In this episode of Teaching Matters, Scott Titsworth engages with Russ Davis and Dr. Kara Stern, both of SchoolStatus, to discuss the critical role of communication in education, particularly between teachers, students, and families. They discuss a research report recently released by SchoolStatus identifying specific opportunities for improving co…

In recent years, the emphasis on STEM education has undoubtedly equipped students with valuable skills for the future. But has this focus come at the expense of other critical subjects, like civics? In today’s “Bright Idea” segment, we discuss the current state of civics education in the U.S. with journalist, speaker, and author Holly Korby. Korby,…

In this episode of Teaching Matters, Scott Titsworth speaks with Jeremy Oskins, an automotive and robotics teacher at Comanche ISD in Texas. They discuss the increasing demand for skilled tradespeople, the innovative curriculum Jeremy has developed to engage students in automotive training, and the partnerships he has built with local businesses to…

Learning math can be challenging for people who prefer the liberal arts. This is due to the differences in cognitive processes and subject matter. While liberal arts subjects like literature and history often focus on narrative, interpretation, and subjective analysis, math relies on abstract reasoning, logic, and problem-solving, which can feel ri…

Exercising Your Critical Thinking Skills In today’s world, where digital assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google can provide instant answers to nearly any question, the ability to think critically is more important than ever. Teaching students how to think, not just what to think, has become essential to education. In Episode 270 of our podcast, we…

Food is a fundamental part of our lives, making it a perfect subject for engaging students in not just health class but also science class. By integrating food nutrition and food science into K-12 science classrooms, educators can offer students hands-on, practical lessons that connect directly to their daily lives. Our guest in episode 269 of Clas…

The Invisible Barrier Chronic absenteeism in K-12 education is an invisible barrier, quietly eroding the future potential of countless students one missed day at a time. In Episode 268 of Class Dismissed, we explore ideas for districts to tackle chronic absenteeism. The DL Link For instance, several states have implemented measures linking school a…

Envision a classroom where transitions between activities are seamless, students are actively engaged, and their cognitive and social-emotional development is consistently nurtured. This vision becomes a reality with the integration of sound-making activities. These activities facilitate smoother transitions and play a crucial role in enhancing exe…

Summer break is a chance to keep your school community connected and thriving. By continuing communication, you’ll: Empower students and families for a smooth transition back to school. Fuel excitement for the upcoming year with engaging updates. Solidify your school’s role as a vital center for the community. In Episode 266 of the Class Dismissed …

Integrating reading instruction throughout the school day presents several challenges for teachers: Time Constraints: With tight schedules and a packed curriculum, finding extra time for reading instruction in non-language arts subjects can be difficult. Curriculum Demands: Subjects like math, science, and social studies already have extensive curr…

Many middle and high school teachers avoid discussing controversial topics in class due to their fear of controversy. They may worry about offending students or parents with different viewpoints. However, productive discussions on complex issues are essential to learning. It requires skill, and teachers may need more confidence in navigating disagr…

Embarking on the teaching journey is an exhilarating and rewarding experience, but it can also be daunting, especially during that crucial first year in the classroom. New teachers face many challenges, from lesson planning to classroom management, engaging students, and balancing work-life demands. However, with the right mindset and strategies, s…

Teacher and staff shortages, particularly in areas of specialized need like speech pathology, counseling, and accessible education, are increasing throughout the country. Such shortages coupled with increasing non-instructional demands on teachers increase stress and, for some, burnout. Despite that, a recent survey conducted by Soliant, a recruiti…

Reading is a fundamental skill that facilitates learning across standards, subjects, and grade levels. Yet, national statistics show that students are reading less and, generally speaking, below grade level. Kari Kurto is the National Science of Reading Project Director for the Reading League. Kari discusses a resource called Compass, which provide…

This episode is part of a two-part series on the topic of scientifically supported reading instruction. Joe Burns is a regional product manager for Capstone, an educational technology and publishing company. Having taught early childhood grades, Joe discusses the importance of developmental skill development in reading as well as how Capstone augme…

In 2023, Deeper Learning Global (DLg) awarded the Ulster, New York, Board of Cooperative Educational Services (Ulster BOCES) with the “Deeper Learning” designation. Ulster Superintendent Dr. Jonah Schencker discusses this designation and how the district operationalizes deeper learning through its north star commitments of developing self, contribu…

As the upcoming Presidential Election draws near, the importance of media literacy in education has never been more evident. In today's digital age, where information is readily accessible and often overwhelming, teaching students how to critically analyze and navigate media sources is essential for fostering informed citizenship and safeguarding d…

