In the end, the “just right” theory of reading instruction is focused on the right goal—having students read independently and with deep understanding. But the way it tries to get there may be exactly what is holding our students back from achieving at the levels they need.
Philosophical gravitas from an unexpected source.
The Common Core ELA standards are right to takes on one of the most prominent and often fiercely defended fallacies in American education: that fiction is the only—or perhaps even the best—way to develop students’ love of reading, learning, and critical comprehension skills.
Yes, let’s find ways to drive better discussions in the classroom. But let’s also recognize that what makes those discussions work in America’s elite private schools is that they are built atop of solid foundation of rigorous content and hours and hours of practice.
Ohio educators talk about the promise and challenges of implementing the Common Core.
Here’s hoping “next generation” also means “better”
The report, Future Shock: Early Common Core Lessons from Ohio Implementers, will be released next week, but some of Belcher’s findings are worth reporting early because this is such a burning issue for schools and educators across the state.
There is a saying among high performing schools that there is no 100 percent solution to helping students learn. Instead, there are a hundred 1 percent solutions that add up to big results. The same is true in the world of education policy.
Anytime, anyplace, anyhow, any pace
Billions of dollars are being spent to increase learning time in struggling schools through Extended Learning Time (ELT). “ELT,” which the U.S. Department of Education defines as the use of a longer school day, week, or year, is a key component of the School Improvement Grant program aimed at turning around failing public schools.
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) recently released Arts Education In Public Elementary and Secondary Schools1999-2000 and 2009-10, a report detailing the status of arts education in K-12 schools, the third study of its kind.
E.D. Hirsch gets a new ally
In the 1990s, much of the fireworks in the education policy debate centered around a “reading war” where supporters of whole language squared off against the forces of phonics. Now, in the Common Core era, I predict a similar firestorm is on the horizon.
NCTQ's Kate Walsh and Arthur McKee explain the significance of the Brookings Institution's recent report, "Choosing Blindly: Instructional Materials, Teacher Effectiveness, and the Common Core."
David Brooks, E.D. Hirsch, and why the status quo persists
With the spotlight on urban schools, recognizing the value of our country's rural schools is often forgotten.
Mary Poppins was onto something
Resistance among teachers to changing their instruction poses a serious challenge to Common Core implementation.
A look at the merits of the science frameworks for the PISA, TIMSS, NAEP, and ACT.
This stuff really works!
Innovation is learned on the weekends
When it comes to organizations peddling Common Core implementation resources and strategies, the buyer should beware.
Two competing perspectives on reading instruction.
The Common Core emphasis on "close reading" challenges teachers to focus reading on actually reading.
The education sector remains an elusive prize for Apple, but the company is making a big move to change that.
Act now, align later
