Kappan

1 week ago | kappanonline.org | Ken O'Connor |Matt Townsley |Teresa Preston

At a GlanceDecisions about assessment are often built on myths about teacher professional judgment and subjectivity that prioritize standardized assessment over classroom assessment. Allowing teachers to exercise their professional judgment does not mean allowing them to do whatever they want. Instead, they must work within certain guidelines. Teachers should be encouraged to review different a variety of assessments over time to assess student learning.

1 week ago | kappanonline.org | Starr Sackstein |Kathleen Vail

Q: I work with elementary-aged students who are excited to participate in class. I love their enthusiasm and don’t want to quash it. Unfortunately, students get upset when they aren’t called on to share. How can I support students who don’t have an immediate opportunity to share when they aren’t called on first? How can I help them work through their disappointment so they know they will have other opportunities?

2 weeks ago | kappanonline.org | Starr Sackstein |Kathleen Vail

Q: My high school math students are struggling to stay in their seats. Do you have advice on bringing more movement into my classroom? Signed, A high school math teacherA: Many educators face the challenge of keeping students engaged and focused, especially in a subject like math, which is sometimes perceived as dry or overly rigid. Fortunately, there are numerous strategies to infuse movement into your classroom, helping to improve focus, energy levels, and overall learning outcomes.

3 weeks ago | kappanonline.org | Starr Sackstein |Kathleen Vail

Q: How do you engage students who don’t want to be in school while nurturing highly motivated students? — Signed, Dean of studentsA: Among the most pressing challenges an educator faces is effectively engaging students who are disinterested in school while simultaneously nurturing highly motivated ones. Striking a balance between these two groups can be complex, but we can create an inclusive learning environment that fosters student growth with the right strategies.

4 weeks ago | kappanonline.org | Starr Sackstein |Kathleen Vail

Q: “How do I stay motivated to innovate and avoid burnout when students aren’t motivated, and educators and their administrators have defaulted to non-tech or low-tech?”-Signed, A teacher looking for helpA: As we continue to navigate the complexities of teaching, many of us find ourselves grappling with burnout and a dip in motivation — on the part of students and ourselves.