MzTeachuh: Educational Links 5/23/15

MzTeachuh: Educational Links 5/23/15: Sierra Club Inner City Outdoor Program http://content.sierraclub.org/outings/ico Learning With Nature http://www.edutopia.org/blog/l...

Educational Links 5/23/15

Sierra Club Inner City Outdoor Program http://content.sierraclub.org/outings/ico

Learning With Nature

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/learning-with-nature-marina-robb-victoria-mew 

How Schools Can Help Nurture Students’ Mental Health

http://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2015/05/22/how-schools-can-help-nurture-students-mental-health/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+kqed%2FnHAK+%28MindShift%29 

Facing the New Realities of Special Education 

http://www.specialneedsdigest.com/2015/05/facing-new-realities-of-special.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FLUdSt+%28Special+Needs+Digest%29 

Making Your Classroom More Like A Playground

http://www.teachthought.com/teaching/bringing-a-sandbox-approach-to-your-classroom/ 

6 Summer Learning Activities to Do With Kids

http://www.teachercreated.com/blog/2015/05/6-summer-learning-activities-to-do-with-kids/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TeacherCreatedTips+%28TEACHER+CREATED+TIPS%29

The Week in Review - The Most Popular Posts 

http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2015/05/the-week-in-review-most-popular-posts_23.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+freetech4teachers%2FcGEY+%28Free+Technology+for+Teachers%29#.VWEEVUbQMo0 

Top Tips to Create an Organized, Blended Learning Space for Students! 

http://www.kleinspiration.com/2015/05/top-tips-to-create-organized-blended.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+http%2Fwwwkleinspirationcom%2Ffeeds%2Fposts%2Fdefault+%28Kleinspiration%29 

New Math Websites for Teachers

http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2015/05/5-new-math-websites-for-teachers.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+educatorstechnology%2FpDkK+%28Educational+Technology+and+Mobile+Learning%29 

Best of the Best: Apple and Google Educator Programs

http://www.edudemic.com/what-are-apple-distinguished-educators-and-how-can-i-be-one/ 

 

MzTeachuh: Teachable Moment: Memorial Day and Regular Kids Wh...

MzTeachuh: Teachable Moment: Memorial Day and Regular Kids Wh...: This crew was delivering supplies to French civilians during the D Day invasion and was shot down. My dad's cousin, Blake Treece, T/Sg...

Teachable Moment: Memorial Day and Regular Kids Who Were Heroes

This crew was delivering supplies to French civilians during the D Day invasion and was shot down. My dad's cousin, Blake Treece, T/Sgt. Radioman, is in the second row, fifth (l to r.)

My dad was from Marshall, Arkansas. He was 21 years old when Pearl Harbor happened. His older brother, Robert, had already volunteered to fly with the English in the Battle of Britain. As boys, they had built an airplane in the backyard, and dad had participated in a local aeronautical club as an

Robert, Grandma, Alphia, Larry, Maxine. Just after Pearl Harbor Day.

instructor. Both brothers were going to a teacher's college (Arkansas State Teacher's College), until Robert volunteered to fly with the British.
After Pearl Harbor Day,  my dad (Larry) and my aunt Maxine joined the Navy. Both my dad and Uncle Robert flew in the Pacific. My dad was a quick study, after flying Corsairs, became an instructor pilot. Robert became one of the first pilots to fly a B29 as part of the Billy Mitchell Group, sort of a test pilot while fighting the war.

The Lady Hamilton, B 29, Billy Mitchell Group.

Robert was captain of Lady Hamilton B 29, on a bombing mission that flew from India, over the Himalayas (called 'Flying the Hump') and China to Japan when the plane developed engine trouble, and the second target was chosen. Japanese Zeroes pursued. Robert, as captain, ordered most of the crew to parachute out (they were aided by Chinese and survived.) He and two other crew completed the mission but were shot down by the Zeroes, losing their lives in 1944.

College Memorial (OCA) with the names Robert Mills and Blake Treece.

My grandma's nephew and my dad's first cousin, Blake Treece, was a radio operator for a B-17 in the European theatre. Blake left the same college as his cousins to enlist. His plane was shot down in 1944 over France. The remains of the crew were buried by a French farmer, and recovered in 2006 due to  historical excavations of the Caen area. Blake and his crew members were then buried in 2006 in a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetary.

