Kids on the Cusp / Teacher Evaluation
by Mary Tarashuk · Published 01/06/2014 · Last modified 12/10/2019
Middle grades teacher Mary Tarashuk has reached the final rubric in her state’s mandated teacher self-assessment: Professional Responsibilities. She says the words used to define “highly effective” performance seem out of synch with real teaching.
What does the annual avalanche of diet advertising mean to the classroom teacher? It’s a teachable moment, says media literacy expert Frank Baker — an opportunity to sharpen visual literacy and critical thinking skills and bring the Common Core standard for argument writing into play.
In Whole Novels for the Whole Class, Ariel Sacks offers a student-centered approach that promotes love of reading and deepens discussions, says reviewer Heather Wolpert-Gawron. Sacks’ documented strategies also address Common Core standards.
Teach Smart by PJ Caposey and Todd Whitaker lays out an easy to use guide for how to help each teacher get better at the craft, says reviewer Stephanie Rosch. The short book includes “real life examples of classrooms, practical strategies for any grade level, and black line masters for some of the strategies.”
In her new book Teaching in High Gear, middle school teacher Marsha Ratzel describes a transformational journey, marked by a gradual shift toward student-driven learning and energized by a global network of collaborators. In this excerpt, Marsha describes how her development of a “coaching mode” helped students become more self-reliant learners.
Whether it’s Grandma’s biscotti recipe or a lesson plan, adding new ingredients (like digital tools) shouldn’t distract from the end result you seek, says teacher and technology consultant Mike Fisher. “The modern mindset is really about willingness, not digital knowledge. It’s about trying new things and exploring new tools and avenues for instruction WITH the students rather than FOR the students.”
Authors Yeap Ban Har & Lorraine Walker show how teachers can apply Singapore concepts to help students develop mathematical thinking. “A goldmine!” says reviewer Sandy Wisneski, who found the book to be the perfect resource to engage and challenge students.
Are there components that must always be in place for something to earn the STEM program label? STEM curriculum expert Anne Jolly identifies two essentials.
Media literacy consultant Frank W. Baker considers some of the ways that media arts intersect with STEM and present STEAM learning opportunities.
Book Reviews / Common Core Standards / Vocabulary Instruction
by MiddleWeb · Published 11/08/2013 · Last modified 12/03/2019
This helpful book offers techniques for teaching 55 key words associated with K12 CC standards so they stick in students’ long-term memory.
