Posts by Tom Vander Ark
Experts Weigh in on K-12 Coding & CS Resources
A big city superintendent called and asked for recommendations for K-12 resources for teaching coding and computer science so we reached out to some folks in the know. Here’s a summary of what we learned.
New Study Shows Benefits of Visual Game-Based Math
WestEd study showed significant achievement gains from the use of visual game-based ST Math in 129 California elementary schools.
New Classrooms’ Blended Math Program Yields Big Gains for Struggling Students
New Classrooms' Teach to One's impact on student outcomes, benefits for teachers, and why the program is the best picture of personalized learning out there.
Common High Expectations: A Conversation With Mayor Kevin Johnson
Mayor Kevin Johnson sits down with Tom to talk Common Core, his leadership with the United States Conference of Mayors, and his mission to make Sacramento “a city that works for everyone.”
Good Work: Grateful for 5 Signs of Progress
With a month left in 2014, it’s clear we’ve seen progress in student access, EdTech, model schools, districts on the move, and affordable higher ed.
How Smart Cities Develop Teachers & Leaders
How smart cities and a regional approach to talent development can share the load and create an ecosystem that continues to improve. And, how a blended and job-embedded approach to talent development creates the opportunity for personalized learning and ensures highly relevant support for real challenges.
How Not to Get Fired Implementing Next Gen Learning
It can be very complicated implementing next gen models. In fact, the work is challenging enough that it's introducing new ways for principals and superintendents to get fired.
Pre-#EIE14 Experience: Blended D.C. Policy Hackathon
Team Getting Smart joins fellow EdLeaders in Washington for a hackathon on policy levers and potential barriers that may enable or inhibit next gen models in states.
10 Ways States Can Use Prizes & Pull Mechanisms to Innovate
At the National Summit on Education Reform Tom outlined 10 ways states could use prizes and pull mechanisms to boost learning.
New Open Content Partnership Will Save Schools Money, Boost Personalization
K-12 OER Collaborative, led by a group of eleven states and a group of nonprofit partners organized by The Learning Accelerator (TLA), announced their intent to sponsor development of comprehensive, high-quality, standards-aligned with K-12 mathematics and English language arts content.