E-flections of an Educator

Weekly Web Wanderings (weekly)

linda704 — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 00:32:21 +0000

Parent Parties

tags: parent_involvement parents Title_I
Literacy Builders: An Epidemic of Poor Comprehension

tags: TEMS520 reading comprehension strategies
- aspects of our strategy instruction may well be counterproductive. I sense that we may overemphasize things like making connections and predictions and underemphasize things like synthesis and determining importance.
COHERENCE: ASSESSMENT SUCCESS KEY TO NEXT GENERATION

“The way forward to better assessment begins with the conception of assessment not as a single test but as a coherent system of measures. Coherent systems must be composed of valid measures of learning and be horizontally, developmentally, and vertically aligned to serve classroom, school, and district improvement.”

tags: TEMS520 assessment PLC
PhD2Published

“It offers a wealth of hints and tips for early-career academics on how to get published as well providing discussion on the future of academic publishing in the e-age.”

tags: writing research publishing
MISD School Improvement and RTI – Home

tags: rti MISD ELA math Title_I
MDE – On Site Review Materials

tags: Title_I MDE
MDE – Special Populations Conference – 2011

tags: McKinney-Vento homeless MDE bilingual ELL Title_I Title_III at-risk
Data for Student Success: Welcome Page

D4SS

tags: data MDE CEPI SIP
MI School Data

“MI School Data provides views of Michigan education data to help make informed educational decisions, to help improve instruction and to enable school systems to prepare a higher percentage of students to succeed in rigorous high school courses, college and challenging careers.”

tags: MDE data assessment CCR
Homeless students find hope in their principal – CBS News Video

“Sherrie Gahn, the principal of a Las Vegas school where nearly 85 percent of the children are homeless, is improving the lives of her students and their families through a donation program she created.”

tags: homeless McKinney-Vento video
MDE – Common Core State Academic Standards

Several links to information about the CCSS and the new assessments. Also included are crosswalk documents for the Michigan GLCE and CCSS

tags: common_core TEMS520 MDE CCSS assessment
A Year of Slow Cooking: Sweet Potato Chili (vegan!) Slow Cooker Recipe

tags: recipe vegan vegetarian crockpot

Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.

Weekly Web Wanderings (weekly)

linda704 — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 00:32:11 +0000

Amazon.com: Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (Spiral) (9781433805622): American Psychological Association: Books

tags: TEMS520 reference research writing citation
Purdue OWL: APA Formatting and Style Guide

“APA (American Psychological Association) is most commonly used to cite sources within the social sciences. This resource, revised according to the 6th edition, second printing of the APA manual, offers examples for the general format of APA research papers, in-text citations, endnotes/footnotes, and the reference page. For more information, please consult the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 6th edition, second printing.”

tags: TEMS520 reference research writing citation
How To Read An Academic Article | Edudemic

tags: TEMS520 research howto
Tame the Beast: Tips for Designing and Using Rubrics | Edutopia

tags: TEMS520 rubrics assessment
Text Structure | Reading Worksheets

Simple definitions of common text structures.

tags: TEMS520 reading text structure FFch1 printables
Teaching Text Structure

Slideshare by Emily Kissner gives good explanations of various text structures, and why they are important to teach to students. Also included are examples of books which can be used to teach the structure.

tags: TEMS520 reading text structure FFch1
ACT WorkKeys Prep Materials – Home

Resources to help students prepare for WorkKeys.

tags: MME MDE assessment HS reading math
Effects of Daily Read-Alouds on Students’ Sustained Silent Reading

“This action research project investigated the effects of daily teacher read-alouds on first graders’ ability to sustain silent reading for an extended length of time.” Current Issues in Education published by Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. 2011

tags: TEMS520 reading research
Welcome to Reading Online

“This website, provided by the International Reading Association, offers hundreds of articles on a range of topics in reading education.”

tags: TEMS520 reading research
WritingFix: prompts, lessons, and resources for writing classrooms

“WritingFix is a teacher resource website that contains lessons and ideas for any educator to freely use in their K-12 classrooms….The site is sponsored by the Northern Nevada Writing Project, a not-for-profit professional development organization that is located on the University of Nevada-Reno Campus.”

An absolutely amazing goldmine collection of writing ideas: mentor texts, 6 traits, revision, genres, and MORE!

tags: writing revision teaching lessons NWP 6traits TEMS520

Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.

Weekly Web Wanderings (weekly)

linda704 — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 00:34:33 +0000

NPR.org » To Do Well In Life, You Have To ‘Read Well’

NPR interview with Walter Dean Myers, the current ambassador for Young People’s Literature. The theme for his ambassadorship: “Reading is Not Optional.”

tags: TEMS520 podcast reading
MISD – Data Director Training

MISD website with links to video tutorials regarding features of DataDirector.

tags: DataDirector MISD training video assessment
Social Bookmarking | Common Craft

A short introduction to the concept of social bookmarking, using Delicious.com.

