Personalized Learning
Personalized learning is a mindset and approach to teaching that focuses on meeting each learner where they are and tailoring a curriculum that considers their interests, prior knowledge and skill level, and pace. Such a demand on the teacher requires sophisticated usage of technology in a combination of personalized, blended and online learning.
The fight for educational equality in America
Handed down 55 years ago, the Warren Court’s decision stated that “separate educational facilities are inherently unequal.” As we remember the anniversary of this important decision, we can celebrate some progress but should feel a profound sense of shame for the vast inequities that low income and minority…
Duncan bringing Chicago-style accountability to DC
Duncan laid out his vision for Chicago-style accountability at Brookings yesterday. USA Today: The goal is to turn around 5,000 failing schools in the next five years, Education Secretary Arne Duncan said Monday, by beefing up funding for the federal school turnaround program created by the No Child Left Behind…
Where is EdTech making a difference?
A friend asked me where EdTech is making a difference for kids, especially low income kids. Here’s my quick list. I’d love to hear more examples. 1. AdvancePath.com runs 9 blended drop out prevention centers, 8 in CA, with good results serving under credited kids. Decidedly first gen; they use…
iTunes U is getting useful for higher/continuing edu
I love my iPod, I toggle between Patty Griffin and Physics. Maybe you received the iTunes U email today featuring engineering courses (or maybe it’s just the podcasts that I subscribe to); just some of the courses: • Stanford: iPhone applications • Open U: Design & Creativity…
Don't lock the doors to virtual schools
Read the following important post from Patrick Donaldson about limitations being proposed on online learning in Oregon. Similar efforts to limit opportunity by placing enrollment caps or geographic boundaries around online learning are underway across the country. These barriers will slow the development of a new generation of flexible options…
The (new) American Education Agenda
There is an emerging consensus on an education reform agenda that incorporates measurement and accountability, teacher quality, equitable funding, public school choice, and investment in improvement. The short version looks something like this: The (new) American Education Agenda Good Schools: Every student deserves access…
Likely to be the most important post of the year
Brooks column this week will probably be the most important post of the year, so it’s posted in full: The fight against poverty produces great programs but disappointing results. You go visit an inner-city school, job-training program or community youth center and you meet incredible people doing wonderful…
High School Turnaround Green Dot Style
The biggest question in education may be ‘how to turn around failing schools?” We’ve learned a lot about how to dramatically improve a struggling elementary school in the last 10 years—proven reading curriculum, diagnostic assessment, targeted intervention, talented teachers, and relentless leadership. High schools are a…
Bill Ayers on teaching
“Education is always and everywhere about opening doors, opening minds, opening possibilities. Education is about opening your eyes and seeing for yourself the world as it really is in all its complexity, and then finding the tools and the strength to participate fully, even to change some of…
Joel Klein on Transforming Teaching
Here’s a great HuffPost from Joel Klein on transforming the teaching profession: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/joel-klein/transforming-the-teaching_b_200616.html Eliminating the racial and ethnic achievement gap in our nation’s public schools is the most urgent civil rights challenge for this generation. I co-founded the Education Equality…