Another of my grandmother's nephews and my dad's first cousin from Searcy, Arkansas, Claude A. McBride, served in the Army in the Philippines, being killed in action.

Regular kids from a most regular, simple town in America, Marshall, Arkansas. Where does the courage and brilliance come from? On this Memorial Day, by my observation as a teacher, the USA is filled with such courage and brilliance in all our boys and girls. Devotion, teamwork, collaboration that leads to heroic deeds develops in the minds, spirits, and souls of kids allowed to believe in their own capacity for excellence and their intrinsic value as citizens. Kids from all demographics and ethnicities, which is, of course, what America is made of.

I feel compassion for my little grandma in the photo, knowing she would lose her Robert. And her brother and sister would lose their Claude and not know ever what happened to Blake. (They passed away before his remains were found.)

We can value their choice to serve our country and expect the same excellence and commitment to all varieties of service to continue because all regular kids can be heroes. And they're sitting in your classrooms.

MzTeachuh: ...with only this short time...

MzTeachuh: ...with only this short time...: I didn't realize I like country music. George Harrison - Behind That Locked Door https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_Sp61BtOW4   ...

...with only this short time...

I didn't realize I like country music.

George Harrison - Behind That Locked Door

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_Sp61BtOW4

 "Behind That Locked Door"
Why are you still crying?
Your pain is now through
Please forget those teardrops
Let me take them from you
The love you are blessed with
This world's waiting for
So let out your heart, please, please
From behind that locked door

It's time we start smiling
What else should we do?
With only this short time
I'm gonna be here with you
And the tales you have taught me
From the things that you saw
Makes me want out your heart, please, please
From behind that locked door
And if ever my love goes
If I'm rich or I'm poor
Please let out my heart, please, please
From behind that locked door
From behind that locked door

MzTeachuh: The Arts Give You Smarts--STEM and STEAM

MzTeachuh: The Arts Give You Smarts--STEM and STEAM: STEM vs. STEAM: Do the Arts Belong? http://www.edweek.org/tm/articles/2014/11/18/ctq-jolly-stem-vs-steam.html#   STEMto STEAM Resour...

The Arts Give You Smarts--STEM and STEAM

STEM vs. STEAM: Do the Arts Belong?

http://www.edweek.org/tm/articles/2014/11/18/ctq-jolly-stem-vs-steam.html# 

STEM to STEAM Resources

http://www.edutopia.org/stem-to-steam-resources

STEAM
http://steam-notstem.com/ 

Benefits of Arts to Kids

http://www.raisesmartkid.com/3-to-6-years-old/4-articles/33-benefits-of-arts-to-kids  

National Gallery of Art Lessons & Activities

http://www.nga.gov/content/ngaweb/education/teachers/lessons-activities.html  

Art Lessons in the Classroom

http://artsedwashington.org/for-educators/art-lessons-in-the-classroom

The Flakiness Of Artists Is The Key To Their Creativity

http://anniemurphypaul.com/2013/06/the-flakiness-of-artists-is-the-key-to-their-creativity/ 

Art Resources for Teachers

https://www.teachervision.com/art/teacher-resources/6681.html 

The Art of Teaching the Arts

http://www.learner.org/workshops/hsarts/

Why Arts Education Is Crucial, and Who's Doing It Best

http://www.edutopia.org/arts-music-curriculum-child-development 

 

MzTeachuh: MzTeachuh's Top Posts of the Week 5/22/15

MzTeachuh: MzTeachuh's Top Posts of the Week 5/22/15: Thriving in the Homestretch http://www.edutopia.org/blog/thriving-in-the-homestretch-nicholas-provenzano?utm_content=blog&utm_campa...

