Articles of Interest
Common core, NCLB expected to dominate Duncan's second term
If he serves as education secretary during President Barack Obama's second term, Arne Duncan is likely to tackle five main issues, according to the writers of this blog post. The issues include the implementation of plans agreed to under No Child Left Behind waivers, the anticipated end of Race to the Top funding, the challenge of reaching bipartisan agreement on a reauthorized No Child Left Behind law and the implementation of the Common Core State Standards. Education Week/Politics K-12 blog
Are "old school" teaching methods still relevant?
Author Annie Murphy Paul suggests in this blog post that "old school" learning methods such as memorizing math facts, cursive handwriting and argumentation should not be discarded as teachers adopt more progressive instructional methods. For example, she cites research that shows students made more errors on complex math problems when they could not automatically recall their math facts. The key is to use the older methods, such as memorization, as the foundation for higher-level thinking, she writes. Time.com/Ideas blog
How teachers can set up effective learning environments
The establishment of effective learning environments are required for students to achieve success, write teacher Rebecca Friedman and Chavi Abramson, who studies education at Thomas Edison University. They offer reasons why teachers may arrange desks in a "U" shape -- independent learning -- or in clusters, so students can work more in groups. They also suggest classroom-management strategies to keep students on task and avoid classroom interruptions. Education Next
Free Webinar: Help for Struggling Middle School Readers
It's not too late to help Middle School struggling readers, but we can't keep doing what hasn't worked before. Learn how new techniques researched at the Universities of Iowa and Rochester have been implemented in Sioux Falls, SD to have lasting impact. You won't want to miss this FREE webinar - Tuesday, 12/4, 2pm ET. Register Now
4 questions to ask during parent-teacher conferences
Parents should be as involved in the education of their high-school-aged children as they are for elementary-school children, teachers say. This blog post includes four questions teachers say they wish parents of high-school students would ask during parent-teacher conferences. They include asking how the teachers are faring, what parents can do to make teachers' jobs easier and questions about students' performance. U.S. News & World Report/High School Notes
Educators stick a pin in online resources
A growing number of educators say they are using the social cloud resource Pinterest for classroom resources and as a professional networking tool. One school counselor, Julia V. Taylor, has used her page to pin resources on school counseling, tech-savvy educators, education, leadership and other topics. This article also includes links to resources on Pinterest that may be of interest to educators. T.H.E. Journal
What does Pa. survey say about understanding of common core?
The majority of the 600 Pennsylvania residents polled for a recent survey said they had never heard of the Common Core State Standards. Of the 20% that had heard of the common core, support was mixed. However, the survey found that most respondents are in favor of a single set of standards. Veteran education reporter Catherine Gewertz in this blog post wonders if other states hold similar views. Education Week/Curriculum Matters blog
Including iPads in school-improvement plan
A Minnesota school district is investing in more classroom technology as part of its efforts to improve student achievement. That push, which includes a focus on literacy, as well as science, technology, engineering and math, was seen recently when second-grade teachers were given iPads to use in class. All the iPads are synched and include the same suite of applications, including Everyday Mathematics Monster Squeeze, which teachers recently introduced to students. St. Cloud Times (Minn.)
Teachers blend fun, education with tech-based games
Teachers in a West Virginia school district say they are using more technology and games to engage students in academic lessons. Educators say schools must adapt and compete for students' attention with technology, including social media and smartphones. Students at Emerson Elementary School use the online program "Study Island," in which students answer questions and play games that involve math, reading, science and social studies. The Parkersburg News and Sentinel (W.Va.)
Should high schools start later?
An online petition to adopt a later start time for high-school students in a Maryland school district has received thousands of signatures. Currently, school starts at 7:25 a.m., but supporters of the initiative are seeking to start the school day at 8:15 a.m. or later. At issue, they say, is research showing the importance of sleep for teenagers. The Washington Post
Webcasts bring together common-core stakeholders
The American Federation of Teachers will present a series of informational online sessions on Nov. 13 to help educators who work with English-language learners to gain information about the role Common Core State Standards play in their classrooms. Key stakeholders speaking during the event include representatives from the two consortia responsible for developing common-core assessments. Education Week/Learning the Language blog
Ill. district adds U.S. version of Singapore math to its curriculum
Elementary schools in Downers Grove, Ill., are using a new math curriculum this year called Math in Focus, which is the U.S. version of Singapore Math. Besides the curriculum being more demanding, Math in Focus is to convey how math applies to real-world situations. "They need to understand the concepts of why it's there, not just be able to do the formulaic methodology," stated Matt Rich, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction. "The depth of a concept that a child needs to explain at an earlier age is more difficult. Division is a 3rd grade expectation whereas before, it was a 5th grade expectation." Chicago Tribune
Mass. students are encouraged to think like mathematicians
Some Massachusetts teachers are helping students think and work like professional mathematicians, engineers and more. The shift is part of the transition to new math and reading standards that emphasize college and career readiness, school officials say. "That is a change from just learning the content pieces," said Laureen Cipolla, an administrator for curriculum, instruction and assessment for Leominster Public Schools. "We're hoping the emphasis on being college or career ready will help the kids answer the question: 'Why do I have to learn this?'" Sentinel & Enterprise (Fitchburg, Mass.)
