In standards based learning and grading, grades are supposed to communicate a student’s progress toward mastering the standards of the … More How Reading Whole-Class Texts Fits Into a Standards Based English Class
I’m currently working on my MA project in English Studies for Teachers at Eastern Michigan University. It’s a teacher research … More A Wonderful Argument Lesson
I don’t know that it’s universal, but it seems to me that most teachers I talk to go through the … More The Late October Slump
I know I’m a little late to the party when it comes to really committing to independent reading. It’s my … More Finally, Some Success With Independent Reading
A month into the school year might not be the perfect time to re-evaluate my beliefs and practices regarding assessment … More Productive Struggles with Standards Based Learning and Grading
In December, I love the snow. It is beautiful and fresh And makes everything look new again. The trees transform … More Snow in April-A Poem
When I was growing up, I was always one of those people who loved school. I loved everything about it. … More Why I Love Teaching At-Risk Students
My students come to alternative education for a variety of reasons. Some of them struggle in large classrooms with 30 … More Great Books for At-Risk Teens: The In the Margins Book Award
I used to teach with an interactive whiteboard. Then, I went two years without. I learned that I didn’t need it … More An Ode to Interactive Whiteboards
I am overwhelmed with how many goals I have for myself and my students this year. It’s hard to narrow … More Some Goals for 2014-2015