Blog

May 30, 2019 Using ESSA Funding to Meet Student Needs

As an educator, moving from Arizona to Wyoming four years ago was a big change. One difference I discovered right away is that my Wyoming district was much more traditional in their approach to education. While this approach works for the majority of students in...

May 10, 2019 “Why Do I Have to Take this Test?”

Every spring for fourteen years, I have spent time explaining to students that they will be taking the state test. Thanks to online testing, I no longer have to worry about students accidentally ripping pages out of their test booklets as they use their pencils...

May 7, 2019 Reflections on the Future of New Mexico’s State Assessment

As state testing season is upon us, I have found myself reflecting heavily upon the idea of assessment and the purpose they serve in the overall curriculum design I have for my classroom, and more importantly, in the instructional strategies I practice daily with my...

May 3, 2019 Appreciating the Value of Teacher-Led Advocacy

This piece was originally posted on the PIE Network. Historically, Teacher Appreciation Week has included cute coffee mugs stuffed with candy and treats for beloved teachers. Apple themed gift baskets, Starbucks cards, and hand made gifts from students and parents abound. I’m sure in many classrooms...

April 12, 2019 Drawbacks of using PSAT as Michigan’s 8th Grade Assessment

Change is the only constant. In the realm of education this seems particularly true. Having taught for over 20 years, I have seen initiatives come and go. When Michigan adopted the Common Core State Standards, I was hopeful that we could stop the age-old debate...

March 27, 2019 My Love/Hate Relationship with Data

I am a literacy teacher down to the core. I have always loved to read and tell stories. The idea of teaching kids to read first inspired me to become a teacher. I am a bookworm and proud of it! On the other hand, there’s...

March 27, 2019 Pushing Back Against the Data Haters

Data is such a heavy word in education today. We are shown charts and graphs and numbers that show how our students are performing. We track our students’ progress and we track our teaching progress. Teachers give annual assessments and that show how well their...