(Great overview of social bookmarking, even if you don’t use delicious.)

tags: TEMS520
RaceBridges For Schools | Free Printable Lesson Plans and Teacher Resources

“This RaceBridges For Schools project and site were created following the successful run of an 8 year old live student organization called Catholic Schools Opposing Racism (COR) in the Chicago IL area. (2000-2008)

This outreach brought together high school students from city and suburbs for suppers and workshops from across the Archdiocese of Chicago to focus on race and race relations and the building up of inclusive and welcoming school communities.

This site continues that work. Our online classroom tools are for engaging in the urgent mission of seeking racial justice, creating welcoming schools and the learning of inclusive behaviors in a fun and safe environment.”

tags: TEMS520 diversity lessons
Things About Me as a Reader | Literacy, Learning & Sharing

This is my blogpost which inspired our class activity.

tags: TEMS520 reading
An Exploration of Reading: Sense From Nonsense

A nonsense passage with questions. Demonstrates how students can get 100% on a quiz, yet not understand the text.

tags: TEMS520 reading comprehension PD
Text Structure Resources | Literacy Leader

“Knowledge of text structure is critical for reading to learn. By identifying the organizational structures of texts, students can observe how authors arrange ideas and determine which kinds of structures are used to interrelate ideas.” Includes printables.

tags: TEMS520 text structure reading resources printables graphicorganizers
MyRead – Classroom Organisation

Descriptions of several strategies for small group work.

tags: classroom management cooperative learning group TEMS520 strategies
Clock Partners « Teaching Social Studies

Explanation of using “clock partners” as a strategy/tool for partner work.

tags: classroom management TEMS520
Clock Buddies

A classroom management tool for assigning partners. Students sign up for a partner at each hour. When partner work is required, the teacher picks the time and students confer with that partner. Includes link to pdf handout from Reading Quest.

tags: classroom management TEMS520 printables
Home – Persistent Linking to Library Sources – Zahnow Library Subject Guides at Saginaw Valley State University

How to find persistent links to online library resources.

tags: TEMS520 SVSU library

Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.

Weekly Web Wanderings (weekly)

linda704 — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 00:32:40 +0000

Lesson Plans & Worksheets for School Teachers | Lesson Planet

“For over a decade, Lesson Planet has been providing a convenient way to discover and share innovative lesson plans. The Lesson Planet solution helps teachers find lesson resources, correlate them to standards, and organize their curriculum. Lesson Planet’s tools offer teachers a time-efficient way to inspire their teaching with fresh ideas. “

tags: teaching resources TEMS520 LessonPlans lessons standards
I Resolve to Read – The Book Whisperer – Education Week Teacher

Sixth-grade language arts teacher Donalyn Miller joins other teachers and education bloggers who are including reading goals and challenges as part of their New Year’s resolutions. Miller, who asks her students to reflect on the reading they did last year, encourages educators to participate and share goals of their own and their students for reading in 2012.

tags: TEMS520 literacy reading books Blog
SMART Board on-line training videos.

Created by Russell Stannard for Teacher Training videos.com

24 short videos with screencasts demonstrating the use of SMART Notebook tools.

tags: IWB PD video training elementary MS HS
MDE – Michigan Notable Books

“The Library of Michigan has announced the list of the 2012 Michigan Notable Books – 20 books highlighting Michigan people, places and events. The list highlights exceptional “Michigan books” published in 2011 that bring attention to Michigan authors and topics.” Includes links to previous years’ lists.

tags: TEMS520 reading literacy elementary MS michigan booklist
Detroit News in Education

Weekly features include Cartoons for the Classroom, Front Page Talking Points, Geography in the News Quiz, Audio Webcasts, Interactive New Quiz, Topical News Videos and Discussion Prompts, Use the News lessons, Words in the News Vocabulary Quiz.

tags: TEMS520 reading literacy elementary MS
AFT – A Union of Professionals – American Educator – Issues Index

American Educator is the research publication of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). Many articles are publicly available, though some may have “members only” access.

tags: research TEMS520 education
Reading Research & Reports | Reading Rockets

“Reading Rockets has gathered some of the most important research and reports here in one place….Whenever possible, we’ve provided a link to a free, online version of the research article, study, or book. In other cases, you’ll find a link to a publisher, journal, or online bookstore where you can purchase the resource. You may also want to check with your university or public library, which often have access to online databases and journals where research articles and reports can be found.”

