The 2 things educators should read this summer
The 2 things educators should read this summer
June 22, 2017
Categories:
Professional Development,
Reading
Introduction As many of us prepare for summer reading, I have been asked once again to make some recommendations. The list we compiled last year remains relevant, but I would like to offer some additional ideas.
The “John Hattie effect size” in educational research: What is it and how is it used?
The “John Hattie effect size” in educational research: What is it and how is it used?
June 15, 2017
As an educator, you’ve likely heard that John Hattie and his work on effect size have revolutionized education. But like many in our field, you may not be familiar with the origins of Hattie’s work and what makes it [...]
How do you involve parents in their students’ reading practice?
How do you involve parents in their students’ reading practice?
June 8, 2017
Categories:
Reading
The answer might not be so simple. We asked our Renaissance Royals community this question and received a ton of great responses. From sending home research highlighting the benefits of reading to writing-based projects, there are a [...]
Why student agency already exists
Why student agency already exists
June 1, 2017
Categories:
Assessment,
Math,
Reading
A familiar definition In previous blog posts, I have advanced the U.S. Department of Education’s definition of personalized learning, which asserts that the approach is made up of the following three elements: Differentiation Individualization (which involves competency or mastery-based learning) [...]
Tips and activities to prevent summer learning loss
Tips and activities to prevent summer learning loss
May 25, 2017
Categories:
Math,
Reading
An introduction In Wisconsin, the warm summer months are welcomed with open arms after endless months of snow, sleet, and bitter cold. It’s a nice feeling when I can feel confident moving the knob in my car from heat to [...]
The art and science of resiliency
The art and science of resiliency
May 18, 2017
Categories:
Assessment,
Math,
Professional Development,
Reading
The art “Artists, Gombrich reminds us, do not paint what they see, they see what they are able to paint. An empty mind sees nothing.” (Eisner, 2017) Resiliency, grit, and growth mindset. These three ideals are so ingrained in folklore [...]
Thank YOU for being a teacher
Thank YOU for being a teacher
May 11, 2017
These last few days, we’ve been celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week (speaking of which, have you seen our in-person thank you video?). In a blog post earlier this week, we highlighted three stories [...]
Taking a moment to #ThankATeacher
Taking a moment to #ThankATeacher
May 9, 2017
This week, May 8–12, is Teacher Appreciation Week. We love Teacher Appreciation Week, but really, we feel it should be every week. Educators give us so much. They listen to our problems, our ideas, and our random thoughts.
Is there really anything new about personalized learning?
Is there really anything new about personalized learning?
May 4, 2017
Categories:
Assessment,
Math,
Reading
A definition As I have previously discussed, one of the most useful definitions of personalized learning comes from the U.S. Department of Education. It reads as follows: Personalized learning refers to instruction in which the pace [...]
The importance of test norms and how they work in education
The importance of test norms and how they work in education
May 1, 2017
The main purpose of a score on any type of assessment is to convey information about students’ performance. Educators, parents, and students all want to know whether a student’s score represents a strong performance or is cause for concern.