MzTeachuh's Top Posts of the Week 5/22/15

Thriving in the Homestretch

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/thriving-in-the-homestretch-nicholas-provenzano?utm_content=blog&utm_campaign=thriving-home-stretch&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=socialflow&utm_term=link

Educational Links 5/21/15
http://melanielinktaylor.mzteachuh.org/2015/05/educational-links-52115.html

Best Articles for Educators  5/17/15
http://melanielinktaylor.mzteachuh.org/2015/05/best-articles-for-educators.html

All American Music To Grill To

http://melanielinktaylor.mzteachuh.org/2015/05/all-american-music-to-grill-to_19.html

Principal's Suggestion Box #8

http://melanielinktaylor.mzteachuh.org/2015/05/principals-suggestion-box-letter-8.html

MzTeachuh's Classroom: IEP Meeting? Do I Have To Go?

http://melanielinktaylor.mzteachuh.org/2015/05/mzteachuhs-classroom-iep-meeting-do-i.html

Educational Links 5/20/15

http://melanielinktaylor.mzteachuh.org/2015/05/educational-links-52015.html

Summer Bump Not Slump: Summer Reading

http://melanielinktaylor.mzteachuh.org/2015/05/summer-bump-not-slump-summer-reading.html?spref=bl

Special Needs Weekly Update 5/18/15

http://melanielinktaylor.mzteachuh.org/2015/05/mzteachuh-special-needs-weekly-update_18.html

Teacher Burnout--U Gotz It?

 http://melanielinktaylor.mzteachuh.org/2015/05/teacher-burnout-u-gotz-it.html?spref=bl

Teaching Is Finishing Strong

http://melanielinktaylor.mzteachuh.org/2015/05/teaching-is-finishing-strong.html?spref=bl

Many thanks to our international audience. It is a privilege to serve you. USA, Germany, France, Japan, India, Hong Kong, Sweden, Russia, UK, Canada.

MzTeachuh: When GenEd and SpecEd Collaboration Really Works: ...

MzTeachuh: When GenEd and SpecEd Collaboration Really Works: ...:   Classroom problems are obvious: the student is not successful academically or has behavior issues. The solutions are not so obvious. ...

When GenEd and SpecEd Collaboration Really Works: Solving Problems

 

Classroom problems are obvious: the student is not successful academically or has behavior issues. The solutions are not so obvious. Here is how GenEd and SpecEd can work together for solutions for the student (and the classroom.) Honesty, transparency, clarity between colleagues will produce true solutions for students. Be ready for candid interaction, my GenEd and SpecEd colleagues! There will be questions!

Scenario #1: The student makes an effort, but remains well below standards despite effective interventions.

SpecEd will ask (or should) for documentation of the intervention. The parent should already know how many hours per day for how many weeks the student has been in the intervention--and have products of the work accomplished. The data of the student's further need should not be a mystery to anyone. Parent contact should be regular.  GenEd needs to be organized for this. Hopefully, the intervention classes at the school site are coordinating and use the same result templates so a parent or SpecEd teacher can readily identify the strengths and needs of the student during a specific time period. If there is other, more unusual input over a period of time about the student, GeEd needs to document this with type of behavior, date, and class activity.

An anecdotal report might go like this:

10/5/-- Margaret began classwork, but after 10 minutes was drawing rather than writing the assignment. The picture was of a child, but it was one big circle with a smile. She did this for 10 minutes, then sat still, not working, despite many prompts to write.

With accurate data, Admin, GenEd and SpecEd should meet with the parents and may then suggest Special Education testing to the parent, if the parent has not already requested it.

A situation once arose at a Middle School where I was RSP for Grade 6. The structure was four teachers on a team, and I worked in the classrooms of Math and ELA. A Soc. Science teacher clued me into two transfer students she noticed may be SpecEd but perhaps their paperwork hadn't arrived yet.

One student had created an illustration for an essay that struck the teacher as disturbing. She showed it to me, I was able to observe and speak to the student. I contacted the Ed. Psychologist, and the Grade 6 Counselor. After getting contact info from his previous school across country, we discovered the parent had not informed us the student had been identified as ED (Emotionally Disturbed) and had a serious incident the previous school year. We couldn't clarify why the parents did not inform us, but because the Social Science teacher actually checked and read her classes' assignments every day we could get him to the proper placement quickly.

Another student was not able to understand the work at all, but was very popular despite a stutter. Again, the team of Counselor, Ed. Psychologist, SpecEd and GenEd did a search of his records, spoke to the parents (who needed a translator, the Ed. Psychologist was fluent in Spanish) and we found that due to frequent school changes, he had never been tested for SpecEd, or Speech Therapy. I tested him from my end, the Speech Therapist from his end, the Ed. Psychologist from her end, and we were prepared for a meeting which resulted in a better placement.

Scenario #2: The student has shown grade level ability, but is too disorganized to function in the class.