tags: TEMS520 reading research literacy elementary MS
SmartZone – Home

Tutorials, screencasts, resources and links for using interactive white boards (SmartBoard).

tags: wiki PD fisher IWB web2.0 Interactive ELA Science Math socialstudies resources
BalancEdTech – home

“Welcome to the BalancEdTech wiki! We believe educators must be knowledgeable and comfortable with curriculum, pedagogy, and technology in order to “teach”. Our blog posts, articles, presentations, workshops, and consulting focus on helping educators weave curriculum, pedagogy, and technology into engaging and rigorous learning. We also believe people learn best by doing AND reflecting, both of which are integral to our workshops.”

tags: wiki PD web2.0 resources technology teaching

Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.

Resolutions or Recommitments?

linda704 — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 05:05:38 +0000

I gave up making New Year’s Resolutions ages ago. Like many people, I would have the best of intentions–eat better, exercise more, get organized, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera–only to “fall off the wagon” early on.

I prefer to reflect and recommit. Semantics? Maybe.

I think, for the most part, I do pretty well with regard to “eat better.” Sure, I have my cravings and junk-food binges (I have a horrible sweet tooth!), but I do try to make good choices the majority of the time, balancing grains, dairy, fruits & vegetables, and protein, and I’ve significantly reduced the amount of red meat in my diet. Back in July, the yoga studio where I practice held a green smoothie challenge, which I took up for part of the month; I had to take a break when I was in Europe, but resumed when I returned. I have to admit that once I got back to school, it got a little harder (and more expensive with the changing season) to maintain. I even noticed that my energy levels weren’t as high when I got away from the daily smoothies, so I tried to do at least a few days a week. With the holiday season, and all the goodies, I’ve really gotten away from it. Because nutrition is so important to both physical and mental well-being, I recognize that I need to make a more concerted effort in this department.

The first three-quarters of the year were pretty successful with regard to the commitment to exercise. On October 6, 2011, my finger was smashed in a freak accident, severely injuring the joint capsule of the 2nd knuckle on my left middle finger. No yoga, no Curves–too much stress, strain, and pain! (Thank goodness I’m right-handed!) A full two months of occupational therapy before I could resume all activities. By then it was December, and with all the holiday activities, and a crazy work schedule, it was really hard to get back into the routine. I’ve only recently resumed my yoga practice. I need to recommit to myself, and schedule exercise (both Curves workouts and yoga classes) into my planner so it’s “in my face” like any other meeting.

Organization? It has been a lifelong struggle. I have no problem admitting that! I was the kid who could never find anything in her desk. Because of that, I really stressed teaching my students to be organized: keeping an assignment sheet (back in the days before student planners), what to keep in folders, how to organize the items in their desks so they could be found. I often had parents tell me they were so glad I taught their students this skill. Harder to follow it myself. I think I’ve cleared out the remnants of my dissertation research and artifacts from my home office, and it feels like a space where I can think again. Now I just need to keep it up.

My final recommitment is the most important of all. A few years ago, I adopted a Ghandi quote as my personal motto: Be the change you wish to see in the world. While 2011 saw the completion of my PhD, it also held some disappointments and more than a few challenges. Sometimes it was hard to keep a positive outlook, and stay focused on those things within my sphere of influence. I need to remember that I can and do make a difference every day.

Resolutions or recommitments? Splitting hairs? What do you think?

Weekly Web Wanderings (weekly)

linda704 — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:32:20 +0000

Doing What Works – Home

Doing What Works (DWW) is a website sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education. The goal of DWW is to create an online library of resources that may help teachers, schools, districts, states and technical assistance providers implement research-based instructional practice.

tags: research NCLB resources teaching interventions TitleI SIP
MI Learning

MI Learning on iTunes U is a gateway to educational audio, video, and PDF files shared by organizations and educators throughout Michigan – free of charge. These curriculum, leadership and professional development resources can be accessed by computer and mobile devices offering great learning opportunities for students, educators and community -anytime and anywhere!

tags: PD iTunes podcasts Video

Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.

Weekly Web Wanderings (weekly)

linda704 — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 00:31:57 +0000

ClassTools.net: Create interactive flash tools / games for education

“Create free educational games, quizzes, activities and diagrams in seconds! Host them on your own blog, website or intranet! No signup, no passwords, no charge!” Lots of templates, including graphic organizers.

tags: web2.0 productivity tools graphicorganizers
Free Online Lesson Planbook Software for Teachers

“Never struggle with lesson planning again. Your plans are available anywhere and are simple to create.
Attach files, Common Core Standards, print, export to Word or PDF, share with colleagues.”

