The December 2015 article on the NCSSFL-ACTFL Can-Do statements guided world language educators on using the resource for identifying learning targets relative to proficiency level. This article builds off of that idea, and it looks closer at thematic units in order to understand why and how they best empower educators to teach to language proficiency.
Continue reading “The why and how of thematic units in the world language classroom”
“Instruction” is not a word that rises to the top in a preschool teacher’s vocabulary list. In fact, some teachers hear the word and envision “instruction” as equal to inappropriate practice. It is a word that often connotes preschool becoming too “academic,” a “push-down curriculum from kindergarten,” or taking the fun out of young children’s curiosity about the world. And, if one mentions the term “direct instruction,” many preschool teachers will end the conversation, running out of the room.
Humans are naturally inquisitive. Young children tend to ask an abundance of questions, yet the volume of questions posed by students often dwindles in middle and high school. Learners at all grade levels benefit from the opportunity to devise questions and seek answers. If students are taught how to ask questions they will learn how to learn. Students frequently hear there is no such thing as a bad question, yet some questions are better than others. How do we help students learn how to ask good questions?
Continue reading “Social Studies: questions are as important as answers”
There is no shortage of talking in classrooms, yet academically productive talk is far different from the standard teacher-directed questioning strategy to elicit singular correct responses. In the academically productive talk classroom, the teacher serves as facilitator for discussions that help the students grapple with concepts and reasoning that will deepen their understanding of topics. There is an element of “letting go” that is difficult for the classroom teacher who has been conditioned to “stand and deliver”; however, students will learn more as they debate and wrestle with the questions that they arrive at after they have had opportunities to observe and manipulate phenomena.
Annotation is the act of marking a text with words, symbols, illustrations, or other meaningful notes. Annotating a text supports close reading practices, helps a student engage with a text, and provides teachers with an efficient form of formative assessment. Annotation is more than just taking notes; it is a way to record a conversation with the author, characters, or the text itself. Marks and annotations made within the body of a reading create a reference point for a reader when rereading. Annotations also create a road map to support comprehension and analysis during reading.
Continue reading “Annotating a text: close reading with a pen”
The Maine DOE is seeking qualified peer reviewers to read, assess and score competitive grant proposals for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) Program. This federally-funded grant program provides opportunities for schools and communities to develop “community learning centers” that serve children and youth during out-of-school time. Maine currently has 37 grant recipients operating 64 individual centers in communities across the state. The Department anticipates receiving applications for new, expansion, and continuation awards as a result of this competition.
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The University of Maine at Farmington is excited to announce registration is open for a first-of-a-kind Nature Based Education Summer Institute June 24 and 25, 2016. The institute is designed for pre-service and experienced educators to gather and learn about the benefits and best practices of connecting children to nature. The workshops will be interactive and held outdoors.
Twenty seven high school career and technical education regions and centers across Maine and the entire field of secondary school applied technology and workforce educators are being recognized during the month of February.
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AUGUSTA — Maine’s career and technical education schools and educators of applied technology and workforce development are being recognized during the month of February.
Continue reading “February is Career and Technical Education month”
The Maine DOE is seeking recommendations through April 28 for the 2016 Maine Educator Talent Pool. These distinguished educators may be considered for membership on local and state advisory boards and task forces, as well as be candidates for special recognition through the Department.
Continue reading “Outstanding educators sought for Maine talent pool”
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