Again, do we have a record of  this behavior?
An anecdotal report might go like this:

Luis does well when he has his supplies and brings his homework and outside reading book. But he is missing important items at least 3 times a week. Dates of missing work for March: 3/3, 3/5, 3/9, 3/10, 3/14 etc.

Has GenEd contacted the parents about this lack of functioning? Is there something unusual at home that might be the cause of the disorganization? Now I'm going to get personal, only because I have had to ask myself this question. How organized is the class? How's your classroom management? Are enough cues and directives given to end one activity and start another? Is the class tidy and organized so this student has an appropriate amount of space to function? If the lack of function is not the result of parents or teacher--there could be a Special Ed. reason. Executive functions (ability to be organized) can be impaired by learning disabilities. But not always. If the student's previous teachers are available for comment, ask how little George did last year. So if previous answers to these questions show a need for testing, the SpecEd team will find out--is it ADHD? a learning disability? or just a future Absent Minded Professor who needs a personal assistant? (Kind of kidding about the last, but sometimes parents and teachers feel like they are in that role.)

In my experience as RSP (Resource Specialist) we tested many more students for learning disabilities than qualified for Special Education programs, particularly in Grade 6. That is due to the fact that the huge change in schedule created a perfect storm of confusion for awhile until the kids got their sea legs. But a lack of executive function could well show a need for Special Education support, so please document the need so the student can be fairly evaluated.

Scenario #3: The student is a behavior problem.

Now we are to the real issue to solve. Why do students act up? For attention, for control of the class, or to escape the class through disciplinary action that takes them to the office or maybe to the ramp outside the door (btw, that last strategy is an illegal move and should not happen. Students need supervision.)
 
Again, do we have a record of  this behavior?
An anecdotal report might go like this, and not necessarily only in a referral:

Student (Kayleigh) got out of seat three times in fifteen minutes, and moved around the classroom. She then whacked Angelica on the back of the head, disrupting class.

For a behavior referral for Special Education, you record all instances, and contact with the parents. The team of professionals that is your school and includes you, will research everything about the student, test the student, while effectively managing a positive behavior contract. 

At the first, and I mean first, sign of defiance, contact the parent and document. The most effective teachers I worked with, and later emulated, did this simple thing, and ran a peaceful classroom. Also, document the conversation. Is this tedious? Yes, GenEd, it is. I know, I was GenEd, too. But a behavior issue is the most vital to document. If, deep in your heart, you feel this student has an emotional or serious behavioral issue--contact SpecEd, the Counselor, or the Ed. Psychologist. Maybe the student doesn't have serious problems that may lead to self injury or injuries to others. But maybe so, and you could save injuries and lives if the student gets help early.

In one high school class during a reading intervention, a student was doodling on his work one day. We discovered it was a rather graphic picture of  two young people, one threatening the other with a knife. Taking the picture to the Ed. Psychologist, and having a meeting with the parent led to counseling for the student who had been bullied and assaulted the previous year. His uncle had been murdered in a gang initiation 18 months before. The student was affected. He received counseling.

To be transparent, a positive behavior plan is the most challenging to coordinate with a team of teachers for effective implementation. Really hard. But we don't give up. Good results help everyone. 

When GenEd and SpecEd collaboration really works, there's nothing finer in the school system.

MzTeachuh: Teachable Moment: Memorial Day

MzTeachuh: Teachable Moment: Memorial Day: Family tradition of service. Memorial Day is a fine time to chat with family members about how your family may have served in the mili...

Teachable Moment: Memorial Day

Family tradition of service.

Memorial Day is a fine time to chat with family members about how your family may have served in the military.  No matter your take on war or militarism, a young person can gain perspective on their own heritage, family beliefs, and family history while bar-b-queing in the backyard talking to grandma or uncle. Some of the stories will be very sad, inspiring, and amazing all at the same time.

Memorial Day Family Activities

http://www.ehow.com/info_7973332_memorial-day-family-activities.html

Teachers can give various assignments to augment the students' understanding of history and taking pride and giving support  in the military without glorifying war.

