THE WHOLE WEEK @ The Whole Child Blog
How School Design Affects School Culture
Education Week's 2013 Quality Counts report investigated the effect of a school's social and disciplinary environment on students' ability to learn and the educators responsible for teaching them. Watch this video to explore some of the ways to configure school design to support a positive school culture. Discover how some schools are creating flexible, adaptable learning spaces that encourage co
MAR 06
Insights on Using Assessments Thoughtfully
Assessment is about more than numbers. It's about discerning where students are and planning accordingly. The March 2014 issue of Educational Leadership explores the many ways teachers can use assessments to help students learn. Articles in this issue look at how educators can use assessments thoughtfully to help students move forward. In her "Perspectives" column, Editor-in-Chief Marge
MAR 05
Choosing Your Tomorrow Today
Choosing your tomorrow today. What does this phrase mean to you? Probably your first thought is that it conveys an understanding that what we decide today affects what we become tomorrow. Obviously skills, behaviors, and knowledge learned today increase or decrease the potential for us all to do things in the future. But is there more to this phrase? Can it be parsed out? Take each word one at a
MAR 04
ED Pulse Poll Results: Which Digital PD Tool Is Most Useful?
ASCD continually seeks to provide solutions to the challenges that face educators of all levels. A recent ASCD SmartBrief ED Pulse poll asked readers which technology tools and approaches are most useful for their professional development. A study in Tennessee, reported in an Education Week article, is attempting to determine which tech-related PD methods have the greatest effect on student achie
Bring Yourself to Work Every Day to Build Trust, Morale, and Culture
Download Podcast Now [Right-Click to Save] Educators working in a positive school culture experience collegiality, trust, and tangible support as leaders and peers, creating an environment where there are high expectations, involvement in decision making, and open communication. Students entering a positive school culture feel safe, engaged, and connected and see school as a place where they can
MAR 03
Low Morale in Your School? Nothing a Little Teacher Empowerment Can’t Fix
Pick up a newspaper or spend a few moments watching the evening news and you will find evidence that many schools across the country are in the midst of a morale crisis. In many states, revised standards for Common Core State Standards implementation are taking a toll on teachers who feel as if they are losing the autonomy to plan lessons as they see fit. In some communities, budget difficulties a
MAR 01
Getting to the Heart of Education: Listening to the Whole At-Risk Student
"Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all." —Aristotle Many at-risk students in schools are crying out for help with their real-life issues, yet many educators respond with an emphasis on academic proficiency skills. With today's stress on academic achievement at all costs with little regard for the mental, social, physical, emotional, or spiritual aspect