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We share evidence-based K-12 learning strategies that empower you to improve education.

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School Transformation Through Arts Integration at Bates Middle School

Teacher leading a class in dance with arms outstretched

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Constance Steinkuehler on Interest-Driven Learning (Big Thinkers Series)

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A Parent's Guide to 21st-Century Learning

Blogs on Curriculum

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PBL Course Development: Collaboration Among Colleagues

Jayesh RaoApril 24, 2013

Tags Biology, Curriculum, Professional Development, Project-Based Learning, High (9-12)

At Sammamish High School, we're developing and implementing a comprehensive problem-based learning program for all of our students. Working closely with my peers during this process has become one of the highlights of my career as an educator. These last two years I've been granted (literally and figuratively) the space and time to exchange ideas, learn from others and feel the satisfaction of knowing that I grow as a professional with each exchange. I have two very different teacher collaboration experiences to relate.

"How Do I Teach This?" vs. "What Did We Learn?"

Shawn CornallyApril 18, 2013

Tags Curriculum, Education Reform, Integrated Studies, Student Engagement, Science

In light of last week's release of the Next Generation Science Standards¹ (NGSS), I'm reminded of a quote from a veteran teacher in my building:

"Do they really think the reason kids aren't proficient is because we don't know what to teach?"

Teaching and the Environmental Crisis: Resources and Models

Mark PhillipsApril 17, 2013

Tags Current Events, Curriculum, Environmental Education, All Grades, Science

I'm not an alarmist, but we truly are in an environmental crisis, headlined by, but not limited to, global warming. Given the importance of the challenge, I'd like to see a National Environmental Education Year -- setting aside a week seems like a drop in the bucket. But since we have this week, National Environmental Education Week, let’s make the most of it.

Five Reasons Why We Need Poetry in Schools

Elena AguilarApril 8, 2013

Tags Curriculum, All Grades, English Language Arts

Let me start with this: We need poetry. We really do. Poetry promotes literacy, builds community, and fosters emotional resilience. It can cross boundaries that little else can. April is National Poetry Month. Bring some poetry into your hearts, homes, classrooms and schools. Here are five reasons why we need poetry in our schools.

National Nutrition Month: Best Web Resources for Teachers

Matt DavisMarch 1, 2013

Tags Current Events, Curriculum, Health, Nutrition, Open Education Resources

Along with Women's History Month, March is also National Nutrition Month. If you're planning on incorporating nutrition, we've compiled a few of our favorite resources here. You'll find lesson plans that cover the science of cooking and digestion, as well as links to a variety of helpful source materials on the Web.

Of course, we just touched on a few, but we'd love to hear if you have plans for incorporating National Nutrition Month into your lesson plans. What resources are you planning to use?

Can PBL Help Pave the Way to College Success?

Suzie BossFebruary 26, 2013

Tags College Readiness, Curriculum, Technology Integration

In high-poverty neighborhoods of Los Angeles, students attending Alliance College-Ready Public Schools have good reason to be hopeful about life after high school. This network of 21 public charters has sent more than 95 percent of its graduates on to college since it was founded in 2004. But we all know that getting into college isn't the finish line. "What does it take to stay in college? What does a student really need to know to be college-and-career ready?" asks Toria Williams, director of innovation and technology for the Alliance. "That's an ongoing conversation here."

Beyond the Book Report: Ten Alternatives

Elena AguilarFebruary 19, 2013

Tags Curriculum, Literacy, Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle (6-8), High (9-12)

In my last post I described 10 ways to cultivate a love of reading in kids. I want to expand on that theme by suggesting 10 alternatives to the book report. I'm not a fan of book reports; I don't think they are an effective way for a student to demonstrate understanding of a book and I don't think they help students enjoy or appreciate reading.

Novum Trivium: Teaching Our Children How to Spin, Unspin and Decide What to Spin

Jeremy ShermanFebruary 12, 2013

Tags Curriculum, Education Reform, Leadership, High (9-12), English Language Arts

It's five minutes before the bell. My psychology students are reaching for their smartphones after our mini-field trip to the main campus library for an introduction to online reference materials.

"Wait," I say. "Before you go, I have a short question to leave you with."

The students sigh but smile, setting down their phones.

"What's left?" I ask, pausing for effect. "What is left?" They wait for me to continue. "Online, you've now got instant access to what everyone everywhere knows and thinks. In the past, to know anything you would have had to spend hours finding and memorizing it. Now it's right there on your smartphones. So what's left? If everyone has access to all this information, what is school for, and how could it possibly give you any kind of edge? What's the future of education?"

Beyond the Edge of the Curriculum Map

Terry HeickFebruary 11, 2013

Tags Comprehensive Assessment, Curriculum, Education Reform, Game-Based Learning, Performance Assessment, Place-Based Learning

In 2013, sandbox video games have changed gaming more than a little. Players can now define their own terms for success, and the evolution of certain gamification elements makes this more than a fantasy in the minds of the players. There really are multiple measures of success.

How Will Common Core Change What We Do?

Erin PowersFebruary 5, 2013

Tags Accountability, Common Core Standards, Curriculum, Education Reform, Integrated Studies, All Grades

As full implementation of Common Core State Standards nears, educators are searching for answers to three questions: 1) What are the CC State Standards? 2) How will they change what I do? and 3) Why are they here? Some of the details are frustratingly elusive as various groups -- publishers, school districts, states, and universities -- jockey for positions in the first post-NCLB initiative.