Most Clicked ASCD SmartBrief Stories
1. Draft of new science standards released
ASCD SmartBrief | May 21, 2012
A draft of the K-12 Next Generation Science Standards has been released for public comments. The standards -- an attempt by 26 states to improve U.S. science education and address the shortage of science and technology workers -- requires a deeper understanding of fewer concepts, said Janey Kaufmann, a Scottsdale, Ariz., school official and member of the state committee that reviewed the draft. The public comment period ends June 1. Arizona Republic (Phoenix), The (05/20)
2. How teachers can use "The Hunger Games" in science lessons
ASCD SmartBrief | May 17, 2012
The writers of this blog post suggest a lesson in which students use "The Hunger Games" to learn about genetically engineered organisms. To begin, students should discuss the hybrid bird -- the jabberjay -- featured in the popular book series and film. Students then should work in groups to study and present their research on "do it yourself" biology and other topics. Students also can take the lesson further by developing plans for their own genetically modified organisms. New York Times (tiered subscription model), The (05/16)
3. Teachers say math transition to common core may be tough
ASCD SmartBrief | May 23, 2012
The switch to Common Core State Standards may be most difficult in middle-school math, say some New York City educators. Math concepts, which must build on one another sequentially, now will be taught in different grade levels, running the risk that some students will miss learning essential skills, they say. Administrators say the process will be difficult in the short term but will result in long-term gains. GothamSchools.org (New York) (05/22)
4. Are the benefits of high-stakes testing worth the cost?
ASCD SmartBrief | May 18, 2012
The negative effects of high-stakes standardized testing are disproportionate to the benefits, according to the conclusions of a white paper recently released by the Central Florida Public School Board Coalition. While the white paper explores Florida's testing program, the conclusions are relevant to testing programs across the country because the state is considered a model for others, Valerie Strauss writes in this blog. Washington Post, The (05/18)
5. Calif. gears up for changes brought by common core
ASCD SmartBrief | May 22, 2012
California will be fundamentally changing the way the state's students are taught and tested as it implements Common Core State Standards starting in the fall. The changes will include an increased emphasis on project-based learning and development of students' critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. Technology will be evident both in the classroom and in assessment options. "We need to make sure our students are ready to compete in a world economy and a world job market," said Lori Freiermuth, a high-school teacher in Chula Vista. San Diego Union-Tribune (05/21)
6. Six ideas for creating positive classroom relationships
ASCD SmartBrief | May 18, 2012
Effective classrooms require a trusting relationship between students and teachers, Larry Ferlazzo writes in this blog post. In this excerpt from his upcoming book with Katie Hull Sypnieski, "The ESL/ELL Teacher's Survival Guide," Ferlazzo provides several suggestions for activities to foster positive classroom relationships, including sharing weekly reflections and a scavenger hunt to foster student interaction. Edutopia.org (05/16)
7. Engaging activities to end the school year
ASCD SmartBrief | May 22, 2012
Rebecca Alber in this blog post offers six end-of-year projects that include her three essential elements of engaging classroom activities: choices, creativity and constructing. The projects she suggests include writing commercials, on-campus field trips and students teaching other students a favorite topic or skill. Edutopia.org (05/21)
8. Small high schools dominate Washington Post rankings
ASCD SmartBrief | May 21, 2012
At the top of this year's Washington Post High School Challenge Index are primarily smaller schools, including magnets and charters. Private schools make the list for the first time, writes Jay Mathews, who conducts the annual analysis. The rankings are based on a measure of college-level test preparation. A trend among top-ranking schools, Mathews writes, is their commitment to applying "international standards to American education," such as Advanced Placement, the Advanced International Certificate of Education and International Baccalaureate. Washington Post, The (05/20)
9. Tool aims to make math part of the bedtime ritual
ASCD SmartBrief | May 18, 2012
A nonprofit group in New Jersey has created a tool for parents to make math part of their children's bedtime rituals. Bedtime Math posts new math problems daily on its site, along with an answer key for parents. "We've been doing this with our own kids for about six years," the nonprofit's creator, Laura Bilodeau Overdeck, said. "Our feeling was math should be on equal footing with the bedtime story." NorthJersey.com (Hackensack, N.J.) (free registration) (05/17)
10. Three teacher evaluation mistakes to avoid
ASCD SmartBrief | May 22, 2012
Is your school district implementing a new teacher-evaluation system? Avoid common implementation mistakes with tips from ASCD author Robyn Jackson. In her latest ASCD EDge blog post, Jackson outlines three big blunders that no district should repeat, the most egregious being not providing follow-up professional development, feedback and coaching that helps teachers respond effectively to an evaluation. Read on.
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