This is a guest post by Chris Lehmann, the founding principal of the Science Leadership Academy, a progressive science and technology high school in Philadelphia, PA. This post was originally published on Chris’s site, Practical Theory. A few years ago, a vendor for one of the many online tutorial companies was giving a presentation at a principals’ meeting. The vendor was talking about how … Read More
Year at Mission Hill, Chapter 5: The Eye of the Dragon
So much of the language that we know to be valuable in education comes alive at Mission Hill. Art. Empowerment. Choice. Voice. Inspiration. Creativity. Student experts. Student teachers. Community. Every year they employ a school wide theme that aims for depth and breadth throughout the school. This year’s, “Long Ago and Far Away,” and the students share a seam of … Read More
Year at Mission Hill, Chapter 3 Making It Real
This chapter opens with the question, “What makes a mind come alive?” It is an apropos question that is all to often left out of discussions about education and education reform. At Mission Hill it is central to the development of educational experiences for students. Check out this chapter that explores the idea of creating opportunities for students to create, … Read More
5 Steps to Overhaul Teaching
Once again, Columbia University professor, Christopher Emdin, puts forth a rapid fire and common sense proposal for rethinking urban — and really ANY — education to ensure it is student focused, relevant, and purposefully engaging. The basis of this video: Reality pedagogy which is, “Teaching based on the reality of the student’s experience.” 5 C’s of Reality Pedagogy: The Cypher … Read More
A Year at Mission Hill, Chapter 2: Beginning the Year
Chapter 2 of A Year at Mission Hill takes us to the start of the year, or as many educators see it, the laying of the foundation. While educators recognize the importance of reading, ‘riting, and ‘rithmetic, many see the first days of school as tone setters. In this, the educators at Mission Hill work to build community amongst themselves … Read More
The Antimatter Science Rap
The below video by educator/rapper Mike Wilson (aka Coma Niddy) is a perfect “storm” of things we love at QED. Content delivered in creative and engaging ways. MC2 Mastery of knowledge being demonstrated through music. MC2 Positive role model for males, students of color, and fans of hip hop. Oh, and science. Like this one? Check out more of Coma … Read More
The Changing Face of the Teaching Force (Infographic)
Pop quiz: Q: What is the current mode for years of experience in the teaching profession in the US? A: One. In other words, ask all teachers how many years they have been teaching and “one” is answered more often than any other number. The reasons we have come to this are complex (see the below infographic from the work … Read More
Gaming and Learning . . . Go Hand in Hand?
Emerging research is continuing to unpack some of the pros and cons of “gaming” on students, learning and behavior. For example, a recent study by Iowa State University professors, Dr. Craig Anderson and Dr. Douglas Gentile, found that prosocial games (defined as ones “in which characters help others in nonviolent ways”) can “increase helpful and decrease hurtful behavior.” While another … Read More
Education: A “Putting People First” Endeavor
What makes an educator an educator? Or, more importantly, where does “effective teaching” begin? Is it with standards, content, and resources? Or with relationships, connections, and shared experiences? Or perhaps some combination thereof? The New York times recently featured a short award winning documentary about Jeffery Wright, a physics teacher in Louisville, KY. The video is moving, not just because … Read More
Unpacking the Basics of Equity in Education
Achieving equitable classrooms, schools, and communities is vitally important, yet much easier said than done. While educators and education leaders may sometimes feel powerless to affect change on a large scale, they do have control over their local environments — classrooms, schools, and districts. It is here where equity work can, and should, begin. Below is a video of Rachel … Read More
