This guide explores the use of a diverse selection of elements to demonstrate proficiencies and skill sets. Students are introduced to the concept of using artifacts and reflection to showcase not only what they�ve learned but how they�ve learned: how to demonstrate both their areas of study and interest and final products alongside pieces of evidence that demonstrate the process leading up to a final product. This title will aid students in the process of drawing connections between elements and reflection, and using feedback to build portfolios.
“Essential reading for teachers, education administrators, and policymakers alike.” —STARRED Library Journal The untold story of the root cause of America's education crisis It was only after years within the education reform movement that Natalie Wexler stumbled across a hidden explanation for our country's frustrating lack of progress when it comes to providing every child with a quality education. The problem wasn't one of the usual scapegoats: lazy teachers, shoddy facilities, lack of accountability. It was something no one was talking about: the elementary school curriculum's intense focus on decontextualized reading comprehension "skills" at the expense of actual knowledge. In the tradition of Dale Russakoff's The Prize and Dana Goldstein's The Teacher Wars, Wexler brings together history, research, and compelling characters to pull back the curtain on this fundamental flaw in our education system--one that fellow reformers, journalists, and policymakers have long overlooked, and of which the general public, including many parents, remains unaware. But The Knowledge Gap isn't just a story of what schools have gotten so wrong--it also follows innovative educators who are in the process of shedding their deeply ingrained habits, and describes the rewards that have come along: students who are not only excited to learn but are also acquiring the knowledge and vocabulary that will enable them to succeed. If we truly want to fix our education system and unlock the potential of our neediest children, we have no choice but to pay attention.
Assessment is messy. Day-to-day, in-the-moment assessments not only reveal information that drives future instruction but also offer a comprehensive picture of students’ abilities and dispositions toward learning. As teachers, we might know what this looks and feels like, yet it can be hard to put into action—hence the messiness. Say hello to digital student portfolios—dynamic, digital collections of authentic information from different media, in many forms, and with multiple purposes. Using digital portfolios to capture student thinking and progress allows us to better see our students as readers, writers, and learners—and help students see themselves in the same way! Matt Renwick’s Digital Portfolios in the Classroom is a guide to help teachers sort through, capture, and make sense of the messiness associated with assessment. By shining a spotlight on three types of student portfolios—performance, process, and progress—and how they can be used to assess student work, Renwick helps educators navigate the maze of digital tools and implement the results to drive instruction.
In today�s world, creating a digital portfolio that showcases academic and personal achievements is one of the best ways for students to present their accomplishments to organizations, college administrators, and potential employers. A digital portfolio can creatively demonstrate how a student�s interests and academic abilities have developed over time through the use of various media, including photos, blogs, sound files, and videos. This title will help readers learn how to select the best digital portfolio for their needs and know what to include so their accomplishments will truly stand out.
This guide helps readers learn not only how to develop a digital portfolio but also how to use the portfolio to improve their communication skills with key audiences. Readers will discover how to highlight the work that best communicates their �brand� or message and how to effectively demonstrate their strengths, experience, and interests. They will learn how to leverage digital portfolios to dialogue with everyone from teachers and students to prospective colleges and employers. Overall, this book teaches students that a digital portfolio is a powerful tool in helping them communicate with the world around them.
"Forgive yourself for not having the foresight to know what now seems so obvious in hindsight." -Judy Belmont How often have you caught yourself saying "I wish I knew that" or "If only they knew..."? We have all been there. We can always look back and wish that we could change something, but the key is to use that knowledge and make a difference now. We learn from reflecting on our own experiences and by connecting with other educators to learn from theirs. In Things I Wish [...] Knew, Rachelle Dené Poth has brought in fifty educators with different experiences and backgrounds in education to share something they wish they or others knew. Each vignette shares an eye-opening experience, a valuable lesson learned, advice for overcoming challenges, or simply offers some inspiration or words of wisdom. Throughout this book, you will learn from educators who hope to help others make a difference, to make some changes in their practice, and to avoid missing out on opportunities. The book explores things that each educator wishes they knew when they started teaching, something they wish that administrators knew, or things that they wish all students knew. I hope that this book will lead you to reflect on your own practice and inspire you to share your story too.
This guide is a useful resource for educators who would like to begin using portfolios in the classroom. The three major types of portfolios are working portfolios (collections of work in progress), display portfolios (also called showcase or best works), and assessment portfolios. These types are distinct in theory, but tend to overlap in practice. Once the purpose of the portfolio has been determined, the steps in the portfolio development process are: (1) collection; (2) selection; (3) reflection; and (4) projection. Projection, in the portfolio process, means looking ahead and setting goals for the future. Portfolios are best used in the classroom when they are used as a stimulus for students to produce imaginative and creative work, and when students are encouraged to analyze their own progress and to produce answers to open-ended questions. There are many logistical challenges to the use of portfolios, and it is essential not to undermine their instructional benefits by using them prematurely for high-stakes assessment. Many of the assessment tasks of portfolios can be achieved through well-designed performance tasks. It is the collection and reflection aspects of portfolios that make them such a valuable assessment tool. Some practical suggestions are offered for portfolio management. (Contains 8 figures and 58 references.) (SLD)
Digital literacy is the key to success for this generation of students. Becoming familiar with digital portfolios and how they can assist in solving problems creatively is now a necessity. This title will inform readers about the benefits of digital portfolios with a focus on problem solving and innovation. Using historic examples from some of history�s greatest minds, as well as current professionals working in a digitized landscape, students will finish this book with a clear understanding of how digital portfolios can be leveraged to take an inventive approach to addressing issues.
Blended learning is more than just "teaching with technology"; it allows teachers to maximize learning through deliberate instructional moves. This On-Your-Feet Guide zeroes in on one blended learning routine: Station Rotation. The Station Rotation model moves small groups of students through a series of online and off-line stations, building conceptual understanding and skills along the way. This On-Your-Feet-Guide provides: 7 steps to planning a Station Rotation lesson A full example of one teacher's Station Rotation A blank planning template for designing your own Station Rotation Helpful assessment strategies for monitoring learning at each station Ideas to adapt for low-tech classrooms or large class sizes Use blended learning to maximize learning and keep kids constantly engaged through your next Station Rotation lesson! Laminated, 8.5”x11” tri-fold (6 pages), 3-hole punched
This guide explores the use of a diverse selection of elements to demonstrate proficiencies and skill sets. Students are introduced to the concept of using artifacts and reflection to showcase not only what they�ve learned but how they�ve learned: how to demonstrate both their areas of study and interest and final products alongside pieces of evidence that demonstrate the process leading up to a final product. This title will aid students in the process of drawing connections between elements and reflection, and using feedback to build portfolios.