New Dallas math curriculum gets approval despite controversy
Dallas Independent School District will give Reasoning Mind -- a supplemental online math program -- a second chance to improve student outcomes despite recent criticism. A report released by the district, which has since been removed from the district's website, contended the program did not deliver on its promise to raise student scores by specific percentage points. District officials call the report "flawed," and say they will use the program again next year. The Dallas Morning News (free content)
Understanding the appeal of the "unconference"
The popularity of Edcamps, a type of professional development for educators, originated from social media connections, writes Tom Whitby, an adjunct professor of education at St. Joseph's College in New York. The Edcamps, he writes in this blog post, are described as "unconferences" and do not follow a set format or schedule. Participants also can move on to a different session if they are not benefiting from the one they are in. SmartBrief/SmartBlog on Education
Twice as much instruction time may boost student success in algebra
Pushing students to take algebra in eighth grade, rather than in high school, may not be the answer to greater math achievement, researchers say. Instead, increased math success may be the result of "double-dose" algebra, a curriculum adjustment that offers struggling students an extra period of algebra every day, according to a group of university researchers who investigated the results of extra algebra in districts, including Chicago Public Schools. Education Next
Teachers: Technology changes classroom teaching, learning
Two surveys released Thursday show that educators believe technology is changing the way students learn. Among other things, teachers say they have to entertain students with more flexible teaching styles -- as well as be educators. While many teachers who were surveyed said technology has led to more distracted students, other teachers added that they believe technology can be harnessed as an educational tool. The New York Times (tiered subscription model)
Some Mass. schools enhance math learning with video lessons
Massachusetts math teachers in at least two schools are supplementing classroom teaching with video lessons from Khan Academy. School officials say the videos do not replace the teacher, but instead show students how to work through a concept while the teacher circulates around the classroom monitoring students' individual progress. "They're able to get a quicker assessment of where kids are. It also frees them up. Instead of standing at the front of the room lecturing, this way allows students and teachers to interact on a daily basis," said Brett Marcotte, who coordinates the programs at St. Mary's and Quincy Catholic Academy. The Boston Globe
Common core math demands critical thinking
In the era of Common Core State Standards, it's not enough for students to show their work when solving math problems, says Heather Barnes, a math teacher at Hazelwood Elementary School in Louisville, Ky. "They want them to understand why they are doing the things they are doing. They want them to be able to explain why they're doing what they're doing and not just explain it but justify why they are doing it," she notes. WAVE-TV (Louisville, Ky.)
Should teachers eliminate time limits for students?
Teachers should reconsider their use of time limits, writes Kyle Redford, a teacher at Marin Country Day School in the San Francisco Bay Area. Redford suggests in this opinion piece that establishing such limits for students is a "false metric." Students should be evaluated based on the quality of their work, not how long it took them to complete the task, Redford writes, adding: "Students should get access to the time they need to express what they know." Education Week Teacher (premium article access compliments of EdWeek.org)
Report cites need for support of low-income students who are gifted
Schools and teachers must do more to identify and support students who are gifted, particularly those from low-income backgrounds or who are English-language learners, according to a new report from the National Association for Gifted Children. Among the report's recommendations, schools should raise expectations for student achievement through policies and practices, and expand training for educators in identifying and supporting students who are gifted and are from economically, culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Education Week/On Special Education blog
Apple touts educational uses for new iPad Mini
Apple on Tuesday unveiled its new iPad Mini, in part, by pointing out its benefits for classroom instruction. The devices cost $329 for a Wi-Fi-enabled tablet -- less than earlier versions of the iPad, which have been popular among schools and are considered the "gold standard" among some educators. On Twitter, however, reaction to the iPad Mini was mixed, with one user posting that the smaller devices do not meet requirements for assessments under the Common Core State Standards. Education Week/Marketplace K-12
5 technology tips for non-techie teachers
Educators who are inexperienced with technology should give themselves the time to learn a few select applications for the classroom, technology coach Brianna Crowley writes in this blog. Among the five tips she offers is that teachers should use the same learning strategies they use to teach their students when tackling a new program. "We must take risks, ask good questions, know our limitations, stretch ourselves, and embrace failure as an opportunity to learn," Crowley writes. Education Week (premium article access compliments of EdWeek.org)
High-school "houses" help personalize instruction
An Illinois high school credits a program in which the school is divided into four "houses" -- or learning communities -- for helping to improve students' test scores and graduation rates. The Freshman House program, for example, helps middle-school students make the transition to high school. Each "house," or grade level, strives to match teaching to students' needs and interests. The News-Gazette (Champaign-Urbana, Ill.)
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Teachers may reach more students with new PD approaches
Online project inspires math lesson for eighth-graders
Core Math Tools is a downloadable suite of interactive software tools for algebra and functions, geometry and trigonometry and statistics and probability. The tools are appropriate for use with any high-school mathematics curriculum and compatible with the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics in content and mathematical practices. Core Math Tools sessions will also be offered at NCTM's 2012 Regional Conferences. Learn more.
N.Y. education commissioner defends common core assessments
Free webinar: Algebra resources that support common core standards
Core standards are changing classroom dynamics
Will schools opt for new, smaller iPads?