Free; premium version with additional features also available.

tags: web2.0 productivity LessonPlans tools teaching tools
North Carolina: Common Core Support Tools

“North Carolina’s Standard Course of Study has been completely overhauled and new standards are to be implemented in classrooms beginning in 2012-13. This Instructional Toolkit is designed to help teachers pattern their instruction and classroom student assessments to the state’s newly adopted curriculum. Please use this toolkit in conjunction with state- and district-level professional development to help you make the transition to the new standards in your classroom.”

tags: CCSS Commoncore ELA Math curriculum
Technology Tools for Reflection – Reflection for Learning

Some suggested “tools that can be used to support reflection, with a brief discussion of the process, the advantages and disadvantages of each approach.”

tags: reflection PD wiki
Illuminations: Welcome to Illuminations

This is an NCTM site organized by lessons or activities grouped by K-2, 3-5, 6-8Illuminations is designed to:
Provide Standards-based resources that improve the teaching and learning of mathematics for all students.Provide materials that illuminate the vision for school mathematics set forth in Principles and Standards for School Mathematics, Curriculum Focal Points for Prekindergarten through Grade 8 Mathematics, and Focus in High School Mathematics: Reasoning and Sense Making.Illuminations is part of the prestigious Verizon Thinkfinity program.

tags: math resources lessons teaching interactive elementary MS HS
English Alphabet Word List | | YES! Your Education SourceYES! Your Education Source

“Often when a person decides to learn English, a starting point is learning how to pronounce the letters of the alphabet. Here is a word list to help you practice the English alphabet and increase your vocabulary. The verbs on the list correspond with this English alphabet podcast, and the nouns correspond with these English alphabet flashcards. There is space on the document to write your own sentences using the words. If you want, leave a comment with your sentences, and I’ll reply with any corrections. Click on the first link to download the word list in Microsoft Word format. The second is the same word list, but in a PDF format. This document has a Creative Commons license, so please feel free to copy, share or adapt the work!”

tags: ELL vocabulary alphabet
MDE Press Release: Schools Beating the Odds

tags: MDE Research achievment
On Target: Strategies to Help Readers Make Meaning through Inferences

“Strategies that teachers can use to help students hone their skills at making inferences. The strategies are ones that teachers say work well in their classrooms. They are strategies that are supported by research and best practice in classrooms.”

tags: reading reading strategies MS HS teaching
50 Educational Apps for the iPod Touch | U Tech Tips

Includes brief annotations; app icons in the post are linked to the app in the iTunes store.

tags: apps ipodtouch resources ELA Math Science socialstudies Art music health PE

Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.

Weekly Web Wanderings (weekly)

linda704 — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 00:32:04 +0000

MACUL 2011: Assign This, Not That – LiveBinder

Technology integration options for a variety of traditional assignments such as timelines, biographies, dioramas, and more.

tags: resources livebinders websites Math Science socialstudies ELA elementary MS HS
The Amazing Race – Google Maps Project – Room 8

tags: summer TitleI socialstudies AmazingRace google maps google

Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.

Weekly Web Wanderings (weekly)

linda704 — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 00:32:14 +0000

Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.

Weekly Web Wanderings (weekly)

linda704 — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 00:32:05 +0000

WPClipart

A collection of high-quality artwork and photos optimized for use with word processors and inkjet printers.

tags: clipart creativecommons graphics photos blogging
Tech4Learning – Tools to Create, Engage, and Share | Tech4Learning

“Tech4Learning develops award-winning educational software. Our creative software tools support effective use of educational technology and help build 21st century skills. Our goal is to improve classroom technology through strategies like project–based learning and differentiated instruction.”

tags: software teaching teaching tools PD IWB technology
Directory Listing For /TeacherCadre/

Variety of classroom activities which include the following: 1. A grade level standard from one of the four core subject areas2. A clearly defined classroom objective 3. Multimedia files that add value to the activity 4. Images, photos or original works of art that will visually enhance the activity5. Citations and credits

tags: reading Math Science social_studies preschool elementary literature
Free reference manager and PDF organizer | Mendeley

Mendeley is a free reference manager and academic social network that can help you organize your research, collaborate with others online, and discover the latest research.

tags: Research reference web2.0 bibliography
There’s an App for That — Using iPads to Support Literacy Instruction in the Classroom | Scholastic.com

tags: ipad apps Literacy
Watching Teachers Work: Using Observation Tools to Promote Effective Teaching in the Early Years and Early Grades

tags: early literacy teaching teachers observation instruction research
TES iboard

Tons of IWB/SmartBoard resources for a variety of grades and content.

tags: IWB Interactive games Literacy Math Science social_studies

Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.