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Technology, Differentiation, & the Future of Education
I just returned from the ISTE (International Standards in Technology Education) Conference in Philadelphia. I can remember when ISTE first started, so imagine my surprise to see the huge attendance (someone estimated 20,000), the hoards of technology gadgets, and the mini-theater style presentations by all the major technology players. The future of education certainly rests with technology. There are apps, websites, software, and hardware available for just about any facet of education. From robotics for STEM, ...
Testing and Common Core
The "moment of truth" is arriving as students across the country are taking standardized state assessments. Teachers and administrators are both asking "what else can we do?" and simultaneously lamenting the amount of time and energy that goes into test prep and testing. One school discusses peppermint candies for energy; another will have plenty of water on hand to keep students hydrated. Schools are sending notes to parents about the importance of meals and sleep ...
Drawing Students into the World of Literature
Today's Blog is by Jacque Hayden, English Teacher at Hospitality High Public Charter School in Washington DC Drawing Students Into the World of Literature Jacque Hayden M.Ed. As a teacher of urban youth I have often been challenged with getting my students to read literature that they may not have been exposed to or may initially feel intimidated by. Building excitement, making real-world/life connections, and offering meaningful projects with a range of options has been the key to ...
The U.S. is Playing Catch-Up: Education in Singapore and Finland
According to the 2009 Program for Student Assessement (PISA) given by the Organziation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the U.S. placed average in reading, math, and science compared to 57 other countries tested. Finland and Signapore, however, placed in the top tiers of the PISA. So what are these countries doing differently to bring their students to have the highest academic achievement of the world, and how can the U.S. learn from them? Finland Finland's educational system has evolved ...
The Wow! Factor
Read "The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs" (Carmine Gallo, Columnist at Businessweek.com is the author) Copyright 2010. It is a great find and has much practical advice on marketing and presentations. I recently applied some of the strategies with excellent results. Here are a few of the highlights: 1. With Powerpoint slides DO NOT use bullets. Instead, think of a minimalist, zen approach, with a few key words, and perhaps some beautiful visuals. Create an atmosphere for ...
International Comparisons
Is it more important for K-12 students to learn facts or to enjoy learning? Is it more important for students to learn about their own country or to know something about the world? Which is more critical, for students to complete Algebra II or to be able to work harmoniously with a small team of peers? Which will result in a more competitive workforce? A wiser population of adults? Would you rather that students at the end of their 12 ...
Spring Assessments
Here in DC there is more snow and this gives me time to reflect on Spring which is just around the corner. From January to April, we are faced with getting students ready for the state assessments. This means that teachers are focusing on the border students who stand a chance of improving their scores and that teachers, administrators, and students are all feeling the push to prepare for April. It is often a time ...
ARRA, Assessment, and School Improvement
41 states submitted applications for the Race to the Top program. Wiithin a matter of weeks the winners will be announced. The Race to the Top agenda is ambitious and includes many strategies to accelerate school improvement. Working with a team of experts, including professionals with content area expertise in math, reading, and writing, the Center for Educational Improvement is expanding our capacity to offer high quality services to aid schools and districts in school improvement, including ...
Educational Opportunities in 2010
Obama's State of the Union speech is tonight. Reflecting on the past year, I find it has been a year of recovery. States, individuals, businesses, and organizations have been dramatically impacted by the economy. What has happened in the U.S. has had resounding ripple effects around the world and fortunately for some, some countries are in better shape than we are here. So if last year's theme was recovery, what should we look forward to in 2010? ...
Race to the Top
After being out of the States for 4 months, I have returned to find that Race to the Top is one of the Obama administration's catalysts for significant education reform. During the past week I attended 3 Race to the Top Assessment hearings, all held in DC. Here are comments I submitted: January 19, 2009 Office of Elementary and Secondary Education Attention: Race to the Top Assessment Program U.S. Department of Education 400 Maryland Avenue SW Room 3E108 Washington, DC 20202 To Whom ...
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