Series
EdTech
Smart Review | The Prize: Who’s in Charge of America’s Schools?
In the fall of 2010, Mark Zuckerberg dropped himself smack in the middle of that debate. Appearing on the Oprah show with New Jersey’s Republican Governor Chris Christie and Newark’s Democratic Mayor Cory Booker, he announced a 100 million dollar ‘challenge grant’ for Newark. Did it work? That's the focus of Russakoff's new book.
Personalized Learning
Why Making Meaning Matters for Student Ownership
As a teacher of both teachers and administrators I do not want to settle for a shadow of learning. I want the real deal. My hope is that my students will get deep satisfaction and sense of pride as they learn.
Personalized Learning
The Front Porch: A Rockin’ Interactive Structure
Getting Smart Teacher Blogger John Hardison shares Studio 113’s “Front Porch,” an interactive, discussion-based learning structure where improvisational acting meets a flowing and focused conversation.
Ed Policy
EdTech 10: Leading Toward System Change with Policy, Partnerships and Progress
Taking a cue from Leadership: Key Competencies for Whole-System Change was the leadership from policymakers, startups, and Edupreneurs with legislation, scaling and partnerships in this week’s EdTech news
Personalized Learning
Must-know Buck Institute Project-Based Learning Resources
Taking the leap and implementing Project-based Learning can be daunting, but there’s no need to panic or go it alone. Buck Institute of Education is the epicenter of PBL with an amazing number of resources and a community of practitioners who are leaders when it comes to sharing ideas and projects related to PBL and spreading the word about the benefits.
Personalized Learning
Creating Demand for Change: Smart Parents
Bob Rothman writes that "a new book from Getting Smart offers suggestions for how parents can deepen learning for all students." Smart Parents: Parenting for Powerful Learning is creating an opportunity for parents to create and advocate for student-centered learning.
Difference Making
Creating Intrinsic Value, Interest and the Desire to Engage in Students
By: Nick Bain. Students need opportunities to discover value and interest in creative ways. Educators can support in this by being a learning facilitator not a learning instructor.
Personalized Learning
12 Reasons All Kids Should Try a Triathlon
Every kid should try a triathlon. In doing so, they will be active, help others, and prove to themselves what they can do. Most kids (some with adaptations) can participate in swim, bike, and run events where it’s not about “who got picked,” instead it’s about “personal best.”
Personalized Learning
20 Must-Read Children’s Books for Back to School
My daughter loves to read, and many of the Getting Smart staffers have children that love to read too. Inspired by our kids, here's 20 must read children's books to kick start the "back to school" season.
Personalized Learning
Navigating the Shift from Number Grades to Narrative Assessment
To reach a tipping point where number, percentage, and letter-based grades can begin to be seen as not necessary or – better yet – detrimental to learning, we have to build a focused movement that shows a consistent alternate view of assessment. That can simply looks like… well… talking to our kids.