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5 Ways to Create Relevant Cultures of Learning

A Principal's Reflections

Success lies in a shared ownership approach to design relevant cultures of learning. What happens in the classroom through the relationship-building expertise of teachers needs to be supported and enhanced across the entire school or district. Herein lies the vital role leaders play in designing relevant cultures of learning.

Cultures 419
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OPINION: New York City’s new middle school admissions will test white parents

The Hechinger Report

This policy change creates a real test for more affluent white parents who say they live in New York City because of the diversity and then send their children to segregated schools. It’s time for NYC white parents to sign up for virtual tours of middle schools that were not otherwise on your list.

educators

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TEACHER VOICE: Instead of assuming kids won’t read novels anymore, build a curriculum that showcases books’ worth

The Hechinger Report

What we mean is that the success of novel instruction hinges not just on the quality of the books we teach but on the intellectual culture we surround them with. If novels are to survive, it will be because schools believe in their power and put in the work to keep them fresh. Stephens favorite novel to teach is The Bluest Eye.

K-12 134
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Navigating Your Journey to Remote Learning

A Principal's Reflections

Social distancing has quickly become the thing to do and will soon be the cultural norm. In Mount Olive, school officials were initially doubtful the district could support virtual learning. The COVID-19 pandemic has jolted the world in ways that many of us have never seen or could have predicted. Then they hatched a last-minute plan.

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One state tried algebra for all eighth graders. It hasn’t gone well

The Hechinger Report

percent of school districts around the country, most of them in Minnesota, report having policies mandating algebra in eighth grade. Related: Is it time to stop segregating kids by ability in middle school math? At Braham Area Schools and in other Minnesota districts, an algebra-to-calculus pipeline hasnt materialized.

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Knowing Where We Are Paves the Way for Change: The Impact of Coaching

A Principal's Reflections

It would be foolish of any speaker or presenter to do so, considering that we don’t really know the people who we are blessed to speak with, let alone the specific culture in which they work. Where I see the most change from my work is when I am fortunate to work with districts and schools on an on-going, long-term basis.

Pedagogy 419
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Middle schools are experimenting with ‘themes’ like math, sustainability and the arts. But is it all just branding?

The Hechinger Report

BUGS, one of hundreds of “themed” middle schools spread across New York City and the nation, fully embodies the “Green” school concept. Sometimes there will be a name on a school that has nothing to do with what’s happening in the building. It’s more like branding.”