Read the Palm Beach Post article on Governor Christ’s decision and why he changed his mind on Senate Bill 6… This isn’t the end of merit based pay… It seems to stem from Obama’s Race to the Top program and how states are to receive funding. If states do not implement some form of merit Read More…
Educators across the USA, Florida Educators- Stand up and Speak Out!!
What they are not telling you about HB 7189 and SB 6: It requires a 5% “hold back” in funding for schools that goes into effect immediately. This “hold back” for the next three years will be used to develop hundreds of new tests and then used to pay the $900 million “performance fund” Read More…
Banyan Creek second graders learn more while enjoying their education
September 29, 2008 Banyan Creek second-graders learn more while enjoying their education > Posted by DAve DiPino at 4:01 PM At Banyan Creek Elementary School, Susanna Livingston teaches a class of gifted second-graders and has found an innovative way to motivate her students.“First, and foremost, I prepare my students to be the world’s future scientists, Read More…
What is Web 3.0?
For some time now, I’ve been waiting for an explanation as to the differences between Web 2.0 and Web 3.0. I do not claim to be THE MOST KNOWledgable source for all things technology. Like all humans, I have strengths and weaknesses. Most of my strengths are in the area of integrating technology tools into the classroom, Read More…
How to Guides…
Here’s how this post came about… Just to give you some background information on “background information” and why you should start new lessons with it… (sidebar discussion #1: Educators give background information before beginning a new unit, or before reading a book with concepts that the teacher feels that some of the students may Read More…
New book on Writing!
<script type=”text/javascript”> var gaJsHost = ((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? “https://ssl.” : “http://www.”); document.write(unescape(“%3Cscript src=’” + gaJsHost + “google-analytics.com/ga.js’ type=’text/javascript’%3E%3C/script%3E”)); </script> <script type=”text/javascript”> try { var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker(“UA-15612597-1”); pageTracker._trackPageview(); } catch(err) {}</script> A new book on Writing is soon to debut, Pyrotechnics on the Page by Ralph Fletcher, one of the most respected sources on Read More…
Science and Inquiry- Hands-on Lessons…
When I was a student, science wasn’t my favorite topic. Actually I HATED it!! It was boring, complicated, and I thought it was something I wasn’t really good at!! Mostly, it was a subject that was lectured by my teachers and then, guess what?? We got a worksheet to fill out!! I retained nothing of Read More…
Dreambox Learning- a gr8 math resource!
I shared this with some other educators today… I’m often searching for resources (more often than blogging- unfortunately) that will help students/children and their teachers. When I come across something that I think is amazing- I will always share it with anyone who will listen!! Well, if you have a child struggling with math (grades Read More…
How to utilize COMICS in the Classroom
If you read the previous post about “Boy/Challenging Writers” then you will be up to date on why I am providing the following link to Ryan Alexander-Tanner’s website. He is an artist who specializes in comics and I found him, luckily, through AERA! I had asked him if I could use his comics in the Read More…
Helping Boys to enjoy reading books!
As a classroom teacher, one of my main concerns was ‘How can I get my reluctant readers interested in reading?’… I’d ask other teachers, attend professional development seminars, read books, and search the internet to find whatever available about the topic. What I read and researched seemed to connect to what was happening in my classroom… Read More…