Francis Sheehan

1 week ago | edweek.org | Evie Blad |Francis Sheehan

Teachers use rubrics to ensure consistency and clarity in grading student assignments by carefully detailing what a successful project looks like. But the seeming simplicity of these assessment tools masks complicated questions about how to measure student progress and how to encourage continued learning, said Kevin Perks, the senior director of Quality Schools and Districts at WestEd, a nonpartisan education research organization.

2 months ago | edweek.org | Elizabeth Heubeck |Francis Sheehan

Boys are relational learners—they learn best when they have a positive relationship with their teachers. Studies strongly suggest it; male students eagerly confirm it. But teachers sometimes fail to see it. Boys tend to do a good job of keeping their emotions in check, masking their vulnerability, and failing to ask for help when they need it—a nod to cultural norms learned early in childhood, experts say.

Nov 21, 2024 | edweek.org | Lesli A. Maxwell |Francis Sheehan

To: Principals, teachers, and school-based staff From: The EdWeek Fun Committee (yes, it's a real thing) Subject: School Spirit Week Dear principals, teachers, and school-based staff: We are writing to inform you about a new (OK, maybe not that new) and lively twist on the tired old tradition of School Spirit Week. Sorry, no disrespect, but it's a tradition in need of a reform, reboot, refresh—a re-something.

Oct 13, 2023 | edweek.org | Mark Lieberman |Francis Sheehan

Thousands of school buildings across the country need billions of dollars’ worth of major repairs, renovations, and additions. The federal government can help with a big chunk of the cost—if districts have sustainability in mind. Congress last year passed a massive spending package that included a new program that creates incentives for school districts to make their buildings more energy-efficient with projects centered around solar and geothermal systems.

Sep 28, 2023 | edweek.org | Laura Baker |Caitlynn Peetz |Francis Sheehan

Creating a positive school culture is a recipe, rather than a single action. It takes the right ingredients—hiring staff who truly believe in the district’s goals, supporting those staff members’ personal and professional growth, celebrating their (and their students’) accomplishments, and having a bit of fun along the way.