edWeb Blog

Raised hands for SEL

Social-Emotional Learning Implementation in a School District

May 28, 2019

CASEL, The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning, defines social and emotional learning (SEL) as the “process through which children and adults understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships and make responsible decisions.” SEL can be the underpinning of every action a principal or classroom teacher makes about their campus, classroom or environment for students. According to Jeff Goelitz, Director of Education at HeartMath Institute, during a recent edWebinar, SEL affects everything from systems and structure to climate, culture, and academics. “Everyone” is interested in SEL and buying into the theory and the models but the how can be a daunting challenge as school districts try to make it a priority. Rachelle H. Finck, Coordinator Social and Emotional Learning for Round Rock ISD, TX, remarks that when SEL programs are planned with intention, they become more of a philosophy than a black binder program.

The Importance of Jaggedness in Personalized Learning

The Importance of Jaggedness in Personalized Learning

May 23, 2019

According to Learning in the 21st Century: the 2019 Digital Promise LVP Survey, 83% of teachers think students are capable of high achievement, but just 26% think students are reaching those levels today. As part of the Learner Variability Project, which “seek[s] to uncover strategies to meet learners where they are across varied contexts and needs,” Digital Promise’s team is examining the key factors for different grades and subject levels that impact student learning. During the edWebinar, “Learning in the 21st Century: What Teachers Think Matters,” the presenters talked about the science of individuality, how they’re using the research to help developers create products to meet these individual needs, and examples that show how the Learner Variability Project can work in the classroom.

Monitoring Student Cell Phone Use

Managing Smartphone Distractions in the Classroom

May 22, 2019

Technology has become an integral element in our students’ educational journey. With the influx of diverse and multimedia instruction technology software and 1:1 programs, students have access to technology both in and out of school settings. Laptops, Chromebooks, iPads, and even cell phones are providing students with opportunities to access the internet for researching, communicating and social learning. Classroom teachers are embracing the technology as a means to provide immediate feedback, assess student understanding and interact with both parents and students.

Using Assistive Technology for Your Struggling Readers

Using Assistive Technology for Your Struggling Readers

May 14, 2019

“What are you [teachers] doing right now so that your students have unhindered access to grade-level curriculum each day?” is a question often asked by Dana Blackaby, Dyslexia Specialist at The Academy at Nola Dunn in Texas. During a recent edWeb.net edWebinar, Blackaby and two student-led tech crew members from The Academy at Nola Dunn, 5th-grade student, Gavin, and 4th-grade student, Marley, explained that students with disabilities cannot access grade-level curricula 100% by themselves if they are not yet reading at grade level. Eighty-five percent of what we learn we learn is by listening and students can listen and comprehend two grade levels above their reading levels.

Accessibility and Inclusive Classrooms. Boy using tablet.

Free Tools for Accessibility and Inclusive Classrooms

May 8, 2019

Accessible technologies help students with disabilities unlock their full potential by addressing a diversity of needs that include learning, visual, hearing, mobility, neurodiversity, and mental health. In a recent edWebinar, Lauren Pittman, Graduate Assistant at Vanderbilt University and former special education teacher; Beth Dudycha, Senior Manager of Content Development at Insight2Execution and former educator; and Mike Tholfsen, Principal Product Manager at Microsoft Education, brought to our attention that students with disabilities are not the only ones who benefit from accessibility learning tools.

State Leadership for K12 Broadband Implementation

State Leadership Working Towards Broadband Access for All

May 1, 2019

If the workday of an adult typically requires seamless broadband access, then it’s reasonable that today’s students need the same access during their school day. After all, schools are preparing them for their future careers, which will include using some aspect of online technology. Recently, SETDA released State K-12 Broadband Leadership: Driving Connectivity, Access and Student Success, which looks at the current state of broadband access and how states are supporting teachers and students.

Six Questions to Ask to Build a Culturally Inclusive Classroom

Six Questions to Ask to Build a Culturally Inclusive Classroom

Apr 26, 2019

It’s almost impossible to ignore that K-12 classrooms in the U.S. are filled with students from increasingly diverse cultural backgrounds: race, nationality, religion, economic, etc. Many teachers, though, still aren’t sure how to move from recognizing the diversity to creating a mutually responsive learning environment. In his presentation, “Culturally Responsive Teaching: Key Principles and Practices,”  Dr. Ken Springer, Professor of Education and Chair of the Department of Teaching and Learning at Southern Methodist University, explained why teachers should view diversity as an opportunity and what questions to ask to ensure they’re building a culturally inclusive classroom.

Accessibility in school

Five Steps to Ensure Accessibility for All

Apr 22, 2019

While the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was last reauthorized in 2004, with amendments in 2015, and the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) were updated back in 2008, the demand for accessibility and equality in education continues to grow. Administrators and teachers, who want to help every child reach their potential, can’t afford to wait for new laws and policies. Educators still need to constantly evaluate the effectiveness of accessibility initiatives, advocate for resources for their students, and anticipate where they need to go next. During the edWebinar “Accessibility: Effective, Equitable Learning Environments for All Students,” which is part of a series hosted by CoSN and edWeb.net, the presenters discussed how they approach CoSN’s five steps to ensure accessibility.

Creative Coding and Robots in the Classroom

Creative Coding and Robots in the Classroom

Apr 17, 2019

Two common computer science misconceptions are that it’s just about programming and that only teachers with computer science degrees should teach it. Carrie Willis, Technology Director for Valley Preparatory School and Strategic Outreach Manager for Wonder Workshop, and Caitlin Arakawa, Kindergarten Teacher at Valley Preparatory School, dispel these misconceptions, during a recent edWebinar. They highlighted that soft skills critical to student success in future fields of study such as logic, problem-solving and creativity are integral components of computer science curriculums.

Young students in reading class.

Data-Informed Instruction for Literacy

Apr 15, 2019

Teachers from previous decades may have focused on “What did I teach?” but the new focus is “What did the students learn?” Whether classroom resources are digital or not, educators can collect data every day to inform their instruction. In the presentation “Authentic Learning Starts with Informed Instruction” Michael Haggen, Chief Academic Officer at Scholastic Education, and Suzanne Lucas, Vice President of Product Marketing for Scholastic Education Digital Solutions, discussed how teachers can use formal and informal data to guide ELA lessons and make sure all students are receiving the education they need.