Attorney Blog

Educators Need to Become Better Communicators

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST

Recently in the Minneapolis StarTribune, a school that began a new grading system based on assessing student knowledge somehow got spinned as a new, wacky system that doesn't hold kids accountable for homework. Yikes. This case study showcases the importance of learning how to communicate your new initiatives in smart and effective ways.

Wiki Tools for Collaboration

Thu, 19 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST

We've been using a wiki at Top Practices Education during our Master Mind calls. It has been very useful in getting everyone on the same page during our call as well as providing up to date links and information as we discuss things. People sometimes think you have to have a sophisticated (and expensive) online meeting system to conduct online meetings when really all you need is a free wiki page and a free phone conferencing system. We can help you set these up and show you exactly how to maximize these free tools to get your staff collaborating on common goals.

CARET

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

Sometimes professional educators are asked to provide evidence that technology really works. While hard data is sometimes hard to find, "CARET bridges education technology research to practice by offering research-based answers to critical questions." They have analyzed and summarized many data studies that can provide support for using technology in education.

Interdisciplinary Learning

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

Interdisciplinary learning has been around since the days of John Dewey, and more recently was in vogue in the 1990's. However, the move towards standardization has diminished the prominence of interdiscplinary theory and practice. This website provides a nice overview of what it is and includes some basic implementation stategies.

Brain-Compatible Teaching

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

http://www.catholicteacher.com/archive/articles_view.php?article_id=751

The Brain-Compatible Teaching and Learning Equation

by Rod Haenke

Recent research has enhanced our understanding of how the brain learns. Apply the results of this research to your teaching methods to amke learning more meaningful for the students.

We are just beginning to use our knowledge of the brain and how it works in the teaching and learning process. Eric Jensen, an expert on brain-based learning, said it this way:“We are on the verge of a revolution: the application of important new brain research to teaching and learningâ€¦. History will likely record that it began in the final two decades of the 20th century.” (Teaching with the Brain in Mind by Eric Jensen, 1998)

So we are at the beginning stages of using what we know about how the brain works to impact teaching and learning in our classrooms. What should we do with this information? This article aims to synthesize some findings about the brain into a fairly simple-to-use formula or equation for teaching in brain-compatible ways or, as Jensen would say,“teaching with the brain in mind.”

Technology That Makes a Difference in Student Learning

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

The Three E's of Technology That Makes a Difference in Student Learning

by Rod Haenke

Many teachers are skeptical about the value of computers in the classroom. Following the guide of the "Three E's," the author shows how to make technology integral to every part of school life.

For a variety of reasons, it has never been easy to fully integrate technology into the learning process in most schools. Even today, a school is fortunate to have classrooms with more than a few (new, not worn out) computers per classroom. How can a teacher really be expected to fully integrate technology when only a few students at a time can use the computer? Even if adequate computers are available, teachers may be skeptical about their usefulness.

Many teachers are skeptical about the value of computers in the classroom. Following the guide of the "Three E's," the author shows how to make technology integral to every part of school life.

Math Wars

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

http://www.catholicteacher.com/archive/articles_view.php?article_id=891

Math Instruction We Can All Agree On

by Rod Haenke

Take mathematics lessons far beyong the textbook with the ideas and models offered in this article.

The“math wars” of recent years could be framed as a conflict between those who advocate for direct instruction on basic facts and algorithms vs. those who advocate for a more constructivist approach through which students learn their own ways of solving problems. This article describes how to look at math resources with a skeptical eye and how to adapt different resources to make learning math more meaningful for students.

Live Event Learning

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

http://www.catholicteacher.com/archive/articles_view.php?article_id=981

Live Event Learning

by Jerry Berg and Rod Haenke

Students always remember how their favorite teacer made learning come alive. Live event learning—from field trips to adventures right in the school building—makes lessons both memorable and fun. The authors of this article provide step by step instructions for making live events curriculum rich experiences.

