Teacher, Author, Education Consultant, husband, father, son, brother, grandfather. Former account @rickwormeli - Also over on @rickwormeli.bsky.social.
Herndon, VA
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In 2026, let's walk together, finding every opportunity (and make our own if none are found) to hold candid conversations on oppression, to become aware, remain informed, and do the heavy lifting required. Let's find a way to cultivate hope, dismantle despair, summon courage, suppress ego, think critically, extend compassion, and ignite creative endeavor in each of us - You know, 'the stuff of great humanity. There's a wonderful generation coming up, looking for our example; we can do this.
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This is one of the most disturbing, uninformed, and un-American statements I've ever seen a Superintendent make. I sincerely hope state colleagues can talk him out of the the educational and civic desert in which he's walking. The harm that would come from such policies would be almost unrecoverable, and it's all so unnecessary for the people of Oklahoma. We should expect much more from those leading public schooling. And yeah, I know, I'm living in Virginia, and we have our own challenges, but hoo-wee, this statement from Walters is supremely unaware and hurtful to many.
"We want the Bible in our schools" -- Ryan Walters, Oklahoma superintendent of public instruction on Fox Business
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Morning has broken like the first morning....we have become first time grandparents this a.m. Mother and baby all good. 'New light in the world!
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As you're thinking about classroom assessments next year, remember that we grade against criteria for standards, outcomes, learning goals, i.e., evidence of learning, NOT the vehicle used to deliver that evidence. So, unless we're teaching the assessment format itself, whether or not students do a project, test, paper, demonstration, etc is irrelevant: It's whether or not they presented evidence of their proficiency. This blows the hinges off the doors on the way to success as it opens new and meaningful ways to demonstrate mastery. There's a lot of agency here, which leads to students owning their learning. For some units of study, teachers can even ask students for proposals for how they will demonstrate the evidence of the standard. Then, as with most assessments, ask students to prove their evidence, to explain how the standard is manifested in their presentation. Gosh, this makes learning -- and teaching -- way more fun, and for students, more substantive.
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Teachers Aren't Burnt Out. They Are Being Set Up to Fail edweek.org/teaching-learning…
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'Saw BlackkKlansman tonight. Had to sit in my car by myself for a while, radio off, & process the sorrow, pain, & deep urgency I feel for 'country. Last 40 min. are intense, but 'last 3 min.? I didn't breathe. More determined than ever to fight systemic racism, end toxic politics
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Denying a student the chance to redo a failed demo of learning is the same as saying, "It's okay if you don't learn this."
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"Would I want to be a student in my own classroom?" @pernilleripp
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My son knows me well: 'His Christmas gift to me. Sasa Ke, Beltalowda?! The Rocinate flies here in my office in Virginia! @TheExpanseWR @TheExpanse @ExpanseOnPrime @JamesSACorey
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Yeah, there are other stories today, but the one for me and so many: This morning, two administrators at East High School in Denver, CO kept a student with a gun and the intent to use it from harming classmates. During the pat down at entry, the student shot two administrators ('critical condition, undergoing surgery), but the student body in the building is safe tonight. Hold these two courageous educators close to your heart and fully in mind tonight and the weeks ahead. Heck, do the same for all our profession...
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Yes, do relationship building the 1st week, but wow, teach something complex and demanding. Give students a deep dive into your discipline.
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7 Strategies Designed to Increase Student Engagement in Synchronous Online Discussions Using Video Conferencing catlintucker.com/2020/05/7-s… via @Catlin_Tucker
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Just arrived home from emergency flight to Atlanta, and Dulles is filled - wall to wall - with high school students, all from the March, energized, full of bursting potential and a sense of purpose. Dang hard not to tear up in happiness a bit, and wow, it's contagious.
