Education 2.0 & 3.0

What happens when a school chooses to introduce student-centered education and the state requires that high schools look at competency-based model, rather than seat-time, to award credits?

Based on this article pretty amazing things can happen. This is not a short article, but it is worth reading. You will hear from students, staff and administrators about the changes that have happened and what is planned for the future. If the idea of  a competency-based model is new to you it may change your perspective on education. Take the time to read this report. You may also find yourself checking out some previous reports from Hechinger. Throughout the report there are links to previous reports that share additional information on some of the concepts discussed.

Why should you check out Skoolbo? Because they are offering a "Forever Free" license to schools that register by Sept. 30, 2014.

Skoobo is geared to elementary school (and states that they find the best results in students 8 and younger) that provides online games in the areas of numeracy and literacy. Some of the features that may be of interest include:

* A "Spiral Learning Algorithm' - The first time a student uses Skoolbo they will take a test that will help place them a the appropriate level. After each game is completed the program will reassess, essentially differentiating work for each student. Teachers may also assign specific curriculum.

* Students get immediate feedback and support through the program.

* The program is cross platform and can be used on PC, Mac, iPad, Windows 8, Android and web browsers.

* And remember,  it is free (at least until Sept. 30, 2014)!

So head over to Skoobo to check this out. Share it with other teachers you know in elementary school. And if you get it for your school make sure to let parents know.

As many schools move to Common Core the question of rigor is a key issue. States that have tested with Common Core have seen significant drops in scores. Why? The Common Core tests are more difficult than most local tests.

Grant Wiggins states "to significantly raise local standards of performance seems to mean we have to lower student grades." Most schools do not want to do this (and certainly most parents do not want to see lower grades).

He continues to explore this issue looking at rigor, and noting that rigor is currently defined by 3 elements:

1. The difficulty of the task or questions
2. The difficulty of the criteria, as established by rubrics
3. The level of achievement expected, as set by “anchors” or cut scores.

However, he notes that many schools/districts do not get past #1. Why? "The problem of fair/normed grading!"

Wiggins then goes on to the final section of this post, called "Solution: avoid thoughtless calculations based on false equivalencies."

However, there is one more section that provides two helpful pieces of information that may help you create better assessments. It includes Webb's Depth of Knowledge Wheel as well as audit matrix that looks at the Assessment Format (Task Complexity and Context) and Cognitive Demand (Depth and Fluency of Thinking). (See image above).

Additionally, he has included an appendix that has text from Webb for levels 1, 2, 3 and 4 for Math, Reading and Writing.

These are great resources to share with teachers in your district as we move to Common Core.

The concept of growth mindset is often discussed in schools. Research shows that a students' mindset plays a role in how well they do at school. This post provides "4 belief statements that underlie student performance." Each statement is listed below, but click through to the post to learn more about the meaning behind the statement.

1. “I belong in this academic community.”

2. “My ability and competency grow with effort.”

3. “I can succeed.”

4. “This work has value for me.”

There are a number of links in the article and you may want to read the article located in EdWeek (published in Sept. 2013). This article looks at how our language as teachers impacts each student. Our words are important and we may not be aware of the words we use are impacting our students.

Also consider scrolling down and reading the comment by Tom Vander Ark. He discusses two areas that are forgotten in the discussion of mindset (and he includes grit here also) - the ability to transfer knowledge between content areas (an important component in Common Core) and "domain knowledge and skill." He provides suggestions on what we might try in our classrooms.

While in Australia we aren't using Common Core, good teaching is still good teaching and the resources and ideas here are just as useful.

This sight has many ideas and helpful hints for teachers to learn more about technology and how to use it.

Check out this infographic that provides five methods for developing problem-solving skills. Try out:

* Brainstorming with a Twist

* Word Association

* Inkblot (Rorschat Test) and this is a bit different than you might expect

* Solute vs Solution

* Gallery Walk

The names above do not do justice to the activity that you would so with your students...so click through to the post to learn more!

Infographic to explain classroom connections to career and college skills. 

How do you explain to students and parents the Common Core standards? If this question is difficult to answer you should check out this post. There are two tools that you may find helpful.

The image above shows six classroom scenes showing 21st century skills that students are developing on the left side. The right side shows that paths that students may take based on their skills.

There is also a second visual that is designed for teachers. It is an evidence sheet. You may take the sheet and complete two sections. The left side shows what the standards look like in your classroom, and the right side will  allow you to share how the skills will help your students succeed in college and career.

You can download both these tools as pdf files.

this is a handy visual for teachers to remind themselves that we are learners too!

With Common  Core testing approaching close reading in an area that we know students will need to know well. This post provides many resources.

Are you looking for resources on the basic components of close reading? Find links to information on complex short text, pre-reading activities, re-reading of text, annotations, text-dependent questions, peer collaboration and response to text. Check out a visual on text complexity, one on annotation techniques and one on text-dependent questions.

Additional materials are also available.

Thik this is a very interesting dilemma long form read alongside skimmers, wasn't scanr eading always part of a good student's skill set. Will need to read this carefully.

Just went to the blog post and it is a rich resource.  I will be adding it to my seminar follow up.

This infographic looks at assessments, providing an overview of the educational asessment landscape. The sections cover:

* An overview of assessment

* Assessment measurement

* Assessment types

* Question types

* Delivery methods

* Scoring methods

* The evolution of assessment

Please note that this infographic was pubished by McGraw Hill Education/CTB.