From: ASCD SmartBrief <ascd@smartbrief.com> Sent: Aug 03, 2023 14:53:30.000000000 UTC Subject: N.Y. urged to enhance focus on reading To: jeff_james@iss.k12.nc.us <jeff_james@iss.k12.nc.us>
ASCD SmartBrief
N.Y. urged to enhance focus on reading | How slow-reveal graphs can strengthen civic education | Teachers go beyond textbooks to teach statistics
Created for jeff_james@iss.k12.nc.us |
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Despite a decade of stagnation in reading tests and increasing acknowledgment of the need for improved literacy, New York state lags behind in taking action to properly teach students to read. Critics argue that state leaders are doing little to address the issue, resulting in declining reading scores and inadequate focus on core reading skills, while other states have enacted laws and implemented measures to tackle the reading crisis.
"Slow-reveal graphs" are a lesson model designed to introduce elementary-school students to statistical concepts gradually, according to Jenna Laib, a math specialist at Driscoll School in Massachusetts, who demonstrates a lesson for math and civics. By unveiling and discussing information in complex charts, teachers prompt students to think deeply about how data is chosen, measured and analyzed, enhancing their understanding of mathematics, data science and civics topics.
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Teachers can help students recognize their inherent math skills by focusing on the ways they already use math -- for example, by playing video games (spatial relations), shooting basketballs (angles) or rapping in time (fractions), writes Twana Young, a former classroom teacher and curriculum director.
Computer science and project-based learning Schools looking for an effective way to drive student engagement in computer science should consider a project-based, student-centered learning program to boost interest, engagement and outcomes. Read more about incorporating PBL for computer science.
School districts have become the primary target for hackers due to weak cybersecurity practices and a high willingness to pay ransom demands. Last year, 80% of schools suffered ransomware attacks, making them particularly vulnerable, with the victimization rate against schools being higher than all other industries surveyed.
High-school girls from the Pittsburgh, Pa., area have been learning to operate drones over the summer through the Fly Like a Girl Drone Academy, and graduates will qualify to take the Remote Pilot Certificate exam. The program is intended to draw girls to careers in remote piloting, as FAA data from 2021 shows that fewer than 8% of remote pilots are women.
(San Francisco Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers Via Getty Images/Getty Images)
The USDA increased income guidelines for free-and reduced-price school lunches to reflect inflation, making it possible for more families in Idaho to qualify. Families are encouraged to apply to the program, as it can alleviate the burden of paying full price for meals, and parents on SNAP benefits may automatically be enrolled.
New FREE topic pack to address the needs of educators and students. This Topic Select" features a curated collection of articles from Educational Leadership magazine on building school teams that strengthen efficacy and improve instructional practice. Download this free collection of Educational Leadership articles today!
Early learners process new knowledge through talking, questioning, and thinking. Teachers can harness this power with smart, thoughtful prompts that kick off conversations with and between young students. Veteran teacher Jennifer Orr shares sample prompts, lesson ideas, and activities to encourage early elementary students to develop critical thinking skills in Educational Leadership.
Increasing the number of security personnel in schools is seen as a possible strategy for improving student safety, but some disability advocates are raising concerns that disciplinary actions against students with disabilities may rise as a result. Adequate training of security resource officers is key, says Jolene Sharp of the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities.
Congress is considering a proposed amendment to the School Lunch Act that would allow schools to serve whole milk and 2% fat milk as well as the 1% and skim milk that has been specified for more than a decade. "Even with the current science-based guidelines in place, most children exceed the recommended limits on saturated fat over the course of their day," said Meghan Maroney, campaign manager for federal child nutrition programs at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, and "the bill overrides Congress's previous directives simply because the dairy industry wants it."