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Why, yes, I do think middle level teaching should have its own separate certification. Thank you for asking. Young adolescents are not elementary or high school children; teaching them successfully requires expertise. #amle50
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This has the potential to change even the most hardened of naysayers: A Zero Does Nothing But Hurt Education theteacherandtheadmin.com/20… via @TeacherAndAdmin
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'My first video on standards-based grading that I created using VideoScribe intended for prof development for educators as well as parent awareness. Feel free to use it, if it's helpful. Grading Symbols Don't Matter Don't Hide Behind the Math piped.video/NQpBy4Bd7Qk
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This one's for all of us, teachers and non-teachers alike: “The day the child realizes that all adults are imperfect, he becomes an adolescent; the day he forgives them, he becomes an adult; the day he forgives himself, he becomes wise.” – Alden Nowlan, Canadian Poet
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In case you're interested, here's a lengthy thread (stream of consciousness?) on assessing/grading with sudden, extended, online lessons with our students..
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Resist the urge to grade students during the coronavirus closures inservice.ascd.org/resist-th… via @ASCD Inservice
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Purest joy, a whole new rhythm to my heart, and a beckoning call I can already hear: Is that you, Grandpa? Oh yeah, the start of the next generation of Wormeli's in the form of a Riley arrives May 2020...Pardon my ceaseless smiling in all things.
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So, I'm sitting here eating breakfast, reading The Washington Post Book World section, when my heart stops.short at number 3 on the best-seller list - Congratulations @casas_jimmy @burgessdave @burgess_shelley !
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It was 11 years in the making. It's almost twice the thickness of the original, with all new insights, practicality, research, and more. Mark your calendars for February 2018!
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Re-learning/Re-do’s are among the most most preparatory and maturing things we can facilitate with our students that effectively prepares them for their future professions. (Part 1)
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28 years married to Kelly as of today and very grateful. Here's to the love, laughter, and adventure to come!
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Yeah, I and Sir Ken Robinson are just hanging together at the book signing table here at ASCD's #Empower19 . Oh yeah, it was creative and he was in his element. 'Trying to get him to do a TED talk... :-)
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It's not what you went into to teaching to do, but I hope some educators might consider running for political office this year. We need you.
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My wife and I take a hiking vacation most Septembers since there's a bit less demand for education PD during this time. We're currently circling all of Lake Superior, but took this shot when I was told I'm finally eligible for the huge senior discount for the National Parks pass and got my official card. And where are we? Pictured Rocks area, heading tomorrow for the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum and Sault Ste. Marie!
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Teachers who don't allow/require re-do's for learning not achieved, evidence not presented are abdicating their adult/advocate role.
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For those interested, I'm doing a free webinar on April 2nd (3:30 pm EST) via @AMLE on assessment & grading amidst COVID-19-induced, remote learning challenges, w/addtl ideas on how to minimize concerns abt sts' work truly being their own. Sign up here: amle.org/ServicesEvents/Webi…
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Teacher to student who came out as gay that year, "How can I support you?" Student response, "You already have," and nods at small rainbow flag on the front wall of the classroom. @pernilleripp
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Standards-Based Learning: Why Do Educators Make It So Complex? blogs.edweek.org/edweek/find… via @educationweek
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Just want teachers starting the process to give yourselves permission to be imperfect and make mistakes with SBG. A lot of teachers don't start because they can't do all of it well in week one. It's still worth trying individual elements, however. #sblchat
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What does the research say about standards-based grading? mctownsley.net/standards-bas… via @mctownsley
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Teachers who forbid re-do's are not teaching for students' learning. They are presenting content, then relying on st's background for lrng.
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#sblchat "I used to think....., but now I think...." is an easy template/structure for sts to reflect on their growth.
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Just in case you need it, here are the directions for loads of card games, most of which you can play in partners or with just 3 or 4 people, if everyone is spending time together in the same house: playingcarddecks.com/blogs/a…
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As I arrived at the ticket counter at Dulles to travel to Chicago, then Banff, look who I met at the counter going on his own speaking/consulting trip - my dad, Paul Wormeli!
