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"Since UDL is in perfect alignment with the Common Core (and I purposely state that as a fact, rather than an opinion), I've decided to dedicate this post to zooming in on a specific lesson. I want to show the value of a UDL mindset that even the busiest of teachers may easily adopt - pain free."

"There are many books in the field, both specific and some not specific to the profession. I have selected what I have found most useful in my attempt to be a better Subject Leader and coach:"

"Join the maker movement! There's a technological and creative revolution underway. Amazing new tools, materials and skills turn us all into makers. Using technology to make, repair or customize the things we need brings engineering, design and computer science to the masses. Fortunately for educators, this maker movement overlaps with the natural inclinations of children and the power of learning by doing. The active learner is at the center of the learning process, amplifying the best traditions of progressive education. This book helps educators bring the exciting opportunities of the maker movement to every classroom."

SWIFT is a national center focused on providing academic and behavioral support for all students, including those with the most extensive needs. The mission of the SWIFT Center is to assist districts and their schools to engage in a transformational process in concert with their families and communities to achieve equity and excellence for all students.

        The Dr. William W. Henderson Inclusion School is a small elementary school serving children from early childhood through Grade 5.  Our students are from diverse ethnic, linguistic, and ability backgrounds.  We are an inclusive school.  Students who have disabilities learn in general education classrooms with their nondisabled peers.  Teachers and support staff collaborate to help all children learn and succeed at high levels.

Below are 11 questions that seem to be at the core of education reform efforts. For each one, I offer an alternative question or two that might spur more productive conversations and result in more effective policies

"The Teaching Innovation Progression Chart helps provide teachers with a structure for self-reflection and growth. It is designed to encourage conversation around 21st Century learning and assess progress to meet the goal of full integration of a 21st Century classroom"

"It is the formative learning that is a key to the PBL Essential Element of "revision and reflection". It is this element that allows student to take risks, have minor setback, innovate, apply strategy, remix, evaluate, succeed, and learn! Enjoy the multitude of formative possibilities below. I would like to learn from you. Please share with me any others websites you think should be included to facilitate STEM. Remember that formative is more than assessment… it is learning. It can come in many ways!"

Astronaut Hadfield and Bare Naked Ladies video shot collaboratively from the International Space Station

"Over the past school year, I have had the opportunity to work with educators locally, statewide and nationally who are all in the process of shifting their teaching to meet the requirements of new learning standards, new professional standards and new assessment designs.   I wish that all teachers had the opportunity to experience this kind of collaborative work at so many different levels.  I have done a lot of reflection on what I have learned and would like to share the top 5 ideas with all of you"

"What's the best predictor of success? IQ, talent, luck? Nope. It's 'grit,' more than anything else. Through her research at the University of Pennsylvania - and firsthand experience teaching in New York City's public schools -psychologist Angela Duckworth has found that the ability to withstand stress and move past failures to achieve a goal is the best indicator of future success"

"This week the teacher-turned-entrepreneur officially launched eduClipper, a platform that allows teachers and students to explore, share and contribute to a library of educational content. In both function and design, it's essentially a Pinterest for education, with one notable difference: Because eduClipper is built exclusively for teachers and students, unlike Pinterest, you probably won't find it blocked by your local school"

"In a time when technology is drastically changing the way that we work, learn, and play, it is essential that school leaders have a clear plan for driving digital change in their classrooms, districts and communities. "

"High-functioning learning communities are driven by the core beliefs detailed in their mission, vision, values, and goals statements. Working together, parents, principals, and teachers define priorities that carry great implications for instruction. Those priorities should play a role in all of the choices made by a school-including choices about the kinds of technology to incorporate into classrooms. Use this handout to ensure that your technology plans align with your school's mission, vision, values and goals."

"Collective efficacy is the shared perceptions of teachers in a school that the efforts of the faculty as a whole will have positive effects on students. The Collective Efficacy Scale (CE-Scale) is a 21-item scale, which measures the collective efficacy of a school."

"My teachers and I are currently having discussions about grading practices, standards-based grading, and everything in between. I do not know that we will ever adopt a truly standards-based grading system, but I believe we are on our way to making our grading system more meaningful."