Teaching and learning in grades 4-8

Teaching for Equity and Cognitive Justice

Zaretta Hammond examines the cultivation of “cognitive justice” to ensure that every student, especially those from historically marginalized groups, experiences the full rigor, challenge and coaching necessary to develop as an independent, powerful learner, says Melinda Stewart.

Teaching Discernment in Student AI Interactions

Sharpening our reasoning powers about when and how to engage with artificial intelligence will serve us and our students well as we navigate whatever the future brings, says Brett Vogelsinger. He offers two lesson ideas we can use to model quality reasoning during AI interactions.

An Innovative Approach to Grammar Instruction

Not Your Granny’s Grammar offers a fresh, engaging, and practical approach to grammar rooted in authentic writing practice. It’s well organized to guide teachers through the philosophy, structure, and application of a comprehensive grammar study, writes NBCT Kathie Palmieri.

What If Every Teacher Taught Media Literacy?

More state legislatures are developing media literacy policies in response to debates over student phone use, social media restrictions, and artificial intelligence. But are they committed to supporting programs that engage all teachers in opportunities to teach media literacy?

Accelerate or Remediate? Teachers at the Controls.

Acceleration means providing grade-level instruction with strategic scaffolds and just-in-time support. It means believing all kids can access rigorous content with the supports you can build. And it’s a decision entirely within your Circle of Control, says Dr. Sonya Murray.

Assessing with Rigor to Reach Every Student

Building on her previous writings redefining rigor in education, teaching coach Barbara R. Blackburn shares fresh tools, strategies, and insights to add rigor to your teaching in ways that are meaningful, engaging and appropriately challenging for all students.

Expand Your Electives & Transform Engagement

Many educators believe we can increase engagement and improve attendance by expanding choice electives for their middle schoolers. But school and system wide? What about scheduling? What about staffing? Jen Schwanke walks us through her district’s transformation step by step.

Five Models for Asking Higher Level Questions

When you climb to the top of a mountain, the steps become increasingly difficult as you go, but the view is worth it. Consultant and author Barbara R. Blackburn shares five models for organizing higher levels of questions to help students reach the learning summit.