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It's Time to Stop Averaging Grades amle.org/BrowsebyTopic/Whats…
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It's Time to Stop Averaging Grades: amle.org/BrowsebyTopic/Whats…
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How a School Ditched Awards and Assemblies to Refocus on Kids and Learning ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2017/…
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Attended church today at Holy Trinity church just outside Oxford today. Sat for a few moments in this pew, the one C.S. Lewis used when he attended this same church.
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This behaviour would be far less likely to happen if 'sts & their families had extended contact w/Native Americans or anyone w/a culture different than their own. They would see these people as fully dimensionalized individuals, worthy of respect, not as simplistic stereotypes.
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What a truly amazing person, nice as can be. 'Will miss him and his writings. Thank you, Sir Ken Robinson, for sharing your many gifts.
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Wonderful article on grading reforms by courageous, modern educators! districtadministration.com/a…
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That 1st week of school, st minds are in a particularly open, eager cognitive state. Don't squander it with only team-building activities.
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And I would add: Don't impose extrovert criteria on the quiet ones, encouraging them to do what extroverts do, as if introversion was wrong or valued less. Honor the quiet ones who process and interact that way; embrace introversion as the positive it is.
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One of the best pieces on racism I've ever read. Educators, give it serious attention, share w/your families, too: thecornerstoneforteachers.co…
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That first week of school is a critical point of intellectual/academic/creative engagement, and students are starved for all three.
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We teach and assess so that students learn, not to play "gotcha" and record how sts fall short, claiming accountability achieved.
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No more zeros in K12 education | District Administration Magazine districtadministration.com/a…
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Check out this video from @PBS: Origin of Everything, Why Do We Get Grades in School? pbs.org/video/why-do-we-get-…
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I'm grateful for this day, and that's not just because it's Sunday, it's to have made it this far, to have laughed & loved so much, and to be granted such forgiveness. 'Eagerly peering at 'path ahead, getting a glimpse of the mountains I will climb & the friends I'm soon to meet.
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Today's the day! Lynn Wormeli marries Jordan Riley! Sun is shining, temps are moderate, father of the bride smiling but slightly a mess. :-)
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It's Time to Stop Averaging Grades: amle.org/BrowsebyTopic/Asses…
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There have been a lot of individuals, particularly in education and politics, who push back on alternative perspectives or progressive ideas lately, and they do in the form of, "Where's the science?" or, "If you don't have specific research citations, then you're wrong and your perspective doesn't count." This is seriously flawed on many levels. In some ways, it's cowardly, too, because it allows us to avoid candid, uncomfortable conversations about what and why we teach the way we do, as well as the ego sting that comes with change that which we have associated our identity. The simple truth is that we don't have robust research on every little and great thing conscientious teachers do, and the science is not settled on a lot of the elements some claim as such. And quite often when teaching humans, the sterile, objective-data-only, devoid-of-local- context decisions made are the most harmful of all. So, let's be honest: Education research is a deeply valuable tool for successful teaching and growth, but wow, there are cautions against setting it upon an altar and never drifting from it. Here's my take on this, in case it helps:
amle.org/the-problem-with-sh…
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In case it helps, this is my latest piece for The Washington Post, "The Answer Sheet" (via @valeriestrauss) -- It's on why we'd turn zeroes on the 100-point scale into 50's and the need to re-think our grading practices. It's meant for both educator and general public use. washingtonpost.com/education…
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Standards, Grades And Tests Are Wildly Outdated, Argues 'End Of Average' n.pr/1nMRfZW
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One addtnl principle re: lssns/grading online -“But how will I grade it?” as our first thought before assigning something online should send warning bells. The primary indicator as to whether or not something is worth pursuing in a lesson shouldn't be its ultimate grade-ability.
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Assessing & grading students' work is a labor, yes, but it's also a reflective, analytical time that's critical to effective tchr planning.