NYC school blends high school, college curricula
Wis. schools switch to the common core |
District uses new strategies to support math education
Elementary-school students enrolled in one Connecticut district are learning math in new ways, including solving real-life problems in teams and using Dreambox software. "It's really rich, because they're critiquing the thinking of others, and it's a nice way for students at the elementary level to prove their mathematical thinking," district Mathematics Coordinator Stephanie Furman said. DailyVoice.com (10/17)
Amazon launches Kindle-management service for schools
Amazon unveiled Whispercast, a service that lets schools manage a fleet of Kindle tablets and e-readers from one website. The service is part of the company's push to get the Kindle into more classrooms. It lets educators set up and monitor students' user accounts and limit what students can do with the device, the company said. San Jose Mercury News (Calif.)/Reuters (free registration)
States introduce new teacher evaluations to qualify for aid
New teacher-evaluation policies have gone into effect in 36 states and the District of Columbia as schools seek to qualify for more federal aid. In Colorado, a new evaluation policy will rate teachers on students scores on a variety of tests as well as classroom observation grades, which some say can help teachers improve. While such systems can be more stable and reliable, Linda Darling-Hammond, an education professor at Stanford University, said the key is to "create systems that are manageable, doable and not overwhelming." The New York Times (tiered subscription model)
Two common core assessments bear important differences
States have to choose one of two Common Core State Standards assessments it will use, writes Carol Meyer, director of Bard College Master of Arts in Teaching Program. She notes differences between the tests; for example, the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium test has more features for students with special needs than the one being prepared by the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers Consortium. The new tests will not be used until 2014-15. Poughkeepsie Journal (N.Y.)
Pa. teachers spend the day as middle-school students
Teachers at Pleasant Hills Middle School in Pennsylvania get to be students again as part of the school's "Day in the Life" program, created by principal Daniel Como. The teachers follow a student schedule, including choir and language arts classes, and some teachers said they realized students are under a lot of pressure and may be more understanding of students in the future. "It's a long day, and if a kid has multiple tests, it could be a really long day," said Robert Kerr, a social studies teacher who followed a student schedule Tuesday. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Students need engaging math experiences more than timed tests
Flashcards and timed tests may have the undesired effect of making students anxious about math, writes elementary-school principal Peter DeWitt. For teachers looking for creative math enrichment ideas, DeWitt suggests inquiry-based, interactive activities such as those to be on display in December at New York's MoMath museum. Education Week/Finding Common Ground blog
"Teach to One" being piloted in Washington, D.C., middle school
A struggling middle school in Washington, D.C., is piloting a new program that allows students to learn online at their own pace. Students participating in the "Teach to One" program are given a "playlist" of assignments and grouped with classmates who are working on similar lessons. The approach is part of a blended-learning strategy that combines online and traditional instruction. "Teach to One" also is being used in five New York schools and two in Chicago. The Washington Post
5 tips for building students' confidence in math
Middle-school math teacher Jose Vilson offers five tips to create a positive environment in which students can connect with math lessons. For instance, he suggests having students explain math concepts to their classmates and allowing students to make mistakes as they work through problems. "Having a positive environment for kids where they feel like they can actually do math without feeling like they're complete failures matters a lot," Vilson writes. Edutopia.org/Jose Vilson's blog
Core Math Tools
Core Math Tools is a downloadable suite of interactive software tools for algebra and functions, geometry and trigonometry, and statistics and probability. The tools are appropriate for use with any high-school mathematics curriculum and compatible with the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics. Learn more.
General purpose tools Advanced apps Custom apps
Sample lessons Data sets How-to pages
Real-life applications for algebra
There are real-life applications for algebra, Patrick Honner writes in this blog post. In response to an essay that argued against the necessity of algebra, Honner offers common-core-aligned lessons on how algebraic concepts can be used to, among other things, tackle home mortgages, evaluate colleges and recalculate recipes. The New York Times (tiered subscription model)/The Learning Network blog
Most educators like online grading systems, columnist finds
Most educators like online systems that let parents check their child's grades, attendance and homework, writes columnist Sue Shellenbarger. Such systems can allow busy parents to be involved and intervene quickly when there is a problem, she writes. However, other educators feel the system takes time away from the classroom and some parents may misuse the information and cause more work for teachers, Shellenbarger warns. The Wall Street Journal
Utah lawmakers encourage schools to allow more technology
Educators and lawmakers in Utah learned about new approaches to the classroom at a this week's Digital Learning Summit. Students came to speak about the individualized education benefits that technology can offer, while legislators said teachers should do more to let students incorporate devices in the learning experience. "Students bring more computing capacity into a classroom than the school owns, and we ought to be utilizing that," state Sen. Howard Stephenson (R) said. The Salt Lake Tribune (Utah)
Latest common core assessment examples are released
Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium -- one of the two organizations tasked with drafting tests to coincide with the new Common Core State Standards -- recently shared a large sample of questions as those expected to appear on the common core standardized assessments in 2014-15. "The Smarter Balanced sample items and performance tasks provide an advance look at the types of questions students will encounter when the assessments are implemented in the 2014-15 school year," Executive Director Joe Willhoft said. "Educators can use them to begin planning the shifts in instruction that will be required to help students meet the demands of the new assessments." T.H.E. Journal
Teacher: Singapore math deserves a chance in U.S. schools
Singapore math, in which students move logically from hands-on learning to lessons involving pictures to more abstract problem-solving, is getting a lot of attention lately for good reason, writes former math teacher and teacher trainer Bill Jackson. The Singapore math curriculum involves fewer concepts, but it dives in deeper than the traditional approach to teaching math, he notes. CNN/Schools of Thought blog
What to do when "best practices" keep changing
Professional-development workshops often give teachers advice boiled down to "best practices" in education, say middle-school teachers Shara Peters and Jody Passanisi. However, this information often conflicts with training and advice offered at past workshops, they write. Instead of hoping for a "universal definition," Peters and Passanisi suggest teachers continue to improve their craft through reflection and focusing on students' needs. Education Week Teacher (premium article access compliments of EdWeek.org)
Should states set unique goals for specific student populations?
