Key Points The greatest impact is seen when rubrics, exemplars, and dialogue are combined. Introducing an exemplar after students have begun work can increase creativity. Pair exemplars with a rubric to improve assessment literacy. Dialogue around exemplars; don’t just attach them to a project description. Exemplars are samples of work that teachers use to help …
Key Points: Curiosity in the classroom looks like a teacher approaching interactions with their students with an intrinsic, open-minded interest in what’s going on in their brains and lives. Curious questions can help strengthen student learning Curious feedback can help teachers build strong relationships with students A curious mindset could ward off teacher burnout In …
Being College and Career Ready (CCR) is not only referring to students learning academic content but also building employability skills to help students “find their fit” and identify their own pathways. These pathways will look different for every learner, but helping them to find their passion and preparing them for success is what true college …
This summer my entire faculty read Grading for Equity by Joe Feldman. This book is packed with research and also addresses and respects the sensitive nature of discussing grading. He does a great job of answer teachers most common questions and concerns about grading reform, like ‘If I stop grading homework, won’t they stop doing it?’ …
Summer Reading: Grading for Equity by Joe Feldman Read More »
Floop stands in solidarity with Black Lives Matter. We are horrified by the murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Rayshard Brooks, Elijah McClain, and countless others at the hands of police. We condemn the racial hierarchy that existed before the founding of this country and enforced by this country’s history of racist policies, …
I tell an abridged version of this racial awakening story to my students to model conversations around race and identity. Being open and authentic with students, I hope, encourages them to be open and authentic with me. I’m sure you have a story of racial awakening as well, and if you haven’t formally articulated it …
What happens when there are no grades and every student has an A? After years of fielding questions from students about grades instead of content and noticing struggling students demoralized by the numbers, I saw how grades distracted students from learning. So, when I discovered that going gradeless was an option, I decided to throw …
My favorite way to ease into back-to-school is revisiting my favorite education books. After considering my feedback system, I realized that the first time I ever heard of going gradeless was when I read The Art of Possibility by Rosamund and Benjamin Zander. Back in high school, my band director made band leadership students read …
“Giving an A” – Shift Teacher and Student Attitudes in the Classroom Read More »
This post is part of a series challenging teachers to consider their feedback system for the new school year. I wanted to share my own feedback system as an example if it helps you think about your own. I’ve taught a variety of STEM courses – Coordinated Science, Geometry, Algebra 1, Engineering – but I’m …
Feedback System for HS Engineering / Entrepreneurship – Melanie Kong Read More »
I chatted with Martin Moran about shifting mindsets around grades and what this means for teacher PD. Martin is a Lead Designer and Director of the Upper School at the Bennett Day School in Chicago, IL and will be opening their new high school. Previously, he taught high school for over 10 years. This is …
