December 2011 Issue
Finding and Scaling Excellence in Schools
Alan Blankstein, the award-winning and bestselling author of Failure is Not An Option, joins us to talk about finding and scaling excellent practice in all schools and why he believes we are wasting valuable time and resources in education focusing on the negative, rather than finding the positives and building upon those ideas and practices. Continue
The Common Core State Standards and Rigor
An overlooked aspect of the new CCSS is that while the standards set rigorous benchmarks, their impact on student learning will depend entirely upon their implementation. We cannot assume that simply adopting the Common Core state standards will provide a … Continue
What Does the Future Hold For Education?
With Bryan Goodwin and Elizabeth Hubbel
Although much about the future is uncertain, trends reveal patterns of behavior that help to resolve some of that uncertainty. McREL has thoroughly researched and tracked these trends to provide a glimpse into the future world of education. In this … Continue
Six Reasons Why Ed Leaders Should Encourage Kids To Bring Their Own Devices to School
Many technology experts are urging schools across the country to allow students to bring their own digital devices to school and use them in the classroom. A growing number of schools are slowing warming to the idea and are having … Continue
Classroom Instruction That Works Insights From the Next Generation of Research
With more than a million copies sold, the book Classroom Instruction that Works is one of the most widely used professional development manuals in education today. Ceri Dean, Vice President of Field Services at McREL, joins us to share insights … Continue
The Daily Practices of Successful Principals
Barbara Brock, author of the new book, The Daily Practices of Successful Principals, joins us to talk about the most important qualities and daily habits of successful school principals Continue
Time Well Spent: 8 Powerful Practices of Successful, Expanded-Time Schools
Across the country, momentum is growing for schools to move beyond the traditional calendar of 180 six-and-a- half-hour days. There are at least 1,000 schools in the U.S. right now – from charter schools and turnaround schools to pioneering districts … Continue
A Look At Online Professional Development
Is online professional development right for your school or district? Although many educators are on the fast track to embracing online PD, choosing the best solution is not as simple as pushing a button. John Ross, an expert on online … Continue
Everyone at the Table: Engaging Teachers in Evaluation Reform
In this segment, we take a look at what’s happening in teacher evaluation in states and districts across the country and about a valuable new project called Everyone at the Table, which aims to engage teachers as part of the … Continue
Developing Effective Internet Safety Education
Starting in July 2012, schools that receive E-Rate and other technology funds from the federal government must certify that they not only provide instruction in Internet safety but have an Internet safety policy. Nancy Willard, one of the country’s foremost … Continue