Heather Wolpert-Gawron

Viewing: education policy

San Gabriel Valley CUE Teacher of the Year!

San Gabriel Valley CUE Teacher of the Year!

By on May 5, 2009

I won the San Gabriel Valley CUE (Computer Using Educators) Outstanding Teacher Award. Hazzah! I’m not sure CUE realizes, however, that my enthusiasm for Ed Tech outweighs my knowledge.  My daily calls with questions to the computer teacher can attest

A teacher’s duty?

A teacher’s duty?

By on March 20, 2009

So by now I assume we’ve all heard of the sanctioned “cage fighting” in a Dallas, TX school.  As AP reports, school officials apparently condoned the use of a steel cage in which students could bare-knuckle fight their way towards

How to be an Ed Tech Advocate

How to be an Ed Tech Advocate

By on March 7, 2009

OK, guys.  So I got it from the horse’s mouth at CUE.  According to the ISTE Director of Governmental Affairs, No Child Left Behind is not going away.   In the weeks leading up to the election, the Obama administration

Teacher Magazine: Test Prep Magic

Teacher Magazine: Test Prep Magic

By on February 27, 2009

Check out my article in yesterday’s Teacher Magazine outlining 5 little-thought-about strategies in teaching test prep.  Hope it helps you during your own Test Prep season. -Tweenteacher

Is EdTech changing how students think or is it addressing the changes in student thinking?

Is EdTech changing how students think or is it addressing the changes in student thinking?

By on January 29, 2009

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

Metacognitive Poetry: Writing About Thinking While Writing Lesson

Metacognitive Poetry: Writing About Thinking While Writing Lesson

By on January 23, 2009

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

Skills vs. Strategies: UCI Writing Project Challenge

Skills vs. Strategies: UCI Writing Project Challenge

By on January 16, 2009

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

Sesame Street: Word on the Street

By on January 12, 2009

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

Is Cursive Really a 21st Century Skill or is it History?

Is Cursive Really a 21st Century Skill or is it History?

By on January 5, 2009

Look, we all agree, that our job is to prepare our students for their future by teaching 21st Century skills, right?  Well, then why is cursive even a continuing debate?   We can no longer afford to spend time on

CUE update of my sessions

CUE update of my sessions

By on December 16, 2008

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

Budget Cut Victim – Textbook Adoption

By on December 5, 2008

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

Budget Cuts trim away the CAT6 – somehow we’ll survive

By on December 2, 2008

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.

Second-Career Teachers…Aren’t we All?

Second-Career Teachers…Aren’t we All?

By on November 22, 2008

The Illinois News-Gazette recently reported an increase in second career teachers.  But, really, aren’t we all second-career teachers?  I mean, unless we bopped from high school to a BA to an education program and landed directly into the teaching field,

What’s my role in this debate?

What’s my role in this debate?

By on September 28, 2008

Dear Fellow Edubloggers, Many of you have been blogging far longer than I have.  I have many of you on my Google Reader and I admire your wit, your writing, and would now love your advice. Last week, I posted

Should a free education be unconditional?

Should a free education be unconditional?

By on September 6, 2008

So you know when you get your group of kids on the first day, there are those who immediately set off your alarms?  Well, that definitely happened to me on my first day. I have a student who clearly needs

Find the Fib…First Day Activity (UPDATED)

Find the Fib…First Day Activity (UPDATED)

By on September 5, 2008

I learned a version of this activity from Erick Gordon this summer at the UCI institute. Basically, it’s a get-to-know activity where the students get to learn a little about me and then learn a little about each other. It

The Carnival is in town!

The Carnival is in town!

By on August 27, 2008

Howdy all! The Carnival of Education is in town and tweenteacher has joined the parade.  Interesting host and post. Enjoy!

Kelly Gallagher’s Golden Line

Kelly Gallagher’s Golden Line

By on July 12, 2008

Kelly Gallagher on the simple concept: "Everyone improves."

Joanne Jacobs comment:”Stop facilitating and start teaching”

Joanne Jacobs comment:”Stop facilitating and start teaching”

By on July 6, 2008

The Seattle Post-Intelligencer posts a not-so-intelligent take on teacher vs. student-directed classrooms.

Collaboration…Blocked by a Firewall Near You

Collaboration…Blocked by a Firewall Near You

By on July 2, 2008

I just saw Doug Fisher's presentation on ELL students in the Language Arts classroom. I got me reflective on tech's role in collaboration in the classroom.