Metaphors to Motivate Student Learning

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

http://www.catholicteacher.com/archive/articles_view.php?article_id=1064

Metaphors to Motivate Student Learning

by Brenda Vatthauer and Rod Haenke

Connect with your students and enhance learning by developing a culture built on metaphors. The author's of this article describe how teachers can use metaphors to improve everything from critical thinking skills to student attitudes.professional development

Cutting Edge Technology Meets Traditional Classrooms

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

http://www.catholicteacher.com/archive/articles_view.php?article_id=1071

Cutting Edge Technology Meets Traditional Classrooms

by Dr. Kathryn Smith, Barbara Lane Ulrich, and Rod Haenke

The lastest technology is a big part of students' lives outside of school, but limited funds and teacher training often keep it out of the classroom. The authors of this article describe easy ways to integrate popular technology into any subject.

Project-Based Learning

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

Project-Based Learning is a way for teachers to focus on an overarching question that is relevant to the students, on identifying related key concepts and skills, on identifying the products and related criteria for exemplary performance, and on developing lessons that tie vertical skill development to content provide a strong framework for making it happen. the following article specifies how to do this:

http://www.catholicteacher.com/archive/articles_view.php?article_id=1112

Project-Based Learning in the Community

by Wendy Swanson-Choi and Rod Haenke

Project-based learning is not just a trend; it engages students in both their lessons and the world around them. From choosing a topic through completing hte project, the authors explain how to sue this effective teaching method in the school and the larger community.

Imagine students actively involved in solving a community problem or in a scientific discovery and at the same time learning key concepts and skills in reading, writing, math, science, and social studies.

What Works and Technology

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

Many people are familiar with Marzano's "What Works" series of best practice research summaries. This Website has done a nice job of aligning the "best practice" instructional strategies with practical teaching ideas. Samples and templates are provided.

"Marzano, Pickering and Pollock examined decades of research to find the teaching strategies that have the most impact on student learning. They identified nine strategies that have the "highest probability of enhancing student achievement for all students in all subject areas at all grade levels." Below is a chart showing those nine strategies with their corresponding average percentile point gains on student achievement tests. Many teachers are asking how technology can be integrated with these strategies to improve student learning."

http://gets.gc.k12.va.us/VSTE/2008/

Reccommendations for Obama

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

The Partnership for 21st Century Skills offeed recommendations to the Obama administration:

Coordinate the policies and actions of federal agencies in promoting and creating an aligned, 21st century public education and workforce development system, including the reauthorization of ESEA and other federal legislation.
Establish a senior advisor for 21st century skills and workforce development at the White House.
Form an Office of 21st Century Skills within the Office of the U.S. Secretary of Education at the U.S. Department of Education.
Create an Office of 21st Century Skills within the Office of the U.S. Secretary of Labor at the U.S. Department of Labor.
Support states and communities with investments to build a strong infrastructure and capacity for preparing students, workers and citizens with 21st century skills.
Create a significant Global Competitiveness Research and Development Fund for U.S. education, and target a quarter of the funding to innovation in 21st century skills.
Make the assessment of 21st century skills a priority.
Support states’ ability to meet accountability requirements and foster 21st century skills.
Ensure that schools are equipped with a 21st century technology infrastructure and 21st century technology tools.

Look for upcoming Master Mind meetings focused on 21st Century skills.

Still at Risk?

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

This next year marks 26 years "since the publication of the U.S. Department of Education's explosive report A Nation at Risk. Its powerful indictment of American education launched the largest education-reform movement in the nation's history, paving the way for strategies as different as charter schools and the federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act. But even after a vast political and financial investment spanning two and a half decades, we're far from achieving the report's ambitious aims."

The article goes on to say "schools are complex social enterprises; their success depends on thousands of daily personal interactions. They are, in the end, only as good as the people in them and the culture in which those people work. So it's crucial to get everyone in a school community invested in a school's mission."