Writing Prompts for Memorial Day

http://www.theholidayzone.com/memorial/writing.html

Memorial Day Teacher Resources, Printables

https://www.teachervision.com/memorial-day/teacher-resources/6644.html

Memorial Day Lessons and Teacher Resources

http://lessonplanspage.com/memorialday-htm/

MEMORIAL DAY LESSON IDEAS

www.educationworld.com/holidays/archives/memorial_day.shtml

Memorial Day Activities and Lesson Plans

http://seasonal.theteacherscorner.net/memorial-day/

Curriculum Resources that Reinforce the Meaning Behind Memorial Day Observances

http://www.nea.org/tools/lessons/memorialday-lesson-ideas.html

Boy Scouts place leis on graves at Punchbowl Military cemetary, Hawaii.

MzTeachuh: Educational Links 5/21/15

MzTeachuh: Educational Links 5/21/15: Thriving in the Homestretch http://www.edutopia.org/blog/thriving-in-the-homestretch-nicholas-provenzano?utm_content=blog&utm_campa...

Educational Links 5/21/15

Thriving in the Homestretch

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/thriving-in-the-homestretch-nicholas-provenzano?utm_content=blog&utm_campaign=thriving-home-stretch&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=socialflow&utm_term=link

What Meaningful Reflection On Student Work Can Do for Learning

http://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2014/12/03/what-meaningful-reflection-on-student-work-can-do-for-learning/ 

Five-Minute Film Festival: Restoring Hope and Faith in Humanity

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/film-festival-overcoming-teacher-burnout-playlist?utm_content=blog&utm_campaign=fmff-resoring-hope-humanity&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=socialflow&utm_term=link 

Why Did the Teacher Give Us the Same IEP As Last Year?

http://www.wrightslaw.com/blog/?p=12515&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheWrightslawWay+%28The+Wrightslaw+Way%29 

Top teachers cite anti-poverty programs as No. 1 school reform necessity — survey

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2015/05/20/top-teachers-cite-anti-poverty-programs-as-no-1-school-reform-necessity-survey/ 

Favorite Tech Tools For Social Studies Classes

http://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2015/05/21/favorite-tech-tools-for-social-studies-classes/

Why Did the Teacher Give Us the SAME IEP as Last Year? - See more at: http://www.wrightslaw.com/blog/?p=12515&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheWrightslawWay+%28The+Wrightslaw+Way%29#sthash.DvdYVNuZ.dpuf

 

Study Finds That Cellphone Bans Lead to Higher Test Scores

http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/teaching_now/2015/05/uk-study-finds-cellphone-bans-lead-to-higher-test-scores.html?cmp=SOC-EDIT-FB 

Treatment Options for Auditory Processing Disorder 

https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/treatments-approaches/treatment-options/treatment-options-for-auditory-processing-disorder?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=understoodorg 

How Visual Thinking Improves Writing

http://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2013/11/26/how-visual-thinking-improves-writing/ 

 

MzTeachuh: Teaching Is Communicating With Parents

MzTeachuh: Teaching Is Communicating With Parents: 1. Tips for Parents: Parent Teacher Conferences  http://www.thelearningcommunity.us/resources-by-format/tips-for-parents/parent-teach...

Teaching Is Communicating With Parents

1. Tips for Parents: Parent Teacher Conferences 

http://www.thelearningcommunity.us/resources-by-format/tips-for-parents/parent-teacher-conferences.aspx 

2. Parent-Teacher Conference Tip Sheets for Principals, Teachers, and Parents

http://www.hfrp.org/publications-resources/browse-our-publications/parent-teacher-conference-tip-sheets-for-principals-teachers-and-parents 

3. 10 Tips for a Successful Parent-Teacher Conference

http://school.familyeducation.com/slideshow/parents-and-school/38585.html 

4. Parent-Teacher Conference: Tips for Parents

http://habee.hubpages.com/hub/Parent-Teacher-Conference-Tips-for-Parents 

5. 12 Questions to Ask at Your Parent-Teacher Conference

http://www.parentsconnect.com/parenting-your-kids/parenting-kids/learning-and-school/elementary-school-parents/parent_teacher_conference.html 

6. Top Ten Questions to Ask at an IEP

http://www.specialeducationadvisor.com/top-ten-questions-to-ask-at-an-iep/ 

7.  The Best IEP Questions to Ask

http://seemyiep.com/the-best-iep-questions-to-ask/ 

Great smile, teacher: warm, sincere, and look at all that info for the student.

