STEM has become the subject of community, curriculum, business, and budget conversations. The media gives it attention. Children's lives are changing because of it. This movement is grounded in the understanding that science, technology, engineering, and math are where the jobs of the future wait for our graduates. It also arises from a demand for schools to focus more in these fields. But, these are not the only reasons we should be learning about and implementing STEM in…

HOW LEADERS DEFEAT DISCOURAGEMENT

You need encouragement because discouragement is real.…

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 Sandy Hook taught the nation that little children could become gun violence victims in their classrooms. It taught us, or it at least showed us, that teachers, school psychologists and school leaders could be killed in schools as well. School leaders began to respond with preparation in securing facilities, training staff and student drills, in building relationships with law enforcement, and in bringing community mental health agencies into schools. The leadership of the response was…

“Top Ten Reasons Students Plagiarize and What Teachers Can Do About It”

In this December 2017 Kappan article, author Michelle Navarre Cleary writes, “Students may plagiarize for many reasons, ranging from laziness to sloppiness to a lack of understanding about the reason for citations, but teachers can employ a series of strategies to prevent problems while also teaching students good scholarly practices.” What is especially helpful is that Cleary includes a section…

“10 Ways to Get Your Mojo Back”

Editor of Education Update Sarah McKibben writes, “Even after 20 years of teaching, I feel I just can’t face one more paper or teach that lesson on fractions one more time. I turn to a trusted colleague for ideas and inspiration.” What Sarah addresses is a common problem that most educators have faced. She affirms that you are not alone in your feelings. Her article includes insights from state and national Teachers of the Year.…

“10 Practical Ideas for Better Project-Based Learning in Your Classroom”

Project-Based Learning (PBL) is omnipresent in our schools and continuing to grow. Whether you are at the beginning stages of implementing PBL or immersed in its use with students, it is always beneficial to pause and reflect about the PBL components being used. Jennifer Rita Nichols provides timely reminders such as encouraging creativity as students work, evaluating projects based on targeted…