The Florida State Board of Education has approved a measure that sets higher math and reading goals for Asian and white students than for Hispanic and African-American students. The move is viewed by supporters as a first step in a plan of improvement based on current data. Critics, however, say the lower targets equate to lower expectations for some students. Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)
Legos can help build interest in math, engineering
Legos can be the building blocks of a science, technology, engineering and math education that fuels a career in engineering, Cathy Webb, a technology teacher and student learning-plan adviser at Edmonds Heights K-12 school in Edmonds, Wash., says in this interview. "Teaching them to creatively problem-solve, to break outside of the box of Lego bricks and look for the objects around them and build that into something that can solve some of the huge issues that we face. That would be my greatest wish, building young engineers," she adds. Forbes
Common core guidelines released for English-language learners
The adoption of the Common Core State Standards is likely to set a higher bar for language skills for English-language learners. Now, a new framework, released by the Council of Chief State School Officers, is available to help schools make the transition. "We want to make sure that states are thinking about what they have to do to make sure that their ELLs are well supported," said Andrés Henríquez, an education program officer at the Carnegie Corporation of New York, a supporter of the framework. Education Week (premium article access compliments of EdWeek.org)
Should financial education be taught in schools?
Financial education is emerging as a core subject in some schools -- a trend supported by financial literacy advocates who say such lessons should not be left to parents. Advocates say that teaching students about money early on could help avoid another financial crisis and will benefit the economy. "We don't ask parents to teach math and physics and history," said Annamaria Lusardi, economics professor at George Washington University. "Why would we ask them to teach financial literacy?" Time.com/Moneyland
More rigorous math curriculum challenges students, parents
Math and other classes in Muskogee Public Schools in Oklahoma will be tougher this year, school officials told parents at a recent forum held to discuss the district's implementation of the Common Core State Standards and a new math program. Dan Hattaway, MPS math instructional coach, says having 90-minute math classes and online resources for students and teachers will help make the transition smoother. The Muskogee Phoenix (Okla.)
Students overcome test anxiety using technology
The University of Iowa is hoping to ease students' anxiety about tests -- and improve their scores -- through the use of technology. The technique uses "biofeedback," or a type of mind-reading technology, that makes students aware of their brainwaves. The technology allows students to understand when they have returned to a state of calm, and some say it has been shown to improve achievement. TechCrunch
Are tablets better than textbooks?
Tablet computers are making their mark in the classroom. However, this article examines whether tablets are better than textbooks and why the technology might carry some hidden costs. The Federal Communications Commission is estimating that tablets could save schools about $3 billion, and while questions have been raised over the ability of schools' infrastructure to handle the technology, many are betting tablets will help improve learning. Mashable
Common core sparks enthusiasm for professional development
Educators in Alabama say improved test scores are due to recent professional-development programs at the Key Leaders Network, a program from the Alabama Best Practices Center. Now, educators say such professional development will be increasingly important as schools in the state adopt the Common Core State Standards. The program encourages teachers to work collaboratively to improve schools, said Cathy Gassenheimer, executive vice president for the Alabama Best Practices Center. AL.com (Alabama)
Apprentice program prepares next generation of math teachers
High-school students in a California school district can participate in an apprentice program aimed at recruiting and training aspiring math teachers. The program started in 2007 with three high-school seniors working alongside math teachers in their schools, and continued as those students majored in education at the University of the Pacific and then earned additional credentialing. "The Teacher Apprentice Program opened my eyes to the possibility of college and a career in math education," said Kevin Romero, a geometry teacher at Stagg Senior High School in Stockton, Calif. Education Week
More Colo. schools make switch to 4-day weeks
Many school districts in Colorado have adopted four-day school weeks, in part, because they can save money. While national data show that districts can save 2.5% for a 20% reduction in instructional days -- in part from busing, food service and maintenance -- officials in Colorado say that savings could allow them to preserve instructional positions. The Denver Post
Fla. education board to ask for $442M for technology
The Florida Board of Education plans to submit a budget to the governor asking for an additional $442 million in funding for technology. The bulk of the funds would go to increasing bandwidth and wireless Internet access for schools. Tampa Bay Times (St. Petersburg, Fla.)/Gradebook blog
Why classroom lectures should last less than 15 minutesResearch shows that students' attention spans are unlikely to last for the full length of 50- to 90-minute lectures common in U.S. classrooms, Salman Khan, founder of the Khan Academy, writes in this blog post. He suggests flipped instruction and shorter lectures are more effective. Khan advocates for using the Internet to provide lectures that last less than 15 minutes and spending class time on other activities. Time.com/Ideas
School's homework policy leaves more time for in-class math practice
An elementary school in Panama City Beach, Fla., is experimenting with a concept that is proving to be a hit with teachers and many parents. Homework is now optional, and teachers, for the most part, are trying to do more work in class in lieu of assigning any homework. "I'm able to target the skills that my students need more carefully," said second-grade teacher Anna Hull. "I can devote more time to practice on what they need in the classroom so I feel like I am a more effective math teacher." 
