| News for the Education Profession |  |
- What's wrong with multiple-choice exams?
 The use of multiple-choice tests disrupts the tone of learning, educator Terry Heick writes in this blog post. Presenting arguments against the testing, Heick writes that learning often is messy, while information -- especially today -- is ever-changing, which sharply contrasts with the neatness of multiple-choice exams. Heick also finds that multiple-choice exams further the illusion that there is only one right answer, when many times, the answer is not black and white. Edutopia.org/Terry Heick's blog
(1/23)      
- A return to the basics in math lessons is sought by some Pa. parents
Parents in a Pennsylvania district are seeking to couple an elementary-school math curriculum they say focuses too little on basic skills with other teaching methods. The current "Investigations in Number, Data and Space" curriculum, critics say, breaks problems into parts, rather than teaching long division and carrying and borrowing in addition. The curriculum calls for teaching certain algorithms in fourth and fifth grade, which some parents say is too late. Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
(1/23)
 | Join us for the PLC at Work™ Summit!
Discover how to build and strengthen your PLC from those who know the process best! A lineup of experts including PLC at Work™ architects Richard DuFour, Robert Eaker, and Rebecca DuFour will address assessment and grading practices, RTI, and more. You'll also receive tools and strategies proven to enhance student learning. Register now! |
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 | Guide and measure student progress within the CCSS
Discover how to weave an in-depth understanding of the Common Core into successful classroom practice with this two-part resource from MRL. You'll learn how to power the standards with guided assessment and measure student progress in a way that accurately reflects learning. Included are hundreds of research-based proficiency scales. Learn more!
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| Technology in the Classroom |  |  |
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- Classroom technology boosts student engagement in math lessons
 Educators in an Iowa school district have found that students are more engaged in math lessons and are earning higher scores on math assessments since teachers began letting students use interactive whiteboards and other classroom technology. Students also are being encouraged to work more with each other to learn the material. "Once I started involving the technology and a little bit of the workshop model as kind of a background, I really saw the students be 100 percent more engaged and really take learning into their own hands," said math teacher Renee Wagner. KWWL-TV (Waterloo, Iowa)
(1/22)
- Wi-Fi opens up technology possibilities for N.C. schools
The increased number of schools in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg district in North Carolina being outfitted with Wi-Fi capability means a boost to bring-your-own-device programs for students and staff. So far, 45 of the district's 159 schools have signed on for such programs. Officials say they hope all schools will have Wi-Fi access by August. The Charlotte Observer (N.C.)
(1/19)
| The Whole Child | | |
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- Schools counsel students on loss, grief
California educators say students' counseling needs have grown as resources to provide services have dwindled. Among other things, school counselors help students handle grief, such as the death of a loved one. Counselors appear more common at the high-school level; for example, the Corona-Norco district has counselors available at each high school to help students deal with violence, safety, academics and other issues. The Press-Enterprise (Riverside, Calif.) (free registration)
(1/18)
| Policy Watch | | |
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- Do state regulations put digital textbooks out of reach in S.C.?
In South Carolina, educators say there are more opportunities than ever to use digital textbooks and interactive resources in classroom instruction. However, the state's lengthy process -- and rigorous standards -- for digital-textbook adoption may be keeping such resources out of the hands of students and teachers, and districts seeking to adopt high-tech textbooks outside the process are asked to use their own funds. The Sun News (Myrtle Beach, S.C.)
(1/21)
| ED Pulse | | |
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Which one of the following ed-tech topics would you like to explore most in 2013?
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Using technology to create authentic learning experiences |
44.96%
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Transitioning to digital textbooks |
18.24%
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Flipping the classroom |
13.89%
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Making bring your own device (BYOD) work in the classroom |
13.04%
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Using social media for professional development |
6.15%
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Other |
3.71%
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With arts program cuts, teachers are integrating arts into subject areas including math, science, etc. Which medium is best suited for integration into core subjects?
 | Dance |
| Music |
| Theatrical performance |
| Creative writing |
| Painting/creating visual art |
| Sculpting |
| Other |
| Faculty Lounge | | |
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- Video game technology may play bigger role in STEM education
Future engineers and urban planners may get their first introduction to those careers by playing video games at school now that SimCityEDU has developed a classroom version of the game for educators to teach students about various topics, including science, technology, engineering and math. SimCity maker Electronic Arts has plans to incorporate teacher feedback into the initiative, which also will be aligned with elements of the Common Core State Standards. Mashable
(1/22)
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| The Buzz(CORPORATE ANNOUNCEMENTS)
The language you use in the classroom can change students' lives. In Opening Minds Peter Johnston (author of the groundbreaking Choice Words) shows how words can shape students' learning, their sense of self, and their social, emotional, and moral development. Preview the entire book online!
Here's a deal you can't afford to pass up! Register 4 people for any SDE conference or seminar happening now through May 31, 2013 and the 5th person attends for FREE. All you have to do is register by February 28th. This applies to new registrations only and may not be combined with any other offer. Call 1-800-462-1478 today!
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| ASCD News | | |
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How to create and use rubrics for formative assessment and grading
Rubrics have the power to support and enhance classroom instruction and student learning, but they are often misunderstood and misused. Susan M. Brookhart's new book, "How to Create and Use Rubrics for Formative Assessment and Grading," is a comprehensive guide for writing effective rubrics and selecting wisely from those already available. This resource also breaks down key differences between various kinds of rubrics and explains when each type should be used. Read sample chapters.
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Strengthen your PD program with an ASCD institutional membership
ASCD institutional membership is available to any school or district interested in creating or strengthening its professional development program. The institutional membership offers educators group access to professional learning tools, publications, online research archives, and more. Learn about the specific member benefits associated with this type of ASCD membership and find out how you can use it to grow your professional learning community.
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| Position Title | Company Name | Location |
| Senior Associate Leadership and Professional Development | Community Training and Assistance Center | Boston, MA |
| K-12 School Teachers Needed for International Schools | The International Educator | Multiple Locations, International |
| Teach Overseas! | International Schools Services | Multiple Locations, International |
| Senior Associate National School Reform | Community Training and Assistance Center | Boston, MA |
| Manager for Regional Support -IL Center for School Improvement | American Institutes for Research | Naperville, IL |
| Cluster Director/Area Superintendent | Green Dot Public Schools | Los Angeles, CA |
| Opportunities for Former Administrators and Teachers | Learning Sciences International | Nationwide, United States |
| ASST SUPERINTENDENT OF INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP & EQUITY | BOULDER VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT | Boulder, CO |
| Independent Sales Representative | USATestprep, Inc. | Multiple Locations, United States |
| Dean of the College of Education | Temple University | Philadelphia, PA |
| Senior Turnaround Consultant | American Institutes for Research | Washington, DC |
| Education Consultant - CONTRACT | Confidential | Dallas, TX |
| Opportunities for Former Administrators and Teachers | Learning Sciences International | Statewide (all major cities), WA |
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| Click here to view more job listings. |
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A recent study found that while early retirement programs can lead experienced teachers to be replaced by relatively new educators, students' test scores did not suffer. Cornell University researchers said they were surprised by the findings. The study comes as districts and states nationwide are having trouble funding schools, and many have increased the retirement age for teachers. 