Following the release of Chat-GPT and other Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms, teachers and administrators at all levels of education have worked to react to both the possibilities and problems of AI. Carl Hooker is a former educator and now an author who analyzes the implications of AI for teaching and learning in his new book, Learning Evolu…

In the fast-paced world we inhabit today, intelligence is no longer confined to the realm of IQ scores and academic prowess. An equally important aspect of personal development is emotional intelligence (EI). This term, now ubiquitous in discussions about personal growth and success, was traced back to a seminal 1990 article by Salovey and Mayer, w…

Dr. Cynthia Wise has developed a career-long track record of turning low-performing schools into schools of distinction. Currently the Principal and Chief Academic Officer of the Transformation Waco Charter Schools in Waco, TX, Dr. Wise discusses the Culture Conscious Campus Model that she has developed as a proven model for school transformation. …

In an intriguing twist of technological irony, the Peninsula School District in Washington State has embarked on a pioneering journey by utilizing Generative AI (Gen AI) to develop comprehensive guidelines for integrating artificial intelligence (AI) in educational settings. This innovative approach underscores the district's commitment to harnessi…

Sam Torres is a bilingual case manager for VocoVision, a company that provides teletherapy services for students across multiple specialties. Sam discusses specific strategies for promoting success for English Language Learners, the fastest growing student population in the U. S. Sam explains unique needs facing ELL students, including the intersec…

Theo Mayer is a self-proclaimed history nerd who is also passionate about the relevance of technology for learning. Working as the Chief Technologist for the Doughboy Foundation, Tayo and a team of developers created a mobile app that employs AR/VR concepts and narrative to help students in middle and high school grade levels learn about WWI. In ad…

On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse is anticipated to be visible from parts of North America, including Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The path of totality, where the Sun is completely obscured by the Moon, will pass through several states, including Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, New York, Vermo…

Transform Your Science ClassIn the ever-evolving education landscape, we must reconsider what we prioritize in our science classrooms. Melanie Trecek-King, an advocate for progressive teaching methods and the founder of thinkingispower.com, offers invaluable insights into reshaping science education for the betterment of students and society.At the…

Over two decades, Elena Aguilar, distinguished as the founder and President of Bright Morning, has ardently devoted herself to education, assuming roles as both a teacher and instructional coach. Throughout this extensive period, she has witnessed a prevalent and pervasive sentiment that resonates deeply within the teaching community—the overwhelmi…

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, technology plays a pivotal role in shaping how we learn and teach. One groundbreaking development that significantly impacted education in 2022 - 2023 was generative AI applications like ChatGPT. Developed by OpenAI, ChatGPT is a language model that has revolutionized the learning experience, offering ne…

Leading with laughter in a school setting can positively affect the learning environment and the overall well-being of fellow educators. Here are some reasons why incorporating humor and laughter into leadership can be beneficial:1. Creates a Positive Atmosphere: Laughter is a powerful tool for creating a positive and enjoyable atmosphere. When lea…

Faculty, staff, and students’ safety is of paramount concern for all educational systems. Although high-profile threats to safety capture national media attention, daily threats to safety such as altercations, vandalism, health incidents, and other issues must be part of a holistic safety strategy. Stacy Locke, Deputy Superintendent of Yakima (WA) …

In special education, as well as the larger teaching field, there exists significant needs for ongoing professional development where teachers can orient with affinity groups that provide support and feedback that extends beyond local school districts. Dr. Jen Newton, an Associate Professor in the Patton College of Education at Ohio University and …

Since the time of Sputnik, national education reform initiatives have made the case for integrating science, technology, engineering, and math into education at greater levels. Dr. Whitney Dove, CEO of Ellipsis Education, suggests that even greater attention should be given to computer science instruction. Dr. Dove discuses the need for holistic co…

In Episode 254 of Class Dismissed, Social psychologist Camilla Griffiths from Stanford University discusses the common practice among educators of quickly correcting students' mistakes. She argues that this approach, while efficient, may deny students the opportunity to learn, grow, and demonstrate their ability to overcome challenges. Griffiths an…

Randi Economou is a former educator and current CEO of Capstone, an educational technology and publishing company dedicated to equitable access to education. In this discussion, Randi narrates her journey from the classroom to being an industry leader and also explains her perspectives on the need for high quality educational resources to empower t…