WJHG-TV (Panama City, Fla.)
More math means greater challenges in Ariz. schools
Like other states that have stepped up their math graduation requirements, Arizona is finding challenges along the path to help students and teachers make the transition to a more rigorous high-school curriculum. Starting this year, Arizona high-school students will need to pass four years of math, one more than in the past, to graduate. "You can just see the stress," said Dallas Peebles, chairman of the Red Mountain High School math department. "Kids are being asked to do more than they have ever had to do." The Arizona Republic (Phoenix)
Parents follow children's math grades online with trepidation
As more and more schools across the nation allow for online monitoring of student grades, parents are finding the pitfalls and advantages of having that access. Some parents see the advantage in discovering areas where their kids may be struggling in their classes, while others find it frustrating to look up a child's grade and see an error or a grade that doesn't reflect all the work and tests graded to date. The Wall Street Journal
Schools help increase understanding of changes under common core
The Common Core State Standards are expected to translate into math classes that cover fewer major concepts, but that approach them in greater depth and help students see how they apply to real-world situations, writes Elizabeth Christopher, a member of the parent-run Melrose Education Coalition in Massachusetts. Schools such as Melrose High School are holding parent and community question-and-answer sessions this year to further explain how the standards will change the teaching of math and other subjects in the months and years ahead, Christopher writes. Wicked Local/Melrose Free Press
Living Classroom provides outdoor lessons in math, science
Third-graders at Theuerkauf Elementary School in Mountain View, Calif., will learn about measuring and plant science this fall, as part of a curriculum that will center on a garden they're planting on campus. The project is part of the Living Classroom program. "Learning doesn't have to only occur inside the walls of the classroom," said founder Vicki Moore. Mountain View Voice (Palo Alto, Calif.)
How education technology improves learning
In Marc Prensky's latest book, "Brain Gain: Technology and the Quest for Digital Wisdom," he writes that technology can help develop what he calls "digital wisdom." In this interview, Prensky advocates for greater use of technology in the classroom and says that many teachers already have adopted his ideas. He also encourages teachers to create 30-second YouTube videos in which they share their ideas with other educators. Education Week (premium article access compliments of EdWeek.org)
Math program encourages students to learn from their mistakes
At Dr. Crisp Elementary School in Nashua, N.H., students are being asked to do more than simply show their work in doing math problems. Students in the district's new Balanced Math program also must write "reflections" about how they arrived at their answers. The idea is that, by getting students to see and explain what they did wrong, they will be less likely to make the same mistakes again. "It really allows them to create their own learning and understand how those conclusions should work," teacher Katie Stone said. The Union Leader (Manchester, N.H.)
D.C. to offer merit pay for administrators
Washington, D.C., officials say they plan to expand an existing merit-pay system for teachers to include principals and assistant principals. All administrators who receive top performance evaluations would be eligible for $5,000 bonuses, and those working in struggling schools would be eligible for bonuses of up to $20,000. The bonuses are funded by a federal grant, which also will allow District schools to establish an 18-month residency program to train assistant principals to become principals. The Washington Post
Questions arise about the scope of change the core standards require
While some teachers don't see the Common Core State Standards as a huge change from what they're teaching now, some experts say the transition could change everything from the length of the school day and calendar to the way all subjects are taught, reporter Catherine Gewertz writes in this blog post. Gewertz cites the opinions of Chester E. Finn Jr., founder of the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, who raises questions about what the overhaul of various school subjects will mean in terms of changes to textbooks and learning materials, and who will be making those decisions, among other things. Education Week/Curriculum Matters blog
Study shows link between math skills and financial success
A study by the RAND Corporation found people with strong math skills or numeracy, and delayed recall, are more likely to be wealthy than those with math skills that aren't as strong and who have a less-developed sense of delayed recall. Jason Hull in this blog post writes that the value of doing math puzzles and math games -- as well as taking steps to improve memory -- could lead to a better financial outcome down the road. U.S. News & World Report/Smarter Investor blog
Report: Schools should go digital within 5 years
A report released Monday by the State Educational Technology Directors Association suggests states and school districts should completely shift from print to digital resources in the next five years. In pointing out the benefits of digital educational resources, the association finds that there are 22 states that already have adopted such resources. The association finds that digital resources will help districts cut costs and improve education. T.H.E. Journal
Real-life applications for algebraThere are real-life applications for algebra, Patrick Honner writes in this blog post. In response to an essay that argued against the necessity of algebra, Honner offers common-core-aligned lessons on how algebraic concepts can be used to, among other things, tackle home mortgages, evaluate colleges and recalculate recipes. The New York Times (tiered subscription model)/The Learning Network blog
Utah teachers develop e-books for common core math standards
Several Utah educators are producing math e-books that will be available to schools across the country. The venture addresses what the teachers see as a lack of adequate materials aligned with the math curricula of the Common Core State Standards. They say most of the ninth-grade math e-book already is online and should be completed later this fall. Education Week (premium article access compliments of EdWeek.org)
Purchases of iPads are expected to cut down on textbook spending
A school district in Connecticut has approved the purchase of iPads for teachers and some students. In its first year, the program is expected to cost $419,000, with purchases for incoming students in subsequent years at about $210,000. However, officials expect the program to reduce the cost of replacement textbooks and decrease the number of needed computers. The Hartford Courant (Conn.)
