| News about teaching and education excellence |  |
- NBCT: Teaching students to value learning, not just grades
 Learning should be the goal for students, not getting an "A," writes National Board Certified Teacher Paul Cancellieri. In this blog post, he writes about the negative consequences of rewarding students for good grades, such as cheating, a decline in creativity and efforts to undermine each other. In his own classroom, Cancellieri writes that he teaches students about the value of assessments as measurements of learning. SmartBrief/SmartBlog on Education
(1/23)     
- How to use QR codes as teaching tools
There are many ways that quick-response codes can be used in classroom lessons, offers educator and blogger Monica Burns. In this blog post, she writes that QR codes can make it easier for students to access certain websites and help students avoid search engines that can bring them to the wrong website. QR codes also are easy to make and time-savers in the classroom, Burns writes, while allowing deviation from routine to keep lessons fresh and engaging for students. Edutopia.org/Monica Burns' blog
(1/23)
- An argument against the use of 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)
 | Closing Circles End the Day in a Positive Way
Gathering children before dismissal brings the day to a peaceful end and helps students and teachers leave school feeling encouraged and competent. Choose from fifty easy-to-do 5- to 10-minute activities; use them as written or make them your own by adapting them to your students' mood or developmental needs. K-6. View samples and order. |
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- Colo. becomes 1st state to receive NEA's STEM challenge grant
Colorado obtained a $200,000 Challenge Grant from the National Education Association for STEM education, and combined it with other funds from two other sources to create a $400,000 grant that will be spent on training teachers in science, technology, engineering and math. "Colorado's economy is adding jobs in STEM-related fields every day and we need to meet this growing demand by educating a highly skilled and competitive [workforce]," said Colorado Lt. Gov. Joe Garcia. Arvada Press (Colo.)
(1/22)
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| Developing Leaders | | |
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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!
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| Policy News | | |
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- Md. education board to update proposal on "rehabilitative" discipline
The Maryland Board of Education on Tuesday agreed to make minor changes to proposals that schools shift toward more rehabilitative discipline practices aimed at reducing out-of-school suspensions and teaching students about positive behavior. The changes, which are in response to input from educators and others, do not change the spirit of the reforms, officials said. Among other things, the proposals would require schools to provide educational services to students during suspension, and track data regarding suspensions of minority students and students in special education. The Washington Post
(1/22)
| NBPTS Update | | |
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Do you have an interesting or inspiring story to tell?
Are you an NBCT? We'd love to hear about your journey to board certification. Do you know an NBCT who's making a difference in their local area? We'd love to hear about the impact of NBCTs in your school and community. Tell us your story!
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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. 
