| News for the Education Profession |  |
- Resources for observing Black History Month in the classroom
Black History Month, which begins today, dates back to 1926 when educator and historian Carter G. Woodson started a weeklong observance in February, the birth month of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. The event was expanded to a month in 1976 by President Gerald Ford. The theme of this year's observance is "Black Women in American Culture and History," and the editors of this blog offer a list of online resources for educators teaching related topics to students. CNN/Schools of Thought blog
(2/1)      
- Review finds many states lacking on science standards
In this blog post, Erik Robelen looks at a review of how schools are doing when it comes to meeting science standards. Only California and the District of Columbia received a solid "A" for their science standards, while more than half of U.S. states received a "D" or "F" grade, according to a review by the Thomas B. Fordham Institute. Researchers considered the "content and rigor" of the standards, as well as their "clarity and specificity," taking issue in many states with the teaching of scientific inquiry, the teaching of evolution and the integration of science and math. Education Week/Curriculum Matters blog
(1/31)
 | Talking E-Books Make Complex Text Accessible
E-books with synchronized audio help struggling readers comprehend grade-level content through spoken language. Matching printed books provide the basis for classroom instruction that is extended and reinforced by practice with Talking E-Books. For a FREE online trial subscription and printed sample, click here. |
- Are teacher-licensing exams rigorous enough?
Many teacher candidates score significantly higher than passing requirements on state licensing exams, a new analysis shows. Some say the findings show states setting the bar too low and weeding out only the lowest-performing candidates, while others say the tests are meant only to be a minimum screen and often are given before teacher-candidates begin pedagogy work. Meanwhile, the teacher-licensing tests differ from those given in other professions, such as for lawyers in which the recent passing rate in California stood at 54%. Education Week (premium article access compliments of EdWeek.org)
(2/1)
- Advice for new teachers on delivering an engaging lesson
Veteran fourth-grade teacher Paula Naugle in this blog post shares advice for new teachers on how to deliver an engaging lesson for students. First, Naugle suggests teachers consider which method of delivery -- whole-group, teacher-led or collaborative -- is appropriate for the lesson. Next steps include using a video clip, or other technology, to capture students' interest, being clear with directions and employing random selection to check for understanding. Edutopia.org/Lisa M. Dabbs' blog
(1/31)
 | Fountas & Pinnell’s Benchmark Assessment System, centered on original fiction and nonfiction books, is a one-on-one comprehensive assessment to determine the independent and instructional level of all students, and connect assessment to instruction via The Continuum of Literacy Learning. Learn more...
|
| Technology in the Classroom |  |  |
| |
 |
- Obama: Every student should use e-textbooks by 2017
President Barack Obama's administration is expected to recommend today that public money -- once reserved for paper textbooks -- be allowed to purchase iPad tablet computers, Kindles and related software. Obama's goal is that every student use electronic textbooks by 2017, officials say. Part of the push stems from the expected cost-savings that comes from e-textbooks, rather than purchasing updated paper textbooks. USA TODAY
(1/31)
- Addressing concerns about flipped instruction in the classroom
Greg Green, principal of Clintondale High School in Clinton Township, Mich., in this blog post addresses questions about implementing a flipped-instructional model in schools. For example, the model does not replace teachers, but serves to make them more valuable as they are free to facilitate understanding and learning in the classroom, rather than spending time delivering lectures, Green writes. CNN/Schools of Thought blog
(1/30)
 | Greenleaf is 21st Century learning on a global level.
More than just a virtual learning program, Greenleaf is an international classroom exchange program that features a flexible curriculum aligned to national standards for social studies and technology in education. Give your students the skills they need to succeed as global citizens. Apply today |
| Managing Budgets | |  |
|
- Can Chicago schools afford plan to raise the dropout age?
School officials in Chicago are concerned about the cost of implementing a proposal to raise the state's legal dropout age, expected to be announced today by Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn. Chicago Public Schools CEO Jean-Claude Brizard said he supports the plan to increase the dropout age to 18 from 17, but he also is concerned about paying for programs to support at-risk students. "If there are no plans to increase state funding, it will be difficult to accomplish this goal," Brizard said. Chicago Tribune
(2/1)
| Policy Watch | | |
|
- Analysis considers suspensions of young students in Mass. schools
There were 2,210 students in prekindergarten through third grade who were suspended from Massachusetts schools during the 2009-10 school year, according to an analysis by the New England Center for Investigative Reporting. Some research shows that school suspensions may not be effective forms of discipline, and that some students who are kept out of school more likely are to be suspended again or to drop out in the future. WCVB-TV (Boston)
(1/31)
| Faculty Lounge | | |
|
- Research looks at how humor affects children's brains
Researchers assessed brain scans of 15 children ages 6 to 12 and found that watching funny videos activated their mesolimbic regions, which process rewards, and temporal-occipital-parietal junction, which processes incongruities. The study showed that positive videos also activated the brain's reward-processing region, but not the area that processes perceived incongruities. HealthDay News
(1/31)
 |
|  |
| The Buzz(CORPORATE ANNOUNCEMENTS)
How can multiple-choice math tests lead to effective instruction? Beyond the Bubble, Grades 2-3 dissects 30 sample problems spanning five major strands, showing teachers how to prompt conversations that reveal strengths and weaknesses not apparent from the initial response. Preview 10 of the sample problems online!
Interested in learning more about advertising with SmartBrief? Click here for detailed industry information and media kits.
 | |
 |
|  |
| ASCD News | | |
|
-
Educators work to solve the STEM shortage in the U.K.
The United Kingdom's demand for workers with science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) backgrounds is growing, yet students just aren't taking the courses that can help open the door to careers in STEM fields. Not only that, but females are significantly underrepresented in STEM classes. A recent online-only Education Update article examines factors that may contribute to this trend and outlines the U.K.'s strategy for turning things around. Read on.
|
|
 |
| Position Title | Company Name | Location |
| Founding Principal-Academic Director | Central Queens Academy Charter School | Elmhurst, Queens, NY |
| PK-12 Jobs in Private/Independent Schools in the South | Southern Teachers Agency | Multiple cities & states around the South, VA |
| K-12 School Teacher | The International Educator | Multiple Locations, International |
| Chairperson | Ball State University | Muncie, IN |
| National K-12 Sales Manager | NBC Learn | New York, NY |
| High School Principal | White Plains City School District | White Plains, NY |
| Principal-Southside Academy Charter School | National Heritage Academies | Syracuse, NY |
| Principal- Burton Glen Charter Academy | National Heritage Academies | Burton, MI |
| Superintendent of Schools | Greenville County Schools | Greenville, SC |
| Overseas Educators | International Schools Services | Multiple Locations, International |
| Elementary/Middle School Principal | City Invincible Charter School | Camden, NJ |
|
| Click here to view more job listings. |
|
|
| SmartQuote | | |
|
 | Knowledge is the only instrument of production that is not subject to the law of diminishing returns."
--John Maurice Clark,
American economist
|
| |
| |
|
Read more at SmartBrief.com |
|
A powerful website for SmartBrief readers including:
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
| | Recent ASCD SmartBrief Issues:
- Tuesday, January 31, 2012
- Monday, January 30, 2012
- Friday, January 27, 2012
- Thursday, January 26, 2012
- Wednesday, January 25, 2012
| | | Lead Editor: Susan Rush
Contributing Editor: Katharine Haber
Mailing Address:
SmartBrief, Inc.®, 555 11th ST NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20004 | |
| |
|
| © 1999-2012 SmartBrief, Inc.® Legal Information |
|