Co-teaching helps educators meet students' needs
Co-teaching works when teachers share classroom responsibilities, have a similar work ethic and complementary skill-sets, experts say. Susan Fitzell, a former special-education teacher who began co-teaching in 1993 at Londonderry Senior High School in New Hampshire and is now an education consultant, says co-teaching allows educators to work in small groups and meet the needs of students, including children with disabilities. U.S. News & World Report/High School Notes blog
Find ways to motivate students in math
Relevance is paramount in student engagement, writes Alfred Posamentier, dean of Mercy College's School of Education, in Dobbs Ferry, New York. However, students will be much more motivated if concepts are taught in ways that appeal to the interests of students, not teachers, he notes. Posamentier shares a story from his early days of teaching about using dice and cards to motivate students in math class. The Journal News (Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, N.Y.)
District struggles to train teachers for common core
School leaders in Scottsdale, Ariz., are hurrying to organize teacher-training sessions on the Common Core State Standards. Over the summer, more than 600 teachers attended training on the standards, which call for teaching English and math in a more analytical way. "These are the skills that kids need to be successful in college and the world of work," said Andi Fourlis, assistant superintendent of teaching and learning for the district. "And they're not just being taught by English language arts teachers -- they're taught by science and social studies teachers." The Arizona Republic (Phoenix)
Common core math means more real-world lessons
Math instruction in Advanced Placement and general education classes will not focus as much on lectures and working through equations in this new era of the Common Core State Standards. Instead, teachers will work with students to show them how mathematical principles apply to tasks, such as engineering and architecture. U.S. News & World Report
Can teachers' expectations determine students' success?
Researchers have determined that teachers' expectations for their students affect almost every aspect of instruction and can determine whether students succeed. For teachers who want to alter their behavior toward certain students, researcher Robert Pianta suggests that teachers observe how students interact, work to understand what motivates students, engage with students about the individual interests and find out more about students' lives outside of school. National Public Radio/Shots blog
Instructional coaches help schools adapt to common core
Some South Carolina schools are bringing in instructional coaches to support teachers during the transition to the Common Core State Standards. "The focus right now is to make sure teachers understand the relationship of curriculum documents we've created, and to help with instruction and assessment," said Cathy Martin, an instructional coach at Jefferson Elementary School. "It's about implementing Common Core, but also about being creative in delivering it." Aiken Standard (S.C.)
Flipped instruction takes off in Fla. classrooms
A growing number of teachers in Florida are adopting the flipped instructional method, in which their students watch instructional videos at home and spend class time putting what they have learned into practice. "It takes me out of being the center of the classroom and starts centering the classroom around them, so that they can grasp more than just being robots and taking in the information and regurgitating it," said high-school algebra teacher Sarah Devereaux. Orlando Sentinel (Fla.)
YouTube launches video contest for teachers
YouTube has announced the start of a contest in which they will ask teachers to submit video lessons, and a panel of top online educators will select the best one. "The rise of online educational videos is giving learners access to the world's greatest thinkers and teachers, leveling the playing field for all," YouTube said in a blog post announcing the contest. "We believe that inspiring online educators can come from all walks of life, and we want to find the next generation of educational YouTube stars." TechCrunch
What is "deeper learning"?
Defining and measuring "deeper learning" will require teachers to set clear goals and expectations, while giving feedback to let students know what's expected of them, according to a report from the National Research Council of the National Academies of Science. A commitment from local, state and national policymakers will be needed for deeper learning -- a process of taking lessons learned in one situation and using them in another situation -- to become the standard, said Linda Darling-Hammond, professor of education at Stanford University and advocate for education reform. KQED.org/Mind/Shift blog
Report gives insight into state of common core implementation
The majority of the 46 states signed on to implement the Common Core State Standards are developing curriculum materials and other teaching resources, according to a recent report. Still, only four of those states said they actually require districts to use materials aligned with the standards. The report also found that less than 50% of states have aligned their high-school graduation requirements with the standards. Education Week/Curriculum Matters blog
Are schools doing enough to integrate technology in learning?
