Student Guide Corner

Occasionally, someone will ask me to give them my number one piece of advice for becoming a better teacher. Teaching is such a complex art that I really think that is close to impossible. However, I do think there is one thing that every teacher (and I do mean every teacher) should do that will help them immediately to become a better teacher. Can you believe it? I�m almost guaranteeing you success with just one piece of advice. Every teacher should get a reality check by enrolling as a student each year in a class in something about which they have no real knowledge. In other words, they should walk around to the other side of the desk and put themselves into the student role just as a reminder of how it feels to be the struggling one. I don�t mean for a history teacher to take another history class. There�s no benefit. I don�t mean for an English teacher to take a class in poetry. I mean for a history teacher or an English teacher to take a class in quantum mechanics. Two weeks ago, ...

Why is text-to-speech (TTS) the best kept secret from our students? Is it also the best kept secret from teachers? Do you know about TTS? Is it available on every computer that your students use? The single most important free strategy we can show our students is the ability to use text-to-speech on any computer . Why? Three main reasons. It supports the writing process, especially when editing and revising written work. It provides the ability to access content for students who are reading below grade level. When content is digital it is now accessible and students can access the curriculum independently. No longer are they dependent on others to read to them. It's Universal Design for Learning . As part of the writing process, teach students to use TTS. When students write, the use of TTS often motivates them to write more. They enjoy listening to what they have written. Then, as students edit their work, they are more likely to catch errors when they listen to it (and especially...

Shout this one from the rafters!! Do you ever wonder what successful, inclusive, 21st century education looks like in a public school? Would you know it if you saw it? Lisa Parisi and Christine Southard , two highly-skilled, dedicated and impressive educators who co-teach a fifth grade class of students in New York have defined success for all in this blog post at Lisa's Lingo . Here is a model to replicate with very simple guiding principles: 1. Do not separate the children.....Remember inclusion means to be included, not separated. 2. Don't hide special needs. Point out that we all need assistance at times. Make it available to everyone. 3. Mix the teachers up and allow students to choose their style of learning. 4. Keep student s in the classroom as much as possible. Eliminate as many pull-outs as you can. And why is this model note-worthy? Because it recognizes the value of differentiated instruction to help each student succeed in the least restrictive environment...