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

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Blogs on Upper Elementary (3-5)

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Ten Commandments for the Teacher Handed a Pink Slip

Heather Wolpert-GawronApril 12, 2011

Tags Primary (K-2), Teacher Development, Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle (6-8), High (9-12), All Grades, California

This post was originally written for my website. Since then, I have received so much kindness from my online network of teachers;

Five Steps for Implementing a Successful 1:1 Environment

Andrew MarcinekApril 11, 2011

Tags 1:1 Implementation, Primary (K-2), Technology Integration, Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle (6-8), High (9-12)

Have you ever wondered what it really means to transform your district, school, or classroom to a 1:1 environment? It is a term we hear a lot about, but not all can see it or experience it. With the takeoff of the iPad and its successor, the iPad 2, the education world is abuzz with the idea of moving towards a 1:1 environment. But is it practical? For some, it is a dream, a wish; for others, it is slowly becoming a reality. So what does a 1:1 environment look like? How will the students and teachers react? Is it the right direction to go?

Intervention for Failing Students: What Matters Most?

Rebecca AlberApril 8, 2011

Tags Achievement Gap, Curriculum, Dropout Prevention, Education Reform, Primary (K-2), Teacher Development, Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle (6-8), High (9-12)

A recent survey found that a good number of teachers are concerned about resources -- or a lack of -- for struggling students and those with diverse learning needs. The survey got me thinking about a popular model being used in schools today

How to Look at Multiple-Choice Assessments Formatively

Heather Wolpert-GawronMarch 28, 2011

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

The following is an excerpt from my new book, 'Tween Crayons and Curfews: Tips for Middle School Teachers, I share what I call "lesson trails," step-by-step activities that I routinely use in my classroom

Fundraising and Grant Resources for Tech Integration

Mary Beth HertzMarch 25, 2011

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

It's great to talk about integrating technology, but what if you're stuck in a classroom with little or no technology or in a school with limited resources?

Seek out free money!

Here are some great resources for getting technology into your students' hands.

New Guide Offers Assessment Tips for the Classroom

Suzie BossMarch 24, 2011

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

Recently, I watched a team of ninth-graders share their vision for a city of the future. They had clearly done their research, investigating everything from the politics of ancient Athens to the principles of sustainable design in the 21st century.

Jeff Goldstein on Reigniting Our Enthusiasm for Science @ NSTA 2011 (Video)

Lora Ma-FukudaMarch 12, 2011

Tags Biology, Integrated Studies, Primary (K-2), Teacher Development, Chemistry, Upper Elementary (3-5), Middle (6-8), High (9-12), Geography, Math, Science

March 10, 2011 - National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) conference in San Francisco, CA

This is just my opinion, but I think the world would be significantly better if scientists were treated like rock stars -- with the press stalking their every move and kids dreaming of becoming physicists, astronomers, biologists, or chemists someday.

Tips for Grading and Giving Students Feedback

Heather Wolpert-GawronMarch 3, 2011

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

The following is an excerpt from my upcoming book, 'Tween Crayons and Curfews: Tips for Middle School Teachers. In this chapter, titled, "Tips for Dealing with the Grading and Feedback Masses,"

A Two-Step Approach to Integrating Technology

Mary Beth HertzFebruary 25, 2011

Tags Classroom Technology, Media Literacy, Primary (K-2), Technology Integration, Upper Elementary (3-5)

Just a few posts ago I provided a list of some of my favorite education books. One of them was Applying Standards-Based Constructivism: A Two-Step Guide for Motivating Elementary Students. In this post I want to revisit the book to explain how this two-step approach works well when integrating technology into the classroom.

Motivating Students: Writing for an Audience

Elena AguilarFebruary 18, 2011

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

In a recent post, I shared a strategy for developing writing fluency in students. One comment asked about grades for journal writing, suggesting that if students don't receive a grade they won't be motivated to write.