More than half of U.S. teachers interviewed for a recent Dell survey said students are more proficient at using technology than they are. The survey, which evaluates digital learning in the U.S., China and Germany, shows the U.S. could do more in terms of using technology in the classroom. T.H.E. Journal
Ala. schools are recognized for innovative math teaching
Intel has recognized three Alabama schools for their approaches to math and science learning. One of the schools has reported consistent gains on math assessments since instituting more hands-on and real-world learning in the classroom and differentiating instruction. AL.com (Alabama)
Ore. students struggle with state math, science tests
While elementary-school students in Oregon achieved impressive test scores in reading last year, students of all ages didn't fare as well in math and science. Only 63% of students tested met grade-level standards in math, a figure prompting state education leaders to call for creative solutions to provide struggling students with additional math instruction. The Oregonian (Portland)
Start a lesson plan notebook or journal
Some days your lessons will surpass your expectations; other days you'll wonder what went wrong. Create a notebook with copies of your lesson plans and two sets of worksheets. Keep notes on what works and what doesn't, writing directly on the lesson plan or one copy of the worksheet. When you go back to revise or recreate lessons for the next school year, you'll have a good record of what worked -- and what you can build on. This is just one of NCTM's tips on how to start the year off right! Read more.
How sticky notes can help students learn
The sticky note can be a powerful teaching tool, suggests education consultant Ben Johnson. He writes about a teacher who asks students to write something they have learned on a note and stick it to the door while exiting class, enabling teachers to assess their understanding. Johnson has written positive messages on sticky notes for students and teachers, and given students notes with extra credit points on them. Edutopia.org/Ben Johnson's blog
Some N.Y. schools opt for more math, reading in lieu of recess
Elementary-school students in the Syracuse City School District in New York will not receive their usual amount of playtime this fall. Syracuse is among the state's lowest performing districts, and school officials hope spending more time on math and language arts instruction will help reverse the trend. Officials say students still will receive a 30-minute lunch period, and individual teachers can choose to reduce instruction time to allow for recess. The Post-Standard (Syracuse, N.Y.)
Panels formed to address ELL issues on common core assessment
The Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium -- one of two groups charged with building common core assessments -- has assembled two expert panels to consider the specific needs of English-language learners and students with disabilities. Among other issues, experts will weigh in on translation needs, as test-makers plan to make the math assessments available in Spanish, American Sign Language and some other languages. Education Week
Arkansas students get math, science help online
The Arkansas Department of Education has adopted Penda Learning -- an online resource aligned with the state's standards -- to help boost math and science learning this fall. The new platform uses avatars and games to engage students and allows teachers to track student performance. "[Science, technology, engineering, and math] education is a key state priority and we are always on the lookout for innovative and proven STEM tools for the students of Arkansas," said Jim Boardman, an assistant commissioner with Arkansas education department's Division of Research and Technology. T.H.E. Journal
Schools seek ways to include smartphones, tablets in learning
Best new iPad apps for kids include math, science games
New York schools perform more field-testing of new assessments
When is the right time to assess common-core skills?
8 online educational tools for students
NYC to use grant to promote STEM education Arizona officials explain tougher standards Supporting high math achievement sets top schools apart Program Helps Teachers Implement Common Core Standards Games That Boost Math Reasoning and Critical Thinking Skills The First Days of School and All Year Long New Illuminations Mobile App Mich. to test teacher-evaluation models Questions surround implementation of common core in Mass. How classroom technology has changed Maine seeks flexibility in measuring math, reading proficiency Learnist gains credibility as a teaching resource Va. is determined to make algebra standard in eighth grade Fla. math teacher uses Facebook, smart pen to help students Can merit pay for teachers help raise the bar? Students use technology for out-of-this-world lesson Middle-grade educators begin transition to common core Pinterest-like site for educators launches apps
Connecticut school districts' policies on bringing student-owned computer devices and cellphones on campus are largely inconsistent. John Brady, superintendent of schools for Amity Regional School District 5 invites student use of personal technology in the district's schools and calls smartphones an "underutilized resource." Still, other districts have policies in place that allow students to bring devices to school as long as they are put away and do not interfere with learning. The Middletown Press (Conn.)
Time.com (9/4)
State education department officials in New York will administer tests this fall in about 550 schools statewide to field-test assessment questions. Parents raised concerns last spring about a similar practice, and again are concerned that the tests planned for October will negatively affect students. However, officials have defended the practice, saying it's necessary for the development of future assessments and teacher-evaluation systems. The Wall Street Journal
As states continue to bring Common Core State Standards into the classroom, some question when schools should begin testing students' proficiency and how to prepare parents and others for a possible drop in scores. Stu Silberman, director of the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence and a veteran educator, suggests states follow Kentucky's implementation of the common core for best practices. The state added the standards to its curriculum and assessments last year. Education Week
Jason Lampe, head of technology at Capital View Elementary School in Des Moines, Iowa, shares some educational websites to jump-start the new school year and help students improve their math, computer programming and spelling skills. Mangahigh.com is a free math site for second- to 12-graders, and Lampe calls it "highly addictive." The Des Moines Register (Iowa) (9/7)Reasoning and making sense in mathematics: It's a K–12 focus
Since developing its bold Agenda for Action in 1980, NCTM has provided mathematics educators with several groundbreaking publications that have defined a vision for change in mathematics education. Although mathematical content is important in all of these publications, they also focus on the significance of changing traditional approaches to teaching mathematics -- change that is critical to offering every child the opportunity to achieve his or her maximum potential in mathematics. Read more.
