Wouldn’t it be interesting if we spent more time and energy in education trying for “business as unusual” than supporting a system that works to maintain the status quo? I’m intrigued by Clayton Christensen’s work on disruptive innovation and I believe there’s compelling application for teaching and learning. “Disruptive innovation, a term of art coined …
Last February I started blogging weekly and in September a second weekly segment, That Thing You Do! was added. It’s a post by invitation where authors and educators share a strategy that teachers can put into practice in their professional lives. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to those who contributed this year. Thank …
Readers are in for a treat. Today’s guest blogger is Jeff Blankenship, Technology Integration Specialist for Hurst Euless Bedford ISD in Texas. I’m a huge fan as Jeff has been responsible for training me from an absolute rookie in technology to near veteran status. You can reach Jeff by email at jeffreyblankenship@hebisd.edu and follow …
Each of us is small, all by ourselves, but we are big, when we stick together. —Deborah Wiles, Revolution I started this blog with that quote just a little over a year ago. Collaborating with peers is one of the most powerful practices we can engage in as teachers. Dreams can become reality. The …
It’s one of the most challenging strategies for students to understand, and one of the most problematic strategies for teachers to instruct. Summarizing has to be repeatedly modeled, the process of writing summaries requires well-planned scaffolding and students need a lot of time and opportunity to practice. Students need to summarize across content areas, but …
“…learned helplessness is the student’s belief that he has no control over his ability to improve as a learner. Because he doesn’t believe he has the capacity, he doesn’t exert any effort when faced with a challenging work assignment or a new skill to develop.” –Zaretta Hammond You’ve seen these kids, haven’t you? …
I’ve spent the last five years as an instructional facilitator working from central administration to support elementary campuses in our district. This past June I requested a transfer back to a campus to work as an instructional coach. Getting back to working day in and day out with teachers and students was the best decision …
In a previous post I shared the five steps I believe are critical in facilitating strategy transfer for students when they read. Create a coaching system Teach a repertoire of strategies Commit to an emphasis on conditional knowledge Focus on student goal-setting Provide feedback that transforms the learner The first step, creating a coaching environment, …
One of the huge benefits of social media is the opportunity it provides to form relationships with great leaders in the field of education. Shortly after I created a Twitter account, I came across a multitude of passionate, powerful tweets from Dr. Mary Howard. Dr. Howard is an outstanding educational consultant and author known for …
A few weeks ago on a Saturday morning, I got the following text message from my friend and colleague who teaches 6th grade. Four words. The same sentiment this brilliant teacher speaks into the lives of her students when they encounter challenges. Aubrey came to her understanding of the “power of YET” by reading Dr. …
