Why Critical Thinking? In today’s rapidly changing world and workplace, critical thinking is more important than ever. The most successful…

In the age of high-stakes testing and increasing academic expectations, the pressure placed on students, teachers, and school leaders to…

Let’s continue our exploration of Project-Based Learning by looking at the who, where, when, and how of PBL. (Take a…

Of course, no one wants to get an answer wrong. However, when a student comes up with a response that…

Sometimes it’s a challenge to inspire middle school students to answer questions. Especially in math class. After lunch. A few…

Often students are pushed to develop questions on the spot, with little to no framework. Unsurprisingly, this often leads to…

A fifth-grade class is hard at work. Posted on the board is the question the students plan to answer: How…

How can schools impact student achievement and produce better learning? It’s always a question on an educator’s mind, but especially…

No one likes a bully—or so it’s been said. Over the years, bullying has been a major concern for everyone….

Fidget spinners are popping up in classrooms around the country, the latest gadget craze in the endless fascination with objects…

Critical thinking frameworks can be a huge help for teachers as they lesson plan, but knowing which one to use…

Project-based learning: it’s an important trend in education that offers teachers and students a great opportunity for enriching the mathematics…

“Does anyone have any questions?” Silence fills the room. The teacher waits the customary three seconds and then moves on…

It’s May. Students are restless, longing for long, lazy summer days. You are exhausted, yearning for a much-deserved respite as…

Bullying and cyber bullying usually involve 3 distinct personas—bullies, victims, and bystanders. The bully and victim roles are usually obvious…

Technology has advanced at a dizzying speed—this is the digital age, after all. It was universally embraced and commonplace long…

Cognitive rigor encompasses the complexity of content, the cognitive engagement with that content, and the scope of the planned learning…

When I first “heard” this term, like you, I couldn’t believe my eyes. I was reading Make It Stick by…

Thinking frameworks help teachers analyze the various levels of student thinking that are present in lessons, tasks, and assessments. Knowing…

This is the final article in a series exploring how to approach close reading. If you’d like, go back and…

Over the next several weeks we’re going to take a close look at Crosscutting Concepts, one of the three pillars of…

In Act II of close reading, your students examined how the text works. Now it’s time to raise the curtain…

Think about the last time you dined at a nice restaurant. Which part of your meal did you take the…

We’re continuing our recent focus on middle school science standards and content vocabulary with this round-up of resources pertaining to…

A literacy topic that has been gaining traction in many schools across the country is close reading. Why is close…

The motto at Maple Elementary is “Be Your Best,” a mantra that its principal, Dr. Juan Manuel Santos, took on…

There was a time when teacher-centered learning, or “sit and get,” was the classroom norm: the teacher would stand in…

If you have recently attended a math conference, you have likely heard discussion concerning “questioning” and its importance in the…

This article is second in a series exploring how to approach close reading. If you’d like, go back and read…

This article is third in a series exploring how to approach close reading. If you’d like, go back and read…

This article is fourth in a series exploring how to approach close reading. If you’d like, go back and read…

Teaching the language of science is just as vital to student success as teaching science itself. It’s also an area…

This article is fifth in a series exploring how to approach close reading. If you’d like, go back and read…

After years of frustration trying to plan lessons and teach the Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE) with few resources that…

Pancakes taste like home. Growing up, my dad took a hands-off approach to parenting. He was a hard-working, hard-talking, hard-living…

Your school may have a well-designed approach for integrating college and career-readiness standards into all subject areas with vertical alignment…

Recently, we wrote about word games for teaching science content vocabulary. While those games are versatile, and can be used…

This walkthrough tip comes from Julie Gauthier (@MrsJGauthier). It is excerpted from Best Walkthrough Practices, a book full of insights and…

I have been an avid reader since birth. There are more pictures of me “reading” to my baby dolls than…

Dana Boyd has been principal for just 5 years in Ysleta ISD, but she’s already captured the honor of being…

Heads up, science teachers! We’ve got our eye on the new semester, so we’ve collected a few of our favorite…

Each week of the school year, my seventh-grade son brought home a list of twelve or so stems (i.e., roots…

Principal Ronny Snow and his staff at Malakoff Elementary in East Texas have worked with grit and determination to turn…

Getting students to truly engage with academic vocabulary can be a challenge—especially when there’s no clear connection between the words…

What do your students have in common with Michael Jordan and Thomas Edison? How can these two heroes provide inspiration…

The primary measurement for student growth has long been the standardized test: students’ performance reflects what they’ve learned, determines their…

Have you ever told your students to “put on their thinking caps”? This metaphor for kicking thought into high gear…

By Angela Ruark, M.A. The hook. It’s what grabs you and reels you in. Whether it is the first sentence…

Earlier this month, we wrote about ways to make math meaningful to students by introducing new concepts in creative ways…

In 2007, Sherry Robinson started as principal at Bald Creek Elementary, a school nestled in the Black Mountains of North…

Last week, we hosted a webinar at Education Week on effective integration of technology in the classroom. Our experts, Rebecca…

By Angela Ruark, M.A. “Yessss! It’s time for math class!” Wouldn’t it be nice to hear students talk about your…

In July, Mentoring Minds announced a new partnership with the California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators (CALSA). To learn more…

Technology is critical to education, but each district, school, and classroom has its own unique challenges when it comes to…

Whether you’re a veteran teacher or are just beginning your career, taking a look at these tips for staying in touch with parents throughout the academic year can be a great boon to the success of you and your students.