Internships are commonly identified as a high-impact learning opportunity for students attending higher education institutions. Less frequently are internships discussed as a valuable learning tool for high school students. In this episode, Peter Harris, an Assistant Superintendent at the Ulster County (NY) Board of Cooperative Educational Services…

Tween girls face unique challenges in a world where social media is an integral part of daily life. The impact of the digital age on their development can be both positive and negative, making it essential to understand and address these challenges.Our guest in Episode 253 of Class Dismissed created a program designed to teach that every girl has s…

Following the release of ChatGPT, artificial intelligence has rapidly become one of the most disruptive technology innovations in education. Though still early in adoption, the near-future impact of AI on teaching and learning is apparent. Dana Mortenson, CEO of the education non-profit World Savvy, discusses how AI technology can be facilitative i…

"Transforming an Assignment: Fostering a Love for Reading and Learning"Initially, Amanda Lacy was far from enthusiastic when her principal handed her the task of teaching a group of high school students grappling with reading difficulties. Her new students, consisting of juniors and seniors, had previously failed their state exams as tenth graders.…

Climate change is one of the most urgent challenges of our era, demanding that educators take an active role in educating students about this global issue. Yet, delving into such a multifaceted and occasionally contentious topic can appear daunting. In a recent episode of Class Dismissed (Episode 251), we had the privilege of speaking with Mark Win…

Jennifer Serravallo, a renowned best-selling author in the education world, has left a profound mark with her previous works, "The Writing Strategies Book" and "The Reading Strategies Book," which have provided invaluable guidance to countless educators seeking compelling reading and writing strategies. In Episode 250 of Class Dismissed, Serravallo…

Teaching is a noble profession that shapes future generations but is challenging. One of the most pressing issues faced by educators is burnout. The demands of managing classrooms, catering to diverse learning needs, and juggling administrative tasks can take a toll on teachers' mental and emotional well-being. To ensure the flame of passion keeps …

It's essential to recognize that while Generative Artificial Intelligence offers valuable tools, the role of a teacher as a facilitator, mentor, and guide remains crucial. The key is to balance leveraging AI's capabilities and maintaining the core principles of effective teaching, including fostering critical thinking, creativity, and a love of lea…

A home visit from a teacher before the start of the school year can be incredibly beneficial for both the students and the teacher. Here are some ways in which it can help: Building rapport: A home visit allows the teacher to establish a personal connection with the student and their family in a comfortable and familiar environment. This rapport ca…

In an ideal world, every student would have an equal chance to succeed and thrive in the education system. However, the concepts of equality and equity reveal that achieving this goal requires more than just providing the same resources to all students. Episode 246 of Class Dismissed will explore the differences between school equality and equity a…

The use of online synchronous communication tools in education has dramatically increased because of ubiquitous access to technology as well as external pressures such as the Pandemic. Remind is an online platform that facilitates easy communication between teachers, students, and families. Recently, Remind expanded its services to include online T…

When we think of science education, the first things that come to mind are textbooks, equations, and experiments. However, there is an often overlooked tool that can captivate students' imaginations and enhance their understanding of scientific concepts: stories. Storytelling has been an integral part of human culture for centuries, and harnessing …

Play can help you remember things for longerLearning through play is an excellent way for children and adults to develop new skills, but it’s also a great way to alleviate stress and trauma and tap into different parts of the mind. Our guest on Episode 244 of Class Dismissed is an expert on learning through play. Dr. Bo Stjerne Thomsen is the Vice-…

With the increasing use of technology in all aspects of our lives, educating young students about the risks and best practices for staying safe online has become more critical than ever.Here are some reasons why it is essential to teach cybersecurity to K-12 students: Protecting Personal Information: Children and teenagers often share personal info…

Don Berg is an education researcher and practitioner who has focused his career on understanding how to better enact authentic pedagogy that equitably serves students. He has authored multiple books, the most recent of which is the 2022 publication, Schooling for Holistic Equity: How to Manage the Hidden Curriculum for K-12. In this discussion, Don…

Confidence is essential in learning math because it can increase motivation, perseverance, risk-taking, and self-efficacy. Sam Rhodes, an Assistant Professor of Elementary Math Education at Georgia Southern University, is our guest on Episode 242 of Class Dismissed. He and his colleagues have researched and narrowed in on Five Key Ideas for Growing…

School Districts are struggling to figure out how they should react to ChatGPT. Districts like New York City, Oakland, and Seattle have banned AI technology due to concerns about cheating. However, in Episode 241 of Class Dismissed, our guest offers some perspective on why we should embrace generative AI software like ChatGPT.Ben Farrell is the ass…