I’m reading into it here, I feel a little written off already. Education Week is reporting that some districts are pondering the possibility of “front-loading” new teacher salaries, increasing their compensation earlier in their career to aid
“I Statements” in Expository Writing
This weekend I’m presenting at the CATE conference in Santa Clara, CA. It’s a session on developing high level, critical-thinking commentary in expository writing. My feeling is that great commentary is the Voice in Expository, it is the Show, Not
Starting from scratch in teacher training
I recently heard Judy Willis (of “syn-naps” fame) speak at a conference. In her pre-teaching life, she was a neurologist and she brings her knowledge to the classroom and to her lectures. (See my recently published article in Teacher Magazine, “My
Test Prep-Bubbling Power
So I looked at my 8th grade students’ scores after they took the MMA and sighed. Their scores sucked.
Is EdTech changing how students think or is it addressing the changes in student thinking?
Science Daily is reporting that there has been a shift in how students are thinking as a result of their use of technology. They believe it possibly lowers critical thinking skills and analysis. Additionally, they wonder just how much schools
Marketing Metacognition
So I just got the January MindWare catalogue and I realize that here we have a toy catalogue that is solely for metacognitive purchases. So this got me thinking: how can schools market metacognition? I realized, of course, that until
Metacognitive Poetry: Writing About Thinking While Writing Lesson
Here’s a great metacognitive lesson that integrates poetry. Or is it a poetry lesson that is metacognitive? (Shrug) I believe that good writing and great structure can be taught through mimicking great authors. Using this philosophy as my guide, my
Recalling your own Metacognition
I’ve been working on metacognitive lessons with my middle schoolers in an attempt to teach reflection and the act of thinking about thinking. Anyway, one of the most important elements in teaching about thinking is in your own remembering of
NewsHour with Jim Leher: Michelle Rhee
I recently watched John Merrow’s interview with Michelle Rhee on the NewsHour. Michelle seems like a real mixed blessing for education. On one hand, she’s willing to clean house, and education does seriously need it. On the other hand, however,
Skills vs. Strategies: UCI Writing Project Challenge
The UCI Writers Project has monthly meetings for its alumni where we discuss certain topics, bringing our field studies and expertise into the conversation. Last night we tackled an issue related to developing a common language: Skills vs. Strategies. Many
Sesame Street: Word on the Street
OK, so as I write this I’m watching Sesame Street with my 2 year old. This big-feathered muppet just announced that the Word on the Street is, get this…Struggle. I kid you not. I guess times are tough even on
But what if the child does everything in their power to be “left behind?”
The Boston Globe is reporting that some students deliberately “shoot themselves in their own foot.” Some of the reason is that trying hard is frightening. Now, don’t get all uppity. Let’s face it; even the most mature of adults may
God bless us, everyone…
On Christmas Eve, my 2 year-old son and I were driving home to meet my husband, when our Honda CR-V was hit by another car. It was pretty bad. But it could have been much worse, for which we are
Differentiating New Teacher Support Programs
OK, so we preach about differentiating our lessons. We preach about differentiating our students. We preach about differentiating our assessments. But what about differentiating the requirements of our new teacher programs?
Judging Websites for History Day
Yesterday I was proud to judge a number of our group website entries for our History Day competition. Three of our history teachers use History Day as a project-based learning opportunity for all of their students. These students have their
CUE update of my sessions
So I will be presenting again at CUE this year. My session, “Podcasting with 70 Middle Schoolers – RU Crazy?!” has received some great comments in the past and as I’ve tweaked the class, I’ve updated my presentation as well.
Budget Cut Victim – Textbook Adoption
We just got word that we will not have our scheduled textbook adoption for ELA this year as planned. I have to admit, it is disappointing. I mean, yes it meant I was going to be out of the classroom
Budget Cuts trim away the CAT6 – somehow we’ll survive
So we’re at my department meeting yesterday, and my head announces that due to budget cuts, we won’t be administering the CAT6 this year. There was this pause in the room that suggested suppressed sarcasm.
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Here’s why test scores shouldn’t be the only criteria…
By heather on February 18, 2009
OK, so my first period’s “Advanced” group went up 40% between their 1st district assessment and their 2nd. Another period went up 37%. Even my Honors class went from 81% Advanced to 97% Advanced, with only 1 student found in