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- Should social media be used as a learning tool?
This blog post addresses the pros and cons of using social media as a teaching tool. Among the benefits to using tools such as Facebook and Twitter in the classroom are students' familiarity with the sites, available resources and their ability to assist in research, blogger Charlie Osborne writes. Social media sites also help engage students in lessons and appeal to varied learning styles, she adds. However, the same tools may create distractions, facilitate cyberbullying and require filters, she notes. ZDNet/iGeneration blog
(4/10)     
 | What are 8 keys to schoolwide math success? Small Steps, Big Changes helps you and your staff set goals, create a culture of mathematical thinking, and translate high-level standards such as Common Core into effective classroom practice. Includes examples from diverse schools across the country. Preview the entire book online! |
 | Text Complexity: Raising Rigor in Reading, by Douglas Fisher, Nancy Frey, and Diane Lapp, tackles text complexity by focusing on the ways in which students can be matched with texts and tasks, the quantitative and qualitative factors of text complexity, and by examining instruction and assessment through close readings. Preview Chapter 1! |
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- Teacher: Cheating in education goes beyond testing
 After news reports of potential cheating on standardized tests, high-school math teacher Gary Rubinstein writes about what he believes are worse forms of cheating. He writes in this blog post about what he says are inappropriate actions by charter schools and education reformers, as well as issues facing Teach for America. He also writes that states, in exchange for federal grant money, have agreed to make sweeping changes to teachers' evaluations and pay, which he describes as a "cheat." CNN/Schools of Thought blog
(4/12)
- Report: Race to the Top reform hits snags in Md.
Maryland has faced some obstacles in altering teacher evaluation and data management systems, according to a recent report on the status of states that have already won federal Race to the Top funds. Though the state has earned praise for its teacher-development training, officials say a number of initiatives have been delayed. "I don't think we're at the point where we can gauge the long-term impact of Race to the Top," said Anne Hyslop, a policy analyst at Education Sector. "But overall, Maryland is in really good shape." The Sun (Baltimore)/Capital News Service
(4/11)
- Pittsburgh schools plan cuts, changes to special education
Pittsburgh schools are set to cut more than $5 million from the district's special-education budget, including eliminating a number of administrative and teaching positions next fall. However, officials said more special-education teachers would assist in inclusion classrooms and more training would be provided for general-subject teachers working with students in special education. "We can be assured our high quality of service will continue to be provided as best practice for our students," said Mary Jane Conley, executive director of special education. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
(4/11)
| NEW – Today's Education Cartoon | | |
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| Developing Leaders | | |
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- Dozens of foreign educators likely to lose jobs in Baltimore
In Baltimore, a recent labor market test revealed that about 100 international educators hold teaching positions that could be filled by certified, qualified American teachers. In light of the report, officials say they are likely to keep about 46 of the district's 154 foreign teachers. Those teachers will fill positions teaching biology, chemistry, computer science, special education, math and physics -- areas where shortages exist. The Sun (Baltimore)/Inside Ed blog
(4/11)
| Policy News | | |
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- Report: Schools should not ban mobile technology
A recent report released by about a dozen education and technology groups cautions districts against banning mobile and social technology in schools. The report urges districts to adopt a balanced approach, in which policies are based on research and data. The report also finds that the use of mobile devices should be paired with instruction in digital citizenship and acceptable use. T.H.E. Journal
(4/11)
- Students' suspension over Tumblr page draws criticism
Three California high-school students recently were suspended after the discovery of a Tumblr page they created targeting teachers. Now the suspension, on the basis of cyberbullying, has prompted criticism from free-speech advocates, including the American Civil Liberties Union. District officials reinstated the students after being contacted by the civil rights groups and said they planned to educate students about appropriate speech. CaliforniaWatch.org
(4/11)
- Calif. teachers seek guidance in adhering to gay-studies law
Public schools in California are working to implement the FAIR Education Act, a law that took effect in January requiring them to include the contributions of gay and lesbian individuals, as well as minorities and those with disabilities, in lessons. New textbooks will not be available until at least 2015, and many educators say they have received little guidance on the new mandate. "Right now, it's very loose and up in the air," said high-school teacher Demitrious Sinor. The Desert Sun (Palm Springs, Calif.)
(4/10)
| NBPTS Update | | |
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Retake and Take One! Portfolio deadline is Sunday
All Retake and Take One! Portfolios must be postmarked by April 15, which is Sunday. Be sure to check with your local mail delivery service for service hours to be sure you get your package in on time. You can learn more details about these deadlines if you are a Retake candidate and if you are a Take One! participant.
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