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Bob LenzOctober 26, 2009

In my last post, "How to Make Writing Research Papers Relevant for Students," I described an expository writing task that all our students at Envision Schools must complete. In this post, I will highlight the task of analyzing literature.

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Suzie BossOctober 12, 2009

Innovation seems to be on everyone's lips lately: President Obama has called for what he calls "a new generation of innovation." Secretary of Education Arne Duncan aims to turn his department into what is in his words an "engine of innovation," with his plan to dole out $650 million in grants to school districts through the U.S. Department of Education's Investing in Innovation Fund.

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Heather Wolpert-GawronSeptember 9, 2009

So, President Obama addressed the children of our schools on Tuesday, speaking about the value of education and encouraging students to work hard. The controversy leading up to the live speech really made me see red, not about those who instigated it but about those who gave in to its blackmail of bias.

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Elena AguilarAugust 29, 2009

Last week, on Tuesday, August 25, the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education voted in support of a plan to turn some 250 of its schools -- including 50 new campuses -- into charter schools.

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Heather Wolpert-GawronAugust 10, 2009

Lesson plans come from all sorts of wacky places. You know the old commercial: "You got your chocolate in my peanut butter! Well, you got your peanut butter in my chocolate!" And just like a peanut butter cup, it seems Jane Austin and zombies go great together.

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Bob LenzJuly 23, 2009

This is the second part of a two-part blog entry. Read part one.

Academic content knowledge is usually measured in a number of ways, from papers, tests, and quizzes to more comprehensive assessment tools like the California Standards Test. At Envision Schools, we rely on a rigorous evaluation system designed to measure not only content mastery through traditional assessment tools but also college readiness.

This is the second part of a two-part blog entry. Read part one.

Academic content knowledge is usually measured in a number of ways, from papers, tests, and quizzes to more comprehensive assessment tools like the California Standards Test. At Envision Schools, we rely on a rigorous evaluation system designed to measure not only content mastery through traditional assessment tools but also college readiness. Read More

Bob LenzJuly 15, 2009

Here, in California, another school year has finally dipped into the cool, blue Pacific. I've been reflecting on all that we've accomplished this year, including the fact that more than 90 percent of our graduating seniors will be going to college. I also can't help but think about everything that goes into the rite of passage that is graduation at Envision Schools.

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Betty RayJuly 7, 2009

I am thrilled and honored to be joining Edutopia.org as the community manager. I'm still finding my way around and getting to know everyone. I hope you'll take a few seconds to introduce yourself!

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We, as teachers, can't do a lot about many of the factors that have a huge influence on student success, such as parental involvement, health care, and funding. But there are a few steps we as educators can make in protecting our professional reputation, advancing student achievement, and making our day-to-day lives a little less challenging.

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Heather Wolpert-GawronApril 30, 2009

Whether you are unhappy in your current school, a newbie looking at the world of education with wide eyes and a hopeful grin or about to jump into education as a second-career seeker, you are entitled to work in a place that "gets" you and wants what you have to offer. Your goal is not to take the first job that is offered, but to get offered a job that will make you happy.

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