Series
Difference Making
AdvancePath Academics: Positive Environments + Flexible, Blended Learning
Programs like those developed by AdvancePath Academics see the potential in students making challenging life choices and are recognizing that with the proper supports, success in secondary education isn’t an exception, it’s the norm.
Leadership
Family, Teacher Comms 101: 4 Simple Ways To Build Better Relationships With Your Child’s Teachers
By Jenna Kleine: As part of our Smart Parents series, Jenna, who works with families and teachers in her role at Class Dojo, writes about ways to streamline the communication between schools and families.
Personalized Learning
Why I Hate Pink: Abandoning Gender Stereotypes
Caroline explores gender stereotypes and parenting. She argues we should ignite passions, teach children to always be learning and help them see the world of choices available.
Difference Making
The Syllabus We All Should Have Gotten
By: Angela Skinner Orr. What we should have heard on the first day of school: If you don’t want to do it, don’t. Hack your education. You will fail. Use your iPhone in class. Grade yourself. You will fail. Document, document, document. You decide what you learn. Start now.
Leadership
How Pittsburgh Created An Innovation Hub For Learning
By: Gregg Behr. Foundations in Pittsburgh asked, "Can we build a region-wide learning network that expands opportunities for kids to learn anytime, anywhere?" Millions have been invested over the past decade to nurture a new model built on the themes of “cluster development” and the structures that makes innovation happen.
EdTech
EdTech 10: Season’s In Full Swing
This week we recognized all-stars with the CODiEs and DILAs, dove deep into the future of assessment, and whether it was state policy, coding awareness, or new acquisitions, we arrived in spring with welcomed inspiration and hope for the year ahead.
Difference Making
Startup Students: A Look At How Teachers Can Invest In GenDIY
By: Eric Nentrup. What GenDIY needs is more supportive teachers who see themselves as business mentors and “angel investors” who may not be able to invest dollars, but can network and carve out time or space for students to work on these authentic projects now instead of later.
Personalized Learning
Power of Play: Applied Knowledge, Engaged Learning
By: Greg Young. Learning starts early, and for this father of two, Greg Young, an experienced educator, writes that he and his wife are considering various education options for their two sons based on the foundations of student-centered learning. Greg also highlights the importance of play and the role of technology in the learning process and that both help to direct highly personalized learning experiences focused on the child's interests.
Leadership
Leaders Learning Deeply with the Leadership in Blended Learning and Fuse RI
By: Beth Rabbitt. As part of our Preparing Leaders for Deeper Learning series, Beth talks about the work being done in Rhode Island to prepare principals. She describes two recently launched programs, Fuse RI and Leadership in Blending Learning (LBL) that are creating personalized professional development opportunities for education leaders.
Personalized Learning
10 Strategies to Help Children Define Success for Themselves
By: Ryan Mahkani. In this article for our Smart Parents blog series, Ryan offers parents some strategies to help children learn to define the word "success." Asking questions, listening to the answers, and getting to know your child's unique passions are some of the suggested tips.