Educational Links 8/12/18

Administrators Can Make or Break School Culture. Here’s How to Spot the Best Ones

https://www.edweek.org/tm/articles/2018/08/08/administrators-can-make-or-break-school-culture.html

Let's Retire The 'Gifted-And-Talented' Student Label

https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaelhorn/2018/08/08/lets-retire-the-gifted-and-talented-student-label/#59a371d21a5d

10 Foods (and Supplements and Vitamins!) to Boost Your ADHD Brain

https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-supplements-foods-vitamins/

Google Tools for English Language Learners

http://www.controlaltachieve.com/2018/08/google-ell.html

Timing Matters: Making Better, Smarter, Shrewder Decisions

http://www.bamradionetwork.com/school-principals-radio/4792-timing-matters-making-better-smarter-shrewder-decisions

Why You Should Be Openly Friendly On The First Day Of School

https://www.smartclassroommanagement.com/2018/08/11/be-openly-friendly-on-the-first-day-of-school/

Creating Paths to Participation for Introverts

https://www.edutopia.org/article/creating-paths-participation-introverts?utm_medium=socialflow&utm_source=twitter

Response: The Role of Student Test Scores in Teacher Evaluations

http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/classroom_qa_with_larry_ferlazzo/2018/08/response_the_role_of_student_test_scores_in_teacher_evaluations.html

How do we know if teachers are teaching? How do we know if students are learning? We don't need high-stakes tests to tell us this information. We need administrators who visit classrooms on a daily basis, noting the teaching and learning they observe. We need to look at students as learners over time with samples of work and their own thoughts and reflections on the learning. We need to have conversations about thinking and learning and encourage risk-taking and innovation for teachers and students. When everyone feels afraid to try because jobs are riding on how an 8 year old answers a multiple choice question on a random day in May, it makes you wonder what these high-stakes assessments are really accomplishing.

Websites for Special Education

Special Needs Digest

DAILY NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR THE SPECIAL NEEDS COMMUNITY

 http://www.specialneedsdigest.com

The Premier Source for Developmental Disability News

http://www.disabilityscoop.com/ 

http://www.wrightslaw.com/

http://www.specialeducationguide.com/

http://www.edweek.org/ew/index.html

Special Education News 

On Special Education Blog

Reporter Nirvi Shah tracks news and trends of interest to the special educationcommunity, including administrators, teachers, and parents.

Spotlight on Special Education

Essential news stories and Commentaries selected by Education Week editors

Spotlight on Inclusion and Assistive Technology

Essential news stories and Commentaries selected by Education Week editors

Special Education in America

A 2008 report examining special education in the nation's high schools.

Special Education Backgrounder A brief research-based background essay on specialeducation

 http://www.specialeducationadvisor.com/

 
 

http://www.autismspeaks.org/

https://www.understood.org/en?gclid=Cj0KEQjwu-CuBRCQ2byQtMep7e0BEiQABQKlkWqRfGAhBpMlhiHCGVtg7jCaRoeTOd7PTcniDsV_MR4aAoXu8P8HAQ

Fret Not Yourself

and don't forget to delight thyself in the Lord!

fret not
do good
commit thy way
rest
wait
cease from anger
wait upon the Lord
the meek shall inherit the earth
the Lord upholds the righteous
show mercy
the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord
depart from evil do good
speak wisdom

The Holy Bible (KJV) _ Psalms 37 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0onzQNZkQ6w 

Educational Links 8/11/18

How To Support Students That Never Come To School

https://wegrowteachers.com/support-students-never-come-school/

What Is Narrative Writing, and How Do I Teach It in the Classroom?

https://www.weareteachers.com/what-is-narrative-writing/

How Learning Science Is Catching Up To Mr. Rogers

https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/51841/how-learning-science-is-catching-up-to-mr-rogers

5 Classroom Activities to Develop Positive Attitudes

http://www.teachhub.com/5-classroom-activities-develop-positive-attitudes

What Teachers Get Versus What They Need

https://theeducatorsroom.com/what-teachers-get-versus-what-they-need-2/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theeducatorsroom%2FvPKE+%28EducatorsRoom%29

Life Lessons From Fictional Characters

https://www.edutopia.org/article/life-lessons-fictional-characters

LeBron James Is Schooling Us on What Education Reform Got Wrong

https://www.edsurge.com/news/2018-08-10-lebron-james-is-schooling-us-on-what-education-reform-got-wrong

Social media lit up praising the litany of services the school will offer to students and families alike: among them, free uniforms, bicycles and helmets, transportation, breakfast, lunch and snacks—and not to mention guaranteed tuition to the University of Akron to every student who graduates. And the school is arguably much more than a school. It will also serve families with supports like a food pantry and GED programs and job placement service for parents.