New York City Public Schools will use a $1 million grant to fund a three-year pilot program that supports instruction in science, technology, engineering and math and allows students to take the lead in helping their schools "go green." The grant, from the National Science Foundation, will go toward implementing the new GreenTECH pilot program. T.H.E. Journal (9/5)
Arizona parents, students and others now have a new resource for learning more about the state's adoption of the Common Core State Standards. Education officials have made available a new website and organized a public-engagement task force dedicated to raising awareness about the standards. Arizona adopted the standards in 2010, implemented them in kindergarten last year, and rolled them out across the board this fall. The Arizona Republic (Phoenix)
A school that encourages superior math achievement rather than settling for basic competency is most likely to separate itself from schools with similar demographics. That's one of the key findings in a study based on data collected in the annual American Mathematics Competitions. Researchers Glenn Ellison and Ashley Swanson of MIT found that a school's environment and expectations made a significant difference in student achievement. Time.com/Ideas blog
Jonathan Wray, an instructional facilitator for secondary mathematics curricular programs in a Maryland school district and a member of the NCTM Board of Directors, writes about how collaboration is the key to realizing the potential of the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics. (CNN, August 20).
Classroom games need not be complicated to motivate students and engage them in thinking about strategy, say Sarah DeLeeuw and Patrick Vennebush from NCTM. They explained in a recent webinar how games such as tic-tac-toe can provide students with a range of mathematical learning opportunities (eSchool News, August 29).
Take notes. Know your discipline and classroom management strategies. Take a leadership role in mathematics by offering support. These are just some of the many classroom tips to consider as you embark on a new school year. Plan now for a successful school year by forming good habits from the start! Read more.
With the new Pick-a-Path mobile app, students can learn about integers, exponents, fractions, decimals, and more! Navigate with Okta the octopus from top to bottom—adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing as you go—to get the maximum, the minimum, or a target number by the time Okta reaches the bottom of the maze. Download the app.
Fourteen Michigan school districts have been designated to pilot teacher-evaluation methods being considered as part of changes to the state's teacher-tenure law. Among the changes are rules that would allow long-time teachers to be dismissed if they receive several poor evaluations. MLive.com (Michigan)
Because Massachusetts has long been considered one of the states with the best public education system in the nation, there are concerns about whether the adoption of the Common Core State Standards will represent a step back in quality. Defenders of the common core say the standards will only improve a high-level system, and will ensure all Massachusetts students are better prepared for life after high school. The Christian Science Monitor
For students returning to school this year, there is more to back-to-school technology shopping than the latest version of the iPad. Students now have access to gadgets such as the "Powerbag" -- a high-tech backpack with a built-in battery system that can charge electronic devices such as smartphones. Teachers and students also are using the storage capacity of the cloud to back up their work, and while they are pricey, new services are allowing students to access online tutors on demand. FoxNews.com
Maine is among the latest states to seek a "flexibility" waiver for No Child Left Behind, and is instead trying to develop its own way to assess whether students are making "adequate yearly progress" in math and reading. Because the majority of Maine schools failed to show progress in both subject areas last year, the state as a whole could be viewed as failing to meet the federal targets. Portland Press Herald (Maine)
The online educational tool Learnist is likely to become more popular among teachers, Jessica Van Sack suggests in this opinion piece. She writes that the free site -- where users create "pin" boards similar to those on Pinterest -- one day could replace textbooks. Already, tens of thousands of boards have been created -- many by classroom teachers -- and the site recently included enough math and language arts resources to "fulfill the Common Core State Standards Initiative," Van Sack notes. Boston Herald
Despite test scores that indicate just 58% of the state's seventh-graders are ready for next-level math, Virginia is moving forward with making algebra a routine offering in the eighth-grade curriculum. This push to make the state's math curriculum more demanding is being accompanied in some school districts with expanded tutoring programs. The News & Advance (Lynchburg, Va.)
Math teacher Donna Noll, at Seminole High School in Florida, is reaching out to her students in a forum most of them are quite familiar with: Facebook. On her fan page, SemiNoll Math, Noll answers student questions and creates "pencasts" using Livescribe's smart pen, which creates a PDF out of verbal and written material. Students also are encouraged to use smart pens with their homework to better record their thought-processes while doing the problems. U.S. News & World Report
CNN/Schools of Thought blog (8/30)
Students at an elementary school in Ohio recently used a video feed to talk with an astronaut on the International Space Station. The astronaut was projected on a screen, while a digital board showed the location of the space station. NASA arranges about a dozen such chats annually at schools nationwide. The Columbus Dispatch (Ohio)
Some middle-grade educators in Chicago-area schools are among those beginning the transition this year from the Illinois Learning Standards to the Common Core State Standards. Districts have until 2014 to make the switch to the new standards, but many educators say they are incorporating aligned lessons on a day-to-day basis. The content educators teach mostly will remain the same, but timing and strategies will be different. For example, students will learn algebra earlier and geometry later. WBEZ-FM (Chicago)
Grockit recently unveiled iPhone and iPad applications for Learnist, its platform for educators, which resembles the social media website Pinterest. Already, the site is home to about 20,000 resources for educators, including videos, blogs and images -- known as "learnings." The new apps will allow users to create and view content. GigaOm