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

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More School Time, Well Spent, Boosts Academic Achievement and Engagement at Edwards Middle School

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Five Keys to Successful Social and Emotional Learning

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How to Thank a Teacher

Blogs on Middle (6-8)

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Back to School: Rules and Routines in the Classroom

Rebecca AlberSeptember 6, 2010

Tags Classroom Management, Teacher Development, Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle (6-8), High (9-12)

I admit it. I allowed students to chew gum in class. Why? I chewed gum. I have a throat that tends to dry up mid-morning. Gum helps.

The Importance of Student Journals and How to Respond Efficiently

Todd FinleySeptember 1, 2010

Tags Comprehensive Assessment, Technology Integration, Middle (6-8), High (9-12)

Burdened by expanding curriculum and multiplying high-stakes assessment requirements, some of my respected colleagues might be forgiven for not integrating student journals into their courses. The most common objection: "Who has time?"

Introducing the First #scichat Challenge

Eric BrunsellAugust 31, 2010

Tags Technology Integration, Middle (6-8), High (9-12), Math

"Let's get this #scichat party started!"
9:01 PM - June 9, 2010

As school was winding down for the summer, #scichat was launched with a passionate discussion about increasing the relevancy of school science. A vibrant community of science educators began to connect on Twitter to share ideas and resources. Throughout the summer, this growing community met every other Tuesday to discuss topics ranging from using web tools in the classroom to assessing science.

Social and Emotional Learning and the Start of School

Maurice EliasAugust 27, 2010

Tags Primary (K-2), , Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle (6-8), High (9-12)

From a Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) point of view, the most important consideration at the start of the new school year is to create positive feelings and optimism about school. This has many practical implications for both educators and parents.

A Handwritten Letter, With Love and Thanks, to My Students

EdutopiaAugust 24, 2010

Tags Leadership, Teacher Development, Middle (6-8), All Grades, California, Science

Last week at a family dinner my mom handed me a letter that had arrived at her house for me. Puzzled, I opened it -- and what I read made my mouth fall open with surprise and enchantment.

Preparing Students for STEM Careers

Bob LenzAugust 24, 2010

Tags Teacher Development, Technology Integration, Middle (6-8), High (9-12), Math, Science

As summer winds down and we prepare for a new school year, I would like to share a letter one of our veteran math teachers, Stephanie Lundin, sent to the summer staff at Envision Schools. Stephanie received her BA and MA from UC Davis. She has taught math for seven years, four at Envision Schools. Coaching students through the Envision Schools Graduation Portfolio Defense has been her most meaningful teaching experience.

Interview 2.0: Using Social Media to Prepare Students for the Workplace

Andrew MarcinekAugust 21, 2010

Tags Career and Technical Education, Comprehensive Assessment, , Technology Integration, Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle (6-8), High (9-12)

"Please submit a letter of interest and a resume by mail only. No electronic submissions will be accepted."

- In the comments section listed below, please list your first impression of this statement.

Help Students Set Up an Effective Writing Routine

Todd FinleyAugust 16, 2010

Tags Curriculum, Dropout Prevention, Student Engagement, Teacher Development, Technology Integration, Middle (6-8), High (9-12), English Language Arts

For students to write with ease and creativity, it is helpful for them to understand writing processes and writing routines. The paragraphs below take up the latter.

Using Literature the First Weeks of School

Elena AguilarAugust 13, 2010

Tags Teacher Development, Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle (6-8), High (9-12), English Language Arts

As a teacher, on the first day of school, I wanted my students to know that in my class we would read a lot and we'd read great literature, literature that would help us understand our world better, and ourselves.

Case Study: TEAMS Model School - Clark STEM Magnet in Glendale, CA

Jim Brodie BrazellAugust 13, 2010

Tags Career and Technical Education, Dropout Prevention, Integrated Studies, Professional Learning Network (PLN), Project-Based Learning, Technology Integration, Middle (6-8), High (9-12), California, Math, Science

Editor's Note: Today's guest blogger is Jim Brazell, a technology forecaster, author, public speaker, and consultant. It is the third in a five-part series on the convergence of STEM education and the Arts (TEAMS).