Educational Links 8/10/18

Setting Professional Learning Goals for Success All Year Long

http://blog.mimio.com/setting-professional-learning-goals-for-success-all-year-long

5 Ways to Build Real Teacher-Student Connections for the Year Ahead

https://www.edsurge.com/news/2018-08-09-5-ways-to-build-real-teacher-student-connections-for-the-year-ahead

Reading Buddies

https://www.edutopia.org/article/reading-buddies?utm_medium=socialflow&utm_source=facebook

MY VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT

https://www.theedadvocate.org/vision-future-classroom-management/

Keep the Engagement Alive: Start the Year with Purpose

https://theeducatorsroom.com/keep-the-engagement-alive-start-the-year-with-purpose/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theeducatorsroom%2FvPKE+%28EducatorsRoom%29

'Lies My Teacher Told Me,' And How American History Can Be Used As A Weapon

https://www.npr.org/2018/08/09/634991713/lies-my-teacher-told-me-and-how-american-history-can-be-used-as-a-weapon?utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=education

How to Make Students Care About Writing

https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2018/08/making-students-care-about-writing/567044/

Today, there is a growing consensus that students need strong writing skills to succeed in the workplace and to fully participate in society, but educators passionately disagree on the best ways to teach those skills. Some call for greater focus on the fundamentals of grammar: building vocabulary, identifying parts of speech, and mastering punctuation. Others believe that students need more opportunities to develop their writerly voice through creative expression and work that allows them to make connections between great literature and their personal lives.

Greetings! It's A New School Year!

I've started a new position--

Let me introduce myself. I am Melanie Taylor, M.A.--longtime teacher, writer, gardener, mom and, most importantly, a follower of Jesus Christ. I am so excited to teach English Literature and Composition at Victor Valley Christian School. I first started teaching in Christian schools, now I'm back, and English is my first love. We will have such fun!

But first, some housekeeping. Here are links for information on how our class will run, and how we can communicate

Melanie Taylor, M. A.

English Literature, Language and Composition

August 10, 2018

Dear Parents/Guardians, Family, and Students,

  How exciting! We have a new school year and I am so pleased to be
included in the educational process here at Victor Valley Christian School,
and in a subject I really love. We have a busy year planned developing
powerful writing skills, increasing digital knowledge and confidence, and,
best of all, experiencing great literature to love and appreciate for a lifetime.
This is a solid college prep program.

We will participate with Google Classroom, as well as use my regularly
updated classroom website:  MzT’s Classroom https://www.mzteachuh.com/  
There is a matching blog, too, with pertinent information about our English program
that is also regularly updated-- MzT’s Classroom https://mztsclass.blogspot.com/  
These online resources post nothing personal about the students, but general
information about the English program, homework, and activities. If you want more
information on Reading Teams, Book Club, Writer’s Workshop, Station Rotation,
or what to study for the next test, check the website or blog.

 Courtesy and full focus on our work are the hallmarks of our classroom.
We can collaborate on classwork, discuss grading and behavior, and be assured
we have open communication and mutual support. Our class syllabus has details
about grading, classroom rules and routines, reading lists, and needed materials.
This syllabus is also online at the Mzt’s Classroom site, and blog.

 Please communicate with me through Google Classroom, or email
Melanie Taylor mtaylor@vvcs.org , call the School Office 760-241-8827,
and when I get my new smartphone, I will give you a number you can call or text.
I don’t respond during class, if you have an emergency, call the Front Office 760-241-8827.
My goal is to get back to you within a day. My Office hours are Tuesday and
Thursday  3:00-4:00 p.m..
I am generally on the run, so if you wish to speak to me in person or have a conference,
please schedule one. I don’t want to miss you!

The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:

The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:

The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

Numbers 6:24-26

Sincerely,

Melanie Taylor, M.A.

