Increasingly, schools are helping students to engage in their own learning through initiatives that build agency, voice, and instructional input. Student agency requires that every student has a sense of belonging in all classes and activities. True student agency also relies on rigorous teaching and learning and on understanding each […]
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3 Ways to Become a Thermostat Instead of a Thermometer
What does it mean to be a thermostat instead of a thermometer? It’s a thought-provoking analogy from Martin Luther King, Jr. Think of it this way: A thermometer simply reports the temperature around it; a thermostat plays a role – it actively regulates and changes the environment. Becoming a thermostat […]
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Using Games and Design Challenges to Teach Students How to Deal with Conflict
As second grade teachers, we know that our students are exploring new relationships, changing social dynamics, and feeling the emotional burdens these interactions can bring. Our students often encounter conflict as we ask them to take risks, stand up for their beliefs, and share their thoughts and opinions. With this […]
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Rigor or Vigor? What Do We Expect From Our Children?
For nearly two decades, education reformers have trumpeted the need to create rigorous curriculum, standards, and learning for our students. The results of all these reforms have been lukewarm at best and hurtful to children and teachers at worst. It’s time to abandon the idea of “rigor” and the damage […]
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Is Your Child an English Language Learner? Here’s What You Need to Know
When your child is an English language learner, it can be hard to understand if they are learning the language properly and what they need to do to be reclassified as fluent and proficient. Here’s a quick guide to how schools classify students as English language learners, what they must […]
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5 Study Tips Backed by Research
It’s often assumed that long hours of studying are the best way to become an exemplary, top student. However, research shows that highly successful students actually spend less time studying than their peers-they simply study more effectively. Teachers can help all students use their study time more effectively by sharing […]
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Preparing All Learners for an Uncertain Future of Work
Continuous learning, cultural awareness, change expertise, adaptability and effective communication skills, and the ability to learn from failure. These are just some of the competencies that participants in KnowledgeWorks’ session on the future of work identified as important for graduates. Finding resources for problem solving, time and project management, reflective […]
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Sustainability in Schools is More Than Just Keeping the Doors Open
Key Points You’re reading this article because you want to make a change in high school life. You may have experienced firsthand how challenging it can be to rethink, redesign, and collaborate on building a student-oriented high school that prepares graduates for the future. The innovative and creative energy necessary […]
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10 Tips for Teaching Kindergarten Writing
Teaching kindergarteners to write may seem like a daunting task, but if done correctly, it can be a fun and engaging experience for both you and your students. Here are 10 tips to help you effectively teach writing skills to kindergarten students: By implementing these 10 tips, you can help […]
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How Often are Spelling Challenges
Spelling is a challenge for many people. Not much research has been done on spelling as much as on reading to give us an idea of how many people can’t spell well. Little is known about the general public’s ability to spell and little is known about their ability to […]
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