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Flexible Classrooms: Research Is Scarce, But Promising edutopia.org/article/flexibl…
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If you are interested in research and evidence of the positives and caveats of standards-based grading on college success, including the way admissions committees are responding to students who come from such schools, get the Feb 2018 issue of School Administrator from @AASAHQ!
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Based on what I'm hearing from some state School Superintendents, school boards, governors, and a few colleagues, I just want to clarify Critical Race Theory (CRT) (@AMLE), so the conversations might be more constructive, discussing from knowledge, not myth: amle.org/anti-racist-educati…
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Why is standards-based grading slower to catch on at the secondary level? One idea... mctownsley.net/why-is-standa… via @mctownsley
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Here we go - My first venture out into in-person training in 15 months, and it's here in MN!
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Don't Get Rid of Grades. Change Their Meaning & Consequences! blogs.edweek.org/edweek/lead… via @educationweek
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0 or 50% in grading? Read: Minimum Grading Controversy Educational Researcher, Theodore Carey, James Carifio, 2012 journals.sagepub.com/stoken/…
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#eWalkThrough It's worth repeating that with gifted/advanced students, we don't give them more to do, but instead, we change the nature or complexity of their learning/assessment experience.
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One last thing:Our default policy should always be, "No homework," so when we assign it, we really have to justify it to ourselves/students.
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Just a reminder, redo's and retakes are FAR more demanding than simple, escapist F's/0's. Child's immaturity shouldn't dictate his destiny.
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Teachers and school leaders, as we move into summer and the strong emotions and exhaustion from the end of this school year begin to fade, consider finding space and time to be with someone or a group of others to speak openly and constructively about racism, bias, and oppression in our classrooms, faculties, and communities. In the context of summer, sometimes we can see farther and invest deeper than we can in the daily urgencies of the school year. It's worth every conversation, every uncomfortable humility, every extension of humanity, even as we are made vulnerable. And, oh yeah, our students are looking to our example in these moments -- make it worthy of the next generation.
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Homework is supposed to be timely, responsive to that day's learning. it's not assigned because it's Tuesday.
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You run into the coolest people at #AMLE19 ! @PrincipalKafele was just standing there, insight/conviction/professionalism radiating from all angles, and I had to take the photo. He ignites the firery rockets of inspiration tomorrow morning at our opening general address!
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Thank you, thank you, Kirk, for sharing this. 'Very helpful to those considering re-assessments as one of the most effective learning experiences we can facilitate. kirkhumphreys.net/2017/12/24…
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It's Time to Stop Averaging Grades: amle.org/BrowsebyTopic/Whats…
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Dang. This is more than censorship, it's terrorizing. And, of course, it goes against major elements of good reading instruction and teaching diverse students. Not just for the professional teachers who work so hard and know what they're doing, but our hearts break for the students trying learn amidst such political and unnecessary vitriol. Aaaagh!
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A home run with serious insight on Redo's by Gary here: If We Don't Allow A Redo, What Are We Teaching? theteacherandtheadmin.com/20… via @TeacherAndAdmin
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In case it would be helpful, @PrincipalKafele and I are going to do a live (and also recorded) conversation this Saturday, July 8th, for his normal leadership program that day. This one with the two of us, however, is called, "A White Educator and a Black Educator Talk Race in the Classroom." It starts at about 10:55 am and runs for about 90 minutes. Principal Kafele's connection points are here: YouTube @ Virtual AP Leadership Academy, Facebook @ Virtual AP Leadership Academy, Facebook @ Principal Kafele, Linked In @ Principal Kafele, and of course, the Twitter handle above. I don't have any idea of the questions he'll ask, nor does he know the questions I'll ask him. Yeah, we're leaning the whole time toward the leadership side of things, but wow, there's going to be a lot of content for classroom practitioners, too. I hope you can join us this Saturday.
