Civics, the study of the rights and duties of citizens, is an essential subject often pushed aside in favor of heavily tested core subjects like reading and math. In this article, we explore how teaching civics from a young age fosters informed, engaged citizens. From classroom elections to community projects, educators can integrate civics into the curriculum, helping students understand their role in society and government. Learn about the benefits of including civics in education and how it shapes future voters and leaders.
This article explores the current state of teacher professional development, addressing the challenges that often undermine its effectiveness, such as one-size-fits-all approaches, lack of collaboration, and insufficient time for skill mastery. It also proposes solutions to improve PD sessions to better support teachers and student success, especially in light of the ongoing teacher shortages and burnout.
This article explores the relationship between student retention rates and standardized testing, focusing on mandatory 3rd-grade retention policies based on reading proficiency. It examines the pros and cons of retention, critiques the use of standardized testing in measuring student progress, and suggests alternative methods to support literacy development without holding students back.
This article explores the trends in pre- and post-pandemic reading levels, highlighting the challenges students face with reading comprehension, the connection between income and literacy, and the impact of school closures. It discusses how the pandemic further worsened falling literacy rates but also shed light on the importance of parents reading to their children during lockdowns.
In this article, The Art of Inclusion in the Classroom, we explore the history and evolution of inclusion classrooms, where students of all abilities learn together in a meaningful way. From the historical exclusion of students with disabilities to the modern practices of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, we delve into the progress and challenges educators face in creating successful, neurodiverse classrooms. The article offers practical strategies for teachers, such as implementing the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework and fostering equity, to ensure all students thrive in an inclusive setting. Learn how to make inclusion classrooms work and create a supportive learning environment for every child.
As schools return to in-person learning, the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are taking a toll on educators. This article explores teacher burnout, staffing shortages, and the struggles schools face in 2022, along with ways we can advocate for and support our teachers.
Explore the differences between teaching-centered and learning-centered education in this insightful article. Learn about Direct Instruction, facilitated learning, and methods like Project-Based Learning (PBL) and thematic units that encourage critical thinking and real-world problem solving in students.