 

 

MzTeachuh: Teaching Is Finishing Strong

MzTeachuh: Teaching Is Finishing Strong: Finishing the School Year Strong http://www.edweek.org/tm/articles/2011/05/05/tln_ferlazzo_3.html   End of Year Activities http://ww...

MzTeachuh: Teacher Burnout--U Gotz It?

MzTeachuh: Teacher Burnout--U Gotz It?: 1. Teacher Burnout: Four Warning Signs http://www.edutopia.org/blog/teacher-burnout-four-warning-signs-nicholas-prov...

MzTeachuh: All-American Music To Grill To

MzTeachuh: All-American Music To Grill To: This is mostly for Americans. And maybe you wish to grill in quiet--that's okay, too. Multi-generational fun. But for us in the S...

MzTeachuh: Kids In Nature--Naturally

MzTeachuh: Kids In Nature--Naturally: Connecting Young Children With Nature http://www.naeyc.org/tyc/article/connecting-young-children-with-nature Connecting Your Child Wi...

Kids In Nature--Naturally

Connecting Young Children With Nature

http://www.naeyc.org/tyc/article/connecting-young-children-with-nature

Connecting Your Child With Nature

http://www.bamradionetwork.com/parents-channel/127-connecting-your-child-with-nature 

Kids Urged to Take it Outside: Nature’s Calling Aims to Help Plugged-in Families Connect with Nature

http://www.childrenandnature.org/2015/05/13/kids-urged-to-take-it-outside-natures-calling-aims-to-help-plugged-in-families-connect-with-nature/ 

Children and Nature Movement

http://richardlouv.com/books/last-child/children-nature-movement/ 

Connecting Kids and Nature: Working Towards 10 Million Kids Outdoors 

http://www.nwf.org/what-we-do/kids-and-nature.aspx 

Children and Nature Initiative

http://www.neefusa.org/health/children_nature.htm 

Rx for Outdoor Activity http://www.neefusa.org/health/children_nature/resources.htm

 

 

 

MzTeachuh: Principal's Suggestion Box Letter #8

MzTeachuh: Principal's Suggestion Box Letter #8: These letters are absolutely fictional (to protect the innocent and not-so-innocent.) But, with the hint of truth, maybe we can...

Principal's Suggestion Box Letter #8

These letters are absolutely fictional (to protect the innocent and not-so-innocent.) But, with the hint of truth, maybe we can make some adjustments. Principals have the best chance to do that.

Dear Principal,

When success becomes an 'anamoly' it is time to reassess what we are doing as a school. The district benchmark for my ELA classes were valid-as the second test deliberately given to 'show we cheated'- demonstrated. The kids did great again. We didn't cheat, we worked incredibly hard and no one should be shocked our 'demographic' can do well. This is like a scene from "Stand and Deliver."' It frustrates and frightens me that a District person would actually show up at your office to complain about good testing. Exactly what do the district people want? Stating that my benchmark test scores were an anamoly and annual testing results like this would bring the inspectors suspiciously down on us is a sorry attitude that squelches excellence. Our ELA 7th Grade team here at -----Middle School had the best ELA team leader ever, and I believe when we all do test at the end of the year, our ELA grade level will show great improvement, even with the other teachers administering the tests.

Signed, Hurt and Frustrated Teacher
PS The kids were hurt the District thought they cheated.
Update: All the Grade Level ELA teams did do that year well, setting a high standard that hasn't been matched (or even close) for 6 years.
5 Ways To Build a Culture of Collaboration with Staff, Teachers and Parents

http://www.aasa.org/content.aspx?id=12512 

The School Principal as Leader: Guiding Schools to Better Teaching and Learning 

http://www.wallacefoundation.org/knowledge-center/school-leadership/effective-principal-leadership/Pages/The-School-Principal-as-Leader-Guiding-Schools-to-Better-Teaching-and-Learning.aspx 

Quick Guide to Teacher Team Building 

http://www.teachhub.com/quick-guide-teacher-team-building 

My suggestion: When one teacher stands out (in a positive way) the principal is like a parent that needs to keep the family from jealousy and sniping. Principals have great influence and can build teams of professionals that embrace other's success (or lack thereof) with support and grace. The question of a district that is suspicious of success reveals a greater, endemic problem, a culture of failure that may minimize the students and restrict achievement. Again, principals have opportunities to lead their districts from a position of teacher support, innovation, and even friendly competition between schools in the district. Success and improvement should never be an anamoly but a goal.

