Passive vs. Active Learning: Unleashing the Power of Engagement
In the ever-evolving world of education, the teaching strategies we employ and the learning approach we encourage can greatly influence the success of our students. Two such strategies, active learning and passive learning, have been the subject of extensive debate. This blog post aims to explore both of these contrasting approaches, dissecting their benefits, drawbacks […]
Empowering Success: Transforming Classrooms with Student-Centered Learning
In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, the traditional one-size-fits-all approach to teaching is being replaced by a more dynamic and inclusive model: student-centered learning. This transformative approach prioritizes the unique needs, interests, and abilities of each student, and has proven to be a powerful catalyst for boosting academic performance and engagement. In this blog post, […]
Prioritizing Student Achievement: Establishing a Focus on Improvement
In the world of education, nothing is more paramount than the success of our students. From our youngest learners in kindergarten to young adults prepping for college, the objective of education is always their success. But what is student success and why is it so important? Focusing on the students’ grit and perseverance should be […]
Unlocking Student Success: 5 Key Strategies For Retention
In the realm of education, the metrics of student success and retention bear significant weight, shaping the trajectory of learners’ academic journey and future. This blog post aims to illuminate key strategies that educators and school administrators can employ to boost student success and retention. It serves as a guide to understanding the importance of […]
Inspiring the 21st Century Learner: Strategies to Increase Student Engagement and Rigor in the Classroom
Remember that amazing standards-aligned and perfectly scaffolded lesson you designed? Remember the total silence you heard in your classroom as your perfect lesson turned out to be less than perfect? We have all experienced a silent room with varying degrees of uninterested faces looking back at us. The ability to engage students in learning seems […]
Five Problems with the Traditional Grading System and Why Standards-Based Grading is a Better Alternative
“Grades are so imprecise that they have become almost meaningless.” – Robert Marzano Grading is deeply rooted in the education system in the United States. As Lynn Olson observed, grades are “one of the most sacred traditions in American education,” and according to Dr. Tammy Heflebower, “The truth is grades have acquired an almost cult-like […]
Public Education Needs a Revolution
What Can Teachers Do to Make the System Work for All Students? This post was originally published on July 31, 2017, and updated on August 25, 2020. It’s time for our public education system to be reinvented. We currently have alarming rates of non-graduation from schools and colleges, and the levels of stress and depression […]
Overwhelmed & Awash in a Sea of Standards
Let’s Talk About Standards. This post was originally published on September 1, 2016, and updated on August 15, 2020. Robert Marzano, a leading educator and researcher, analyzed the standards in the U.S. education system and determined that in order to cover them all, we would need to add 10 years to our current K-12 education […]
The Biggest Challenge Educators Are Facing Right Now
In a recent email, I asked educators about the biggest challenge they’re facing right now. The responses I received regarding the biggest challenges of returning to school were mind blowing, yet all so very real and true. Most of teachers definitely feel that many crucial questions have gone unanswered. I’ve also found that administrators, too, […]
Self-Care for Teachers Part II
Let’s jump right into the rest of my tips for self-care during this time of drastic changes. Tip #4: Less Is More You can boil water at 212 degrees. Boiled is boiled. Higher temperatures will not make it “more boiled”. Higher temperatures just consume more resources that could be used for something else more productive. […]