Depth, Connections, and “Doing” Science Focus of New Standards

May 21, 2012 - (0) comments

Last week, the release of the draft Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) topped the ASCD SmartBrief most-clicked list. Standards writers say the NGSS focus on essential content studied through the processes of scientific inquiry and engineering design and that these standards represent a shift to fewer, deeper standards that are clearly aligned across grade levels and disciplines and focus on “doing” science. Based on the framework released by the National Research Council last summer, the new, internationally benchmarked standards are organized into [...]

Tips for Configuring Your Classroom for Differentiation

May 16, 2012 - 1 Comment

In this video from the PD Online course Differentiated Instruction: Creating an Environment That Supports Learning, Carol Ann Tomlinson offers tips for setting up a classroom for more effective instruction. How do you set up the physical space of your classroom to facilitate differentiated instruction? This video was originally featured in the May 2012 issue of Educational Leadership on “Supporting Beginning Teachers.” [...]

Student Perspectives on Engagement

May 08, 2012 - (0) comments

What approaches to teaching and learning engage students? In last week’s most-clicked ASCD SmartBrief story, teacher, author, and all-around cool lady Heather Wolpert-Gawron put that question to her 8th graders–all 220 of them. Their answers are a good gut-check for lesson planning, or for trouble-shooting persistent classroom managment issues. Students said they were more likely to be engaged in learning if lessons involved movement, working with peers, working with technology, visuals, and student choice. Students wanted teachers who are clearly passionate [...]

Reading Strategies in the Biology Classroom

May 04, 2012 - 1 Comment

Most people would not consider science class as primer for students to strengthen their reading skills. However, in this video, a pair of high school biology teachers demonstrate how they use reading strategies in their classes. Because the text the students are studying is of a highly technical nature, the teachers try to help students gain reading skill and understand the content they are learning. Using techniques such as reading aloud and highlighting important words, students strengthen their reading skills while learning about [...]

Glogster—A New Way to Look at the Poster Project

May 04, 2012 - (0) comments

The poster project is a simple way to get students to show their learning, convey valuable information, and creatively express themselves. Glogster, a Web 2.0 tool, helps students take a poster project to a new level. ASCD Express tech columnist and teacher Jason Bedell shows you how. [...]

NY Teachers Juggle Curriculum in Common Core Transition Years

May 29, 2012 - (0) comments

Last week’s most-clicked ASCD SmartBrief item told the unfolding story of implementing Common Core math standards in New York state. As topics shift to occur in earlier or later grades than previous iterations of [...]

In Case You Missed It

May 25, 2012 - (0) comments

Here’s what has been happening around ASCD lately: Up your game in the off-season; check out ASCD’s recommended summer reading list. Robyn Jackson offers advice on what to avoid in teacher evaluations. Noted educator Linda Darling-Hammond spoke [...]

PBL & Common Core Tip: Instructional Time for Teaching Thinking Skills

May 24, 2012 - 1 Comment

Often we forget to teach thinking skills to students. Project-based learning (PBL) by design demands that these skills be taught and assessed. Every PBL project has 21st century skills that are taught, assessed, and transferable across various disciplines. [...]