I read an article recently in which a teacher said he would no longer give failing grades during the pandemic. I get where he’s coming from, I really do. It’s a tough time for many students. But removing the bare minimum standard is a … Read more
There is a strategy that elite performers use every day. It’s something that takes just a few minutes, yet can be the difference between success and failure. Oddly, it isn’t taught in school. In fact, it’s never mentioned as part of any curriculum, professional … Read more
Although the hard numbers aren’t in yet, surveys indicate that the pandemic is taking a toll on our students’ mental health. Fear and social isolation are causing a spike in anxiety, depression, and suicide ideation. You’ve likely seen signs yourself: Lethargy Apathy Indifference Distractability … Read more
You fire up your laptop to check your school email and the first thing you notice is the subject line: “Junior’s Grade” Noooooo! Complaints about grades are difficult to handle because it’s hard to know how to respond in a way that both you … Read more
There is a growing sentiment among educational leaders that students should be able to turn in work anytime without penalty, even weeks after the due date. The reason, they say, is that removing deadlines evens the playing field. It addresses racial grading disparities and … Read more
Admit it. You can’t stand correcting daily work. It’s tedious. It’s boring. It’s stressful and adds hours to your work week. It’s also a colossal waste of time. Here’s why: Students don’t look at it. One of the worst kept secrets in teaching is … Read more
Teachers struggling with classroom management tend to overemphasize consequences. They have this idea that if only they can find the perfect set, then all their troubles will go away. So they scour the internet. They query their colleagues. They fiddle and experiment and update … Read more
With students experiencing profound mental health struggles because of the pandemic, I’ve taken a different approach to teaching this year. And I hope you’ll join me. Yes, I’m still following my classroom management plan. I still expect every student to meet the standards I … Read more