Master Mind groups are one way to deal with these complexitites and get everyone involved in the school mission.

http://www.newsweek.com/id/133846/page/1

The Effects of Budget Tightening on PD

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 08:00:00 EST

The author of this blog describes her view on how tough budget times may impact how schools should address professional development needs.

"Many schools are realizing that they will not be able to send as many teachers to conferences or bring in the same numbers of high ticket presenters to lead their staff development initiatives. He wanted to know if I had ideas or tips for how schools can still meet their training needs."

"For me it is a no brainer. Equip teachers to do their own PD through the building of PLNs and leverage the potential of Web 2.0 tools to bring experts in at relatively low cost. Teaching teachers to create their own free PD represents a lifetime savings for the school or district."

For more information, go to:

http://21stcenturylearning.typepad.com/

Teacher Tube

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

On TeacherTube, educators share material, such as instructional math videos, with classrooms around the world. Another site, SchoolTube, mainly hosts videos produced by students in class with the help of their teachers. Teachers who use the sites say they value the opportunity to see what other educators are doing in their classrooms, and students say they enjoy having an outlet to showcase their work.

Wiki World

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

Move young people from being simply CONSUMERS of the Internet to CREATORS of the Web.

Use open editing software to engage students in exciting collaborative learning experiences. Promote reading, writing, and high level thinking across content areas and grade levels. Wikis are a quick and easy way to energize reluctant learners, promote classroom synergy, and encourage authentic learning.

Lodestar Learning Web Journal

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

This web journal is the official journal of LodeStar Learning, publishers of lodeStar, the world's easiest eLearning authoring tool. Visit us at LodeStar Learning Our web journal will provide information on new releases, new features, and tips, as well as useful information on instructional design and eLearning in general.

Engaged Learner

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

Engage Learner features articles on instructional technology that address the challenge of learner engagement from the redesign of schooling to practical examples of online lesson construction.

Sloan Survey of Online Learning

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

The 2008 Sloan Survey of Online Learning reveals that enrollment rose by more than twelve percent from a year earlier. The survey of more than 2,500 colleges and universities nationwide finds approximately 3.94 million students were enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2007. The sixth annual survey, a collaborative effort between the Babson Survey Research Group, the College Board and the Sloan Consortium, is the leading barometer of online learning in the United States.

The complete survey report, “Staying the Course: Online Education in the United States, 2008” is available

Future School: Reshaping Learning from the Ground Up

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

Author of Future Shock, Alvin Toffler is best known for his work discussing the ramifications of the digital revolution, he also speakd about the education system and the most pressing needs in public education. He discusses how the public school system is designed to produce a workforce for an economy that will not be there and describes how new technologies make possible customization in a way that the old system does not offer. You can read more about Toffler's views at http://www.edutopia.org/future-school.

Microsoft Education Newsletter

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

Sign up for the Microsoft Education Newsletter so that each month they will send you the highlights of what they’re doing for and with teachers, students, administrators, and schools. They’ll include education-related headlines as well as product news, case studies, tutorials, events, special offers, and more.

Assessment and Online Learning

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

Many schools are using online grading systems for reporting to parents “how their kid is doing.” However, the grades often don’t tell you much. Let’s say my student is getting 79% correct in daily assignments in math. What does that really tell me? Technology tools are making it possible to link specific performance on key concepts to online grading and reporting systems. But this can only happen if there is enough forethought and design put into the content delivery and grading technologies. Often they don’t “talk to each other.” You need to be able to have access to learning content that matches the key concepts you want the students to learn AND that can capture important data about the student performance. Then your parents will have access to meaningful data that can help inform them about what additional skills or knowledge their child needs to work on. And isn’t that what grading should be about anyway?

