The Whole Child Blog — Whole Child Education:
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Transforming Schools to Become Innovation Ready
Post written by Laura Varlas Because tests don't require connection and collaboration, classroom education is being driven in one direction, while technology enables creation, curation, and connection. Educators are up against a global achievement gap, Tony Wagner explained in his 2014 ASCD Annual Conference session, "Graduating All Students 'Innovation Ready.'" That is, the gap between
MAY 22
Creating a Better Tomorrow Today in the Middle Level: Lessons from Donald Sterling and the Los Angeles Clippers
Most of us know the story by now. Donald Sterling, the former owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, was recently caught making inflammatory racial comments that stoked the cinders of hatred, burning through the NBA and creating a firestorm in the media and the nation. When I heard about this story, I recoiled and surged with anger. And then, as a middle school teacher and administrator, I looked for
MAY 21
Virtual Panels Discuss Choice, Equity, and Change
Building on the conversation started at the earlier Whole Child Symposium Town Hall and Live events, last week's Virtual panel discussions went even further to identify what currently works in education, what we need in the future to be successful, and how this can be accomplished. Watch the archived sessions below and let us know how we can improve the symposium experience. EDUCATION POLICY Davi
MAY 20
End-of-Year Reflection: Think About the Whole Child
As the school year winds down, teachers are spending as much time reflecting on the past year as they are thinking about a summer filled with sit-down lunches, obligation-free evenings and weekends, and restful nights without dreaming about school. Throughout the year teachers reflect continuously on particular interactions with students, a given lesson, or even a whole school day because they r
End-of-Year Reflection: Think About the Whole Child
As the school year winds down, teachers are spending as much time reflecting on the past year as they are thinking about a summer filled with sit-down lunches, obligation-free evenings and weekends, and restful nights without dreaming about school. Throughout the year teachers reflect continuously on particular interactions with students, a given lesson, or even a whole school day because they r
End-of-Year Reflection: Think About the Whole Child
As the school year winds down, teachers are spending as much time reflecting on the past year as they are thinking about a summer filled with sit-down lunches, obligation-free evenings and weekends, and restful nights without dreaming about school. Throughout the year teachers reflect continuously on particular interactions with students, a given lesson, or even a whole school day because they rea
ED Pulse Poll Results: What’s the Best Part About Being a Teacher?
In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week earlier this month and ASCD's ongoing efforts to celebrate, support, and recognize teachers, a recent ASCD SmartBrief ED Pulse poll asked educators about the best part of being a teacher. The National Teachers Hall of Fame asked this question of several of its 2014 inductees and they responded with the quotes in the question below, among other comments. Ne
ED Pulse Poll Results: What’s the Best Part About Being a Teacher?
In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week earlier this month and ASCD's ongoing efforts to celebrate, support, and recognize teachers, a recent ASCD SmartBrief ED Pulse poll asked educators about the best part of being a teacher. The National Teachers Hall of Fame asked this question of several of its 2014 inductees and they responded with the quotes in the question below, among other comments. Ne
MAY 19
Meaningful Professional Learning: One School’s Story
Post written by Linda Ashida and Kim Miklusak The most important aspect of professional learning is its relevance to the classroom: authentic topics and immediate usefulness to every teacher. The clearest way to make sure this is accomplished is to hand over some of the structure to the teachers themselves who can then learn from each other. At Elk Grove High School in Illinois, professional lea
Meaningful Professional Learning: One School’s Story
Post written by Linda Ashida and Kim Miklusak The most important aspect of professional learning is its relevance to the classroom: authentic topics and immediate usefulness to every teacher. The clearest way to make sure this is accomplished is to hand over some of the structure to the teachers themselves who can then learn from each other. At Elk Grove High School in Illinois, professional learn
A Matter of Choice
Post written by Walter McKenzie What if I told you the answer to all that ails public education is choice? Not dollars. Not standardization. Not test scores. Choice. Surprisingly effective in its simplicity. The current education equation is not simple by any stretch of the imagination and it doesn't reference choice nor children: Education is a public enterprise funded by taxpayers. Governm
A Matter of Choice
Post written by Walter McKenzie What if I told you the answer to all that ails public education is choice? Not dollars. Not standardization. Not test scores. Choice. Surprisingly effective in its simplicity. The current education equation is not simple by any stretch of the imagination and it doesn't reference choice nor children: Education is a public enterprise funded by taxpayers. Governm
MAY 16
Whole Child Snapshots Provide State and National Pictures of Child Well-Being
To thrive in today's global society, children need personalized support, safe environments, good health, and challenging learning opportunities. Adequately preparing students for their future requires a more comprehensive approach to education that recognizes the crucial in-school factors and out-of-school influences that affect teaching and learning. Such an approach requires the collaboration an