Syllabus: English Literature, Language and Composition

https://mztsclass.blogspot.com/2018/07/syllabus-english-literature-language.html

MzT's Outside Reading

https://mztsclass.blogspot.com/2018/08/mzts-outside-reading.html

Our Digital Classroom/Ed Tech Cafe

https://mztsclass.blogspot.com/2018/08/our-digital-classroomed-tech-cafe.html

MzT's Writer's Workshop

https://mztsclass.blogspot.com/2018/08/mzts-writers-workshop.html

Educational Links 8/9/18

The 3 Most Important Questions To Ask When Evaluating Social Emotional Learning Screeners

https://www.edsurge.com/news/2018-08-07-the-3-most-important-questions-to-ask-when-evaluating-social-emotional-learning-programs

ADHD Parent Palooza
https://adhdpalooza.com/parents/


Massive NY Times Project On Climate Change Accompanied By Good Lesson Plans

http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2018/08/07/massive-ny-times-project-on-climate-change-accompanied-by-good-lesson-plans/

Once a Teacher, Always a Teacher

https://www.rickjetter.com/single-post/2018/08/07/Once-a-Teacher-Always-a-Teacher

What Is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?

https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/guide/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd#1

Using a Mock Trial to Build Literacy Skills

https://www.edutopia.org/article/using-mock-trial-build-literacy-skills

5 Ways To Engage Reluctant Learners

https://www.teachthought.com/pedagogy/5-ways-to-engage-reluctant-learners/

Ask These 5 Questions to Know Where Candidates Stand on Education Issues

https://www.ncld.org/archives/action-center/what-we-ve-done/ask-these-5-questions-to-know-where-candidates-stand-on-education-issues

With election season just around the corner, many Congressional, state and local candidates are holding events in your area so they can speak directly with voters. You can help make sure education and disability issues are a top priority in our local, state, and federal governments. Here are some ideas for questions you can ask every candidate to know where they stand on important issues. You may only have a few minutes, so ask a question that is most meaningful to you.

Educational Links 8/8/18

16 Things I Want To Hear My Students Say

https://www.teachthought.com/critical-thinking/what-teachers-want-to-hear/

What Many Teachers Don’t Know About ADHD

https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-for-teachers-video/

Important Questions to Ask Your Students

https://www.edutopia.org/article/important-questions-ask-your-students

What If Early Childhood Professionals Pushed Back?

http://www.raepica.com/2018/08/what-if-early-childhood-professionals-pushed-back/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+RaePica+%28Rae+Pica%29

5 Things to Know About the New Google Classroom

https://shakeuplearning.com/blog/5-things-to-know-about-the-new-google-classroom/

After quarter century of rapid expansion, charter school growth slowing in California

https://edsource.org/2018/after-quarter-century-of-rapid-expansion-charter-school-growth-slowing-in-california/599342?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=charter-805-18

Mind-Mapping Teaching Strategies

http://www.teachhub.com/mind-mapping-teaching-strategies

Mind mapping is a technique which has many advantages for intelligence development. In particular, this is important for children’s development. Mind mapping stimulates using both left and right sides of our brain, as it involves using images and words at the same time. Therefore, mind mapping can be taught to children because it can help them develop and improve their verbal, logical, and visual abilities.

Educational Links 8/7/18

Keep the Engagement Alive: Start the Year with Purpose

https://theeducatorsroom.com/keep-the-engagement-alive-start-the-year-with-purpose/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theeducatorsroom%2FvPKE+%28EducatorsRoom%29

New Study On Posture & Learning – Here’s How I’m Using It In Class

http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2018/08/06/new-study-on-posture-learning-heres-how-im-using-it-in-class/

1st Day Student Survey with Google Forms

https://catlintucker.com/2018/08/1st-day-survey/

Restorative Practices Can Transform School Culture

http://www.specialneedsdigest.com/2018/08/restorative-practices-can-transform.html

Three Ways To Use Google Classroom with Students with Low or No Vision

https://www.educatorstechnology.com/2018/08/three-ways-to-use-google-classroom-with.html

Teaching and Technology: The Promise and the Disconnect

http://www.bamradionetwork.com/edchat-radio/4793-teaching-and-technology-the-promise-and-the-disconnect

Why PBL & STEAM Education Must Go Together

http://edtechreview.in/trends-insights/trends/2845-pbl-steam-in-education

Teaching Strategies to Respond to Wrong Answers

http://www.teachhub.com/teaching-strategies-respond-wrong-answers

What happens when a student participates in class, but gives a wrong answer? How do you respond? Getting students to participate in class is a struggle for many classroom teachers. So when a student finally decides to participate in a classroom discussion, but gives a wrong answer, it can be embarrassing or discouraging for the student to want to share again in the future. They key to responding to students’ wrong answers is the way that you react to them. Here are a few teaching strategies for how to handle wrong answers in your classroom.