Using Technology to Differentiate Instruction

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

Today’s learners prefer to learn at their own pace and in their own way. Certainly there are times when students still need to receive instruction through lecture and/or through large group activities. However, learners are getting used to being able to access what they want when they want it. Whether it is “on demand” movies or television shows, You Tube videos, or online games; students of today are used to dictating what content to experience rather than being dictated to. Plus, learners are all at different stages of development. We know that as educators. So how can we bridge these two powerful needs? We can use technology to find out what concepts learners know or don’t know. Technology can be used to not only identify which concepts they need more practice on but also can be used to match them to the right content for those needs and/or their learning style. You can waste a lot of money on these types of learning content systems and not get the results you want. You need the right advice to select the right tools that allow your students to progress at their own pace and in their own way.

21st Century Learners

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

Certain concepts are hard to grasp only through reading text and looking at one dimensional images. When instructors use technology tools like LodeStar to present concepts with animated slide shows, videos, interactive problem solving simulations, and even interactive games there are multiple educational advantages. 21^st Century Learners live in a world of media and interactivity. Their brains function better when they have this type of interaction. They will be more likely “play” with these concepts in an interactive form over and over again. Students may not re-read the textbook but may be more willing to click and click again if they find the content attractive and interactive. Many learners today are more visual learners or active learners. These types of interactions can mimic hands on learning activities. One of the keys is developing customized multimedia content for your learners. You need the right tools and training to access, create, and catalog content that addresses key concepts.

Everyone is talking about the need for today’s learners to become prepared for the 21^st Century. Even though NCLB seemed to emphasize basic skills over higher level thinking skills – it is not an either/or situation. Today’s learners need to not only learn how to read, write, and do math – they also need to be able solve problems, conduct research, collaborate, and communicate effectively. Educators will use terms like 21^st Century Skills, Technology literacy skills, inquiry skills, and project based learning skills. All refer to the students ability to generate questions, pursue answers, analyze data, draw conclusions, determine solutions, present a coherent thesis, and communicate results. Whatever these skills are called – the evidence is clear that these skills are needed in tomorrow’s workforce. We can use technology to structure learning experiences that scaffold and teach these skills – and provide opportunities for students to demonstrate results and show that they solved real problems. We, as educators, are way behind the kids in utilizing collaborative tools. We can use the same types of tools they use for setting up social gatherings (e.g. Facebook) for collaborating on solving the energy crisis in science class.

Online Learning Should Be Engaging

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

At Top Practices Education, we believe that online learning should be engaging for the learner. And that we should more aggressively use technology to differentiate instruction, to enable independent learning, to teach both basic skills and higher order skills, and to track student learning. The good news is that there are more and easier tools to enable these goals. However, you can also waste a ton of money on so called solutions provided by big companies that need to support their over stuffed sales force and marketing budgets. With the right inexpensive tools and right guidance, school leaders can make real and sustainable changes that impact student learning and achievement in meaningful ways.

Change is Not for Everyone

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

Creating sustainable change is not for everyone.
This website and what it represents is not for all educators - in fact it's not for most educators. But we know that a small number of people can make a large difference as long as it's the right people.
Ask Yourself These Questions:
Do you care passionately about bringing about real sustainable educational change, especially at your school(s)?
Do you feel like you are one of the only three or four people that see the big picture?
Do you find yourself wishing you could connect with others who "get it" like you do?
While attending exciting workshops and conferences do you find yourself getting excited about the possibilities only to return home to the same issues and problem; and then find yourself losing momentum and settling into old patterns?
Do you find yourself wondering how to break the log jam and how to get things moving more quickly at your school and in your career?
Do you believe that if you had the right tools and (need adjective here) support you would actually take the necessary steps to effect real change?
Do you believe that you could do this regardless of your position in your school or district?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then explore this site - it is for you! Or contact us for more information.

Online Learning - News

Sat, 12 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EST

Competition heats up as Edison Moves Into Online-Learning Market

Edison Schools Inc. announced that it has changed its name to EdisonLearning and has bought a California-based software company that will help it compete in the fast-growing online-learning market.