Archive: 2017
Transforming High Schools: 8 Strategies for EdLeaders
Transforming urban high schools is enormously challenging. In this post, Tom shares 8 effective strategies he's observed through his work and visits to hundreds of schools around the country.
Holiday Gift Ideas for Teachers and Classrooms
Does this sound familiar? Your children have some phenomenal teachers and you’d like to recognize them this holiday season, but you’re not sure what to give. Here's a guide with some ideas you may not have thought of.
Getting Smart’s Educational Gift Guide for 2017
It’s that time of year again… time to rock the giving season with the gift of knowledge, that is! Here is a set of gifts for kids of all ages that help in the development of skills such as creativity, problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration and persistence.
School Library Makerspaces: the Bold, the Brave, and the Uninitiated
By: Michelle Davis. To some, the traditional “shush” space of the library may seem like an odd setting for the hands-on, creative messiness of a makerspace. Yet many schools are nonetheless embracing maker learning within their libraries. Here's why.
Restorative Practices Just Might Be the Secret to a Good Night’s Sleep
Research demonstrates that restorative practices can assist students with changing their behavior both in school and beyond. Learn more here.
K12 Insight Facilitating District Customer Service
Effectively addressing complaints and concerns at the district level can be time-consuming enough to distract from innovations in actual learner experiences, which in most cases should be a higher priority. In this post, we look at a tool that can help.
The Getting Smart Team Gives Thanks
This Thanksgiving, we would like to take a momentary break from our regularly scheduled programming to express our gratitude.
2U CEO Chip Paucek on Online Learning That Works
Tom recently had a chance to talk with 2U CEO and Co-Founder Chip Paucek to learn more about online learning that's engaging and meaningful and what Chip calls the "third wave of online learning."
Bridging Continental Divides with Virtual Music Collaboration
By: Mary Kay Altizer. My students who had the opportunity to virtually collaborate with their global counterparts are still collaborating together, and I like to think they'll maintain these international bonds for the rest of their lives.
How to Talk to Parents About Your School’s EdTech
It's only natural for parents to feel some concern over the use of EdTech in their children's schools. Here are some tips for educators and EdLeaders who are facing these concerns, along with some tools you can use to demonstrate EdTech's potential efficacy.