Teachers punished for success, whether it is in testing, parental relationships, or other arenas of education, frequently just quit and start their own schools. But that is an unusual option. Creating a success-friendly school culture is the best choice, obviously.

MzTeachuh: Educational Links 5/20/15

MzTeachuh: Educational Links 5/20/15: Making Readers Feel Good About Themselves http://www.reading.org/literacy-daily/literature/post/books/2015/05/18/making-readers-feel-goo...

Educational Links 5/20/15

Making Readers Feel Good About Themselves
http://www.reading.org/literacy-daily/literature/post/books/2015/05/18/making-readers-feel-good-about-themselves

Could Bilingual Education Mold Kids’ Brains to Better Resist Distraction?

http://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2014/09/29/could-bilingual-education-mold-kids-brains-to-better-resist-distraction/ 

10 Solutions for Students Who Fidget in the Classroom

http://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2015/05/19/10-solutions-for-students-who-fidget-in-the-classroom/

The Difference Between Speech-Language Disorders and Attention Issues 

https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/getting-started/what-you-need-to-know/the-difference-between-speech-language-disorders-and-attention-issues 

Kids do a lot better when schools ban smartphones

http://wgno.com/2015/05/18/kids-do-a-lot-better-when-schools-ban-smartphones/ 

A Toy Company Is Finally Making Dolls With Disabilities and Health Conditions

http://themighty.com/2015/05/a-toy-company-is-finally-making-dolls-with-disabilities-and-health-conditions/

Don’t Let Class Tech Be Just a Garnish

http://www.middleweb.com/22605/is-your-tech-integration-mostly-a-garnish/ 

How Much 'Screen Time' Is Too Much? Why That's The Wrong Question

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/diana-graber/how-much-screen-time-is-too-much-why-thats-the-wrong-question_b_7285212.html 

 

Making Readers Feel Good About Themselves

MzTeachuh: All-American Music To Grill To

MzTeachuh: All-American Music To Grill To: This is mostly for Americans. And maybe you wish to grill in quiet--that's okay, too. Multi-generational fun. But for us in the S...

All-American Music To Grill To

This is mostly for Americans. And maybe you wish to grill in quiet--that's okay, too.

Multi-generational fun.

But for us in the States, these might be fun tunes.

1. Born in the U S A Bruce Springsteen

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZD4ezDbbu4

A traditional song sung with soul.

2. Ray Charles - "America, the Beautiful"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRUjr8EVgBg 

Maybe this is Juneteenth.

The History of Juneteenth
http://www.juneteenth.com/history.htm

This includes some good ole America poetry with the music.

3. Ragged Old Flag * Johnny Cash * USA 

Johnny makes non-verbal comment.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIHYNPjUd50&feature=related 

 While we're on Johnny Cash and poetry, the lyrics began as a poem by Julia Ward Howe

4. Johnny Cash sings The Battle Hymn Of The Republic 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQhyWv-PeVE

Friends can have a cook out, too.

5. Simon & Garfunkel - American Tune 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBqCpd31JPA&feature=related 

6. Bob Dylan "With God on our side" 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_duPtoJgWP4

7.  Creedence Clearwater Revival - "Fortunate Son"

Good field for football later, soccer, or baseball.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EU7H--USv6Y 

Here's classical based on the Quaker tune, "Simple Gifts." Another poem.

'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free

'Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,

And when we find ourselves in the place just right,

'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.

When true simplicity is gain'd,

To bow and to bend we shan't be asham'd,

To turn, turn will be our delight,

Till by turning, turning we come 'round right.^[2]

Earliest American Bar B Que: Jamestown

8.  Aaron Copland - "Appalachian Spring"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7U7hPHSkNJo 

9. God Bless The USA (Lee Greenwood) 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWC8liHX_G8 

Little known fact about Jimi Hendrix--he served in the U S Army as a paratrooper. 

Jimi in the 101st

 

10. Jimi Hendrix - "The Star-Spangled Banner"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjzZh6-h9fM

And just a little homage to my home state--

11. The Beach Boys California Girls 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmIsdMWzdaE&spfreload=1

Beautiful place for a picnic

I've heard many folks say, who were from other nations on the continents of North and South America, that they, too, could claimed to be Americans.

