Strategies for Stronger Engagement
Recent statistics indicate that over half of students are disengaged in school, and teachers spend a lot of their time and energy addressing student disengagement. Is disengagement a challenge in your classroom? How can you create more engaging classrooms where deep learning occurs? How can you develop stronger relationships with all of your students? This… Read More ›
Six Fixes for Proficiency-Based Learning
This article offers practical advice to schools and districts implementing competency based education. Drawing on the groundbreaking work being done in Maine, the author outlines 6 issues that are often encountered when shifting to a proficiency-based system and details solutions. This would be a great read for any district of school leader at the start… Read More ›
North Dakota School District Ready to Make Bold Changes
This article discusses the shift to a competency-based model underway in the Northern Cass School District in North Dakota. The district plans to eliminate all grade levels, allowing students to build their own academic path to high school graduation. The changes are supported by state education policy allowing districts to apply for waivers from specific… Read More ›
18 Examples of State Policies that Support Competency-Based Programs
This article provides brief examples of state initiatives that support competency education. It includes initiatives identified as exemplars during the course of research conducted by Getting Smart. The examples are organized by features, including: Flexibility from time-based systems Competency-based diplomas Acceptance of competency-based diplomas and credits by higher education Flexible learning State assessments Innovation pilots… Read More ›
Camp C-Block Introduces Blockchain Technology to Black Girls
This article discusses the work done by Project Bitmobile. Project Bitmobile hopes to educate, inform, and inspire young black women in the fields of coding, cyber security, cryptography and blockchain technology. The founder will be touring the country in an RV in the summer and fall teaching young black women about these emerging technologies through… Read More ›
Improving Teaching With Expert Feedback—From Students
This article, part of the Schools That Work series by Edutopia, describes the approach a physics teacher at Trinidad Garza Early College High School took to improve his instruction. He found, through surveys, that letting students voice their opinions on how they learn best was the key to changing his teaching practices and improving students’ understanding.… Read More ›
Teacher Inquiry Labs in South Carolina Demonstrate Personalized Learning in Action
This article discusses a hands on approach to teacher professional development. In South Carolina learning labs are part of the state-led support for personalized learning. They are educator-driven and volunteer-run. A host district highlights one personalized learning practice that they are using across the K-12 continuum and district leaders, educators and instructional coaches from across… Read More ›
Every Student Is a Mathematics Language Learner
This article discusses the benefits of explicitly teaching all students how to use mathematical language. The author, a veteran teacher, notes that while English Language Learners often need support to learn mathematical language, many other students struggle as well. The author shares one simple technique to scaffold learning called talking point cards. Any math teacher… Read More ›
Resources for Assessment in Project-Based Learning
This is a compilation of resources to support the development of high-quality, authentic assessments of any learning project. The list features links to help teachers include quality formative assessment as well as consider standardized tests when using project-based learning. It also includes overview resources by project-based learning foundations, as well as relevant research. This is a… Read More ›
Pittsfield Tries New Approach On Education
This radio clip from New Hampshire Public Radio features Pittsfield schools. The small district of Pittsfield adopted an approach that flips the traditional model of teaching through student-led discussion and independent projects. To learn more about Pittsfield schools, this short case study in Pioneer magazine provides a look at the school. Also check out the… Read More ›
How an LMS Can Solve Professional Learning’s Challenges
This interview transcript looks at the role of Learning Management Software (LMS) in the delivery of professional development opportunities for educators. EdSurge staff interviewed Ken Dirkin, the Director of Online Professional Learning at Michigan Virtual, a nonprofit provider of digital learning solutions for Michigan’s K-12 schools. He discusses how LMS can deliver a personalized experience… Read More ›
Leveraging Digital Depth for Responsive Learning Environments
This paper explores the potential for wearables, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to help create more responsive learning environments that: Increase student engagement Enhance the personalization of learning Increase understanding of others’ experiences and perspectives Help develop greater levels of self-awareness Foster critical thinking Increase student agency The paper presents a frame for… Read More ›