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Fair Isn't Always Equal – 3 Grading Malpractices middleweb.com/37435/fair-isn…
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Here is one highly competent physical education teacher's thoughtful "wrestling" with how to grade students: How I Grade in Physical Education thephysicaleducator.com/2017…
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Please, @JonHaidt, reconsider this tweet. Yes, there may be a negative impact with some or a lot of students and their use of smartphones during classes, but to leap to this causal interpretation with no other context or elements considered? 'Really misleading, unhelpful, and burdensome - just food for trolls. Help educators by being thoughtful and using sound research/data interpretation in your postings. What you've done here muddies the conversations so much, it burns everyone out just trying to correct the critically unexamined generalization you've made here so that we can actually do our jobs and converse responsibly and constructively with one another.
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Thank you, @SIfill_ , for posting this. It is very moving, compelling, and just...just...just so much more. Educators, let alone communities, let's all read and consider the dissent.
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75 Digital Tools and Apps Teachers Can Use to Support Formative Assessment in the Classroom nwea.org/blog/2019/75-digita…
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Just posted new videos for teachers & PARENTS on specific, descriptive feedback principles/techniques that can be used in school or at home. They can be found at rickwormeli.com/videos. Feel free to use & share, if you find them valuable.
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The World Is Burning; Teachers Please Rise Up theteacherandtheadmin.com/20… via @TeacherAndAdmin
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Compassion, courage, and resolute democracy to all Americans this day and in the days ahead. 'And a whole lotta patience. We can do this.
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Practical ideas for re-learning and re-assessing in our classes: amle.org/re-learning-and-re-…
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It's a false premise to think we have to create 'policies/ practices of the grade levels above us in order to prep students for those levels
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It's Time to Stop Averaging Grades: amle.org/BrowsebyTopic/Whats…
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Please, please teachers: Stop posting homework assignments for the week or two ahead just bec parents want it.'No pedagogical basis for this
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We Have to Prepare Students for the Next Level, Don't We?: amle.org/BrowsebyTopic/Whats…
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Here at the end of the school year, many educators are tired-physically, emotionally, intellectually, wondering how to finish the school year w/something meaningful or inspiring. One quote from Maya Angelou helped me every year: "You Can't Use Up Creativity, the More You Use the More You Have." Doing creative things is a great source of Oxygen and teacher mojo. Perhaps try one creative endeavor right away: Do a chalk drawing in the teacher parking lot, create a funny video for sending off students for the summer, join students in doing a mini-opera about course content, decorate classroom windows with the removal paints used by sports teams, climb a mountain, ask students to write a letter to their future selves that you will mail at that future time, get training on how to design your own apps, do a family-friendly style of, "Whose Line is it anyway?" with students and families one evening, brainstorm with colleagues how you're going to teach all formal writing through science, p.e., math, and social studies next year, teach one lesson entirely via puppets, or find creative ways to thank at least five colleagues for help you've received from them this year.
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'A proud dad moment: Today I was a keynote speaker at a national education conference here in the D.C. area, and a teacher asked if I might be related to that really great sports writer for the Nats and Orioles, @RyanWarmly, saying that he was his favorite Nationals blogger.
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5 Reasons I Read Aloud to High School Students - WeAreTeachers bit.ly/2uHGccg via @WeAreTeachers
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It's time to end the practice of class rank. Seriously, now. Do it. The case for abolishing class rank wpo.st/I4KN2
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Riffing on Edmund Burke's famous quote: All that's necessary for evil to triumph is for good individuals in positions of power to do nothing. So, good individuals, what will it be when it comes to assault rifles? Violence? Racism? Poverty? Let's find the courage and fortitude.
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In case you're curious, I just traveled back from 2075 AD to share with teachers in 2019 what educational elements will stand the test if time. This is an excerpt from the opening, with thanks to @MarkClementsEdu ! piped.video/M4LdlZx6BM0
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