America the Multicultural.

So, here is Celine, our Canadian friend, to sing God Bless America.

12. God Bless America - Celine Dion (With Lyrics & History) 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXLQ2RPLO78 

 Don't forget the marshmallows and s'mores.

MzTeachuh: Principal's Suggestion Box: Letter #9

MzTeachuh: Principal's Suggestion Box: Letter #9:   These letters are absolutely fictional (to protect the innocent and not-so-innocent.) But, with the hint of truth, maybe we can make ...

Principal's Suggestion Box: Letter #9

 


These letters are absolutely fictional (to protect the innocent and not-so-innocent.) But, with the hint of truth, maybe we can make some adjustments. Principals have the best chance to do that.

Dear Principal,

Just thought I'd give you a progress report, and let you know I am so excited about the new schoolyear. The plans for teacher collaboration seem to be a reasonable amount of time, and very creative that some of the teams are based on areas of interest rather than only grade levels or teaching areas. Already, Mr. -- and Ms.-- and I have been emailing this summer for plans on the school garden. Mr.-- is so helpful, knows vegetables, and excited to be included on a GenEd team. He says his Special Ed. class will be very enthusiastic gardeners! Ms.-- is a Master Gardener in the community and is keeping us so organized. Mr.-- isn't on our team, but hopes to bring out his English class to the garden to sit write from time to time. Mrs. -- from the cafeteria staff. says she can use the veggies, and let the kids know what recipes they are going into. I've been able to get donations from Home Depot and Lowe's for equipment and supplies. Of course, I am also preparing for my incoming 9th grade math kids--I feel more invigorated with the garden being in the mix. So much math in gardening--even if we don't spent an inordinate amount of time there, the kids will love it. And we get to be outside once in awhile.

Thanks again for your innovation.

Teacher Enjoying A Break in the Monotony

School Garden Checklist

http://www.letsmove.gov/school-garden-checklist 

The Benefits of a School Garden

http://www.myhealthyschool.com/gardens/benefits.php 

Nature Deficit Disorder

http://www.education.com/topic/nature-deficit-disorder/ 

My suggestion: Principals, be flexible. Most of the staff time is preordained. No choice, really a huge, highly stressful sequence of tasks. Every day. If staff members have an idea that may relieve the monotony or tenseness--let them give it a shot. Poetry Reading Festival? Vincent van Gogh Chalk drawing on the quad? Sing Alongs at lunch? Learn a New Soccer (or Dance) Move before school? Prepare and give speeches at assemblies? A garden? Why not, if it isn't too expensive, it's safely administered, and sounds like a bit of fun. Let the staff and kids blow off a little steam. But the garden would be awesome.

 

Mr. Kashiwagi's garden at Jehue Middle School.

MzTeachuh: Teaching Is Giving Grades

MzTeachuh: Teaching Is Giving Grades: 1. Abolish Grades? I Don't Think So  http://www.youreducationmatters.com/College/abolishgrades.htm   2. Why Do We Give Grades? ht...

Teaching Is Giving Grades

1. Abolish Grades? I Don't Think So 
http://www.youreducationmatters.com/College/abolishgrades.htm 

2. Why Do We Give Grades?

http://teaching.monster.com/benefits/articles/7146-why-do-we-give-grades 

3. What to do when grading seems unfair

http://www.greatschools.org/improvement/quality-teaching/1370-what-do-you-do-when-grading-seems-unfair.gs

4.  No F's or D's Allowed?
What Does the Law Say About Passing Grades?

http://www.wrightslaw.com/advoc/ltrs/fape.passing.grades.htm 

5. Can Grades Be Helpful and Fair?

http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/dec97/vol55/num04/Can-Grades-Be-Helpful-and-Fair%C2%A2.aspx 

6.  Evaluating and Grading Student Work

http://cet.usc.edu/resources/teaching_learning/docs/teaching_nuggets_docs/4.4_Evaluating_and_Grading_Students.pdf

7. STRATEGIES FOR FAIR AND CONFLICT-FREE GRADING 

http://ctl.stanford.edu/handbook/strategies-for-fair-and-conflict-free-grading.html 

Do you think grades should be abolished? Check out this Facebook group discussion:

Teachers Throwing Out Grades

https://www.facebook.com/groups/teachersthrowingoutgrades/?fref=ts