Take a look at these suggestions for managing disruptive students and consider putting them into practice in your own classroom.

If you want to spice up your curriculum with something new, take a look at these tips for incorporating music into the classroom.

When teachers decide to become students again, a whole new set of questions is raised. Talking to a career coach and your own administration can be key in finding the best path forward.

Digital tools are increasingly being used in schools to support and enhance learning, and in many states, technology fluency isn’t…

As educators, we have a common goal: get our students to think outside of the box. We know that, as…

Update: The contest has been extended through October 31, 2015! Critical thinking is a learning goal in nearly every classroom….

You know how important formative assessments are to gauging each student’s understanding of the topic and differentiating instruction accordingly. Here…

Through careful instructional strategies and the design of creative curriculum, teachers can ensure that they do everything in their power to make scientific instruction meaningful for students.

While many classes focus on teaching a broad range of skills, it can often be more beneficial to help students master subject matter by delving more deeply into just a few concepts.

PE presents a valuable opportunity to reinforce other subject areas. 

Take a look at these tips for developing innovative thinkers.

Take a look at these instructional strategies for mathematics instruction and consider implementing them into your classroom.

Take a look at these tips for social studies instruction.

Teachers need to consistently go above and beyond the call of duty to strive for deeper learning – a process by which students are not only engaging with curriculum but also retaining it.

In order to develop a more streamlined and effective classroom environment, try these tips for curating student responsibility for learning.

Whether you’re a teacher, an administrator or a district official, you may benefit from checking out these tips for supporting professional development of educators. 

While these skills will differ slightly from teacher to teacher to account for individual styles of instruction, there are certain guiding principles you can follow to bolster the odds of reaching all your pupils.

When assessing a given institution from the top down and measuring it’s achievement in education, consider the following factors.

Take a look at these tips for assessing creativity in students and try implementing a few of them in your classroom.

If you’re looking to hone your test administering abilities, take a look at these simple tips.

If you’re weighing your options between making your own classroom rules near the end of summer or waiting for the school year, check out these suggestions for involving your students in the process.

It’s important that your students are able to critique and evaluate their own progress and academic milestones .

While school administrators might go about their jobs in different ways, there are certain habits that most effective principals engage in.

Further, this may help them find motivation to do well in your class because they’ll see you as having invested in them as a person. Here are a few tips for helping your students set meaningful goals.

According to EdWeek, you will know that you have created a culture of learning when the classroom conversations are predominantly led by students.

Almost all teachers would agree that providing meaningful and well structured feedback to their students is one of the best instructional strategies that an educator can have.

If you’re planning a field trip with your students this semester or academic year, you’ll want to do everything in your power before the actual event to ensure that it goes smoothly.

Take a look at some suggestions for finding new ways to use music in your instruction.

Before you begin the process of bringing an animal into your classroom, you may want to consider these tips

If you’re looking for some overarching tips to ensure that behavior in your classroom stays as well managed as possible, take a look at these suggestions.

Whether or not you’re crazy about the idea, technology is becoming more and more integrated into educational strategies and the way that we deliver instruction to our students.

Developments in modern technology have inarguably proven to be a beneficial thing to instructors and students alike.

Every teacher has their own preferred set of methods when it comes to designing creative curriculum.

The recent surge in affordable and simple to use technologies has led to a drastic rise in the ability to integrate technology into your creative curriculum.

While good grades and success in school is its own virtue, instituting a few different types of short and long term rewards in your classroom can increase student motivation in the moment while also building capacity to work towards delayed goals.

Having class outside not only provides a rare opportunity to bolster the ingenuity of your creative curriculum, but also can be used as a reward to drive student engagement further on a day-to-day basis.

If you establish a classroom culture in which your students feel not only welcome but also wanted, then you will have an environment far more conducive to facilitating learning.

If you’re an educator or spend a fair amount of your time interacting with middle and high schoolers through a coaching or mentoring position, then the thought of using cellphones in the classroom is probably not particularly dear to your heart.

Here’s a few suggestions for how to handle any outbursts you experience in your classroom this semester.

If you’re hoping to enhance your parent teacher communication practices, take a look at these three tips.

Tolerance is a prime example of something that can make or break a classroom.

If you’re looking for some brief advice on how to help your students apply to college, take a look at these few tips

One of the more interesting trends to emerge as of late has been the arrival and implementation of exercise balls into student seating arrangements.

Starting a book club for your students effectively. 

If you or a teacher in your school are currently considering using Twitter as a means of interaction between you, your students and their families, take a look at these tips and suggestions.

Regardless of what your personal beliefs are, there are many people out there who are striving to prove that the pros of using social media in instruction outweigh the cons.

Take a look at a few of the ways that e-books and e-readers can help better your instruction and the learning experience of your students.

Writing is one of the most important tasks that a student engages in.

Whether you’re preparing for a new class of students to enter your room this academic year or simply trying to revamp your current arrangement, take a look at these tips for bettering classroom engagement through tactical design

Just as the phrase “location, location, location” is considered to be central to opening a business, “practice, practice, practice,” is crucial for students inside and outside the classroom.

Consistent utilization of educational technology can foster innovation and communication skills within your classroom, and Twitter has proven to be a key platform in this toolkit.

There have been many technological advances in the world of education, so it’s becoming more and more natural to use technological devices as part of effective teaching strategies.

We’ve all discussed the “nature versus nurture” issue at one point or another, and while people may disagree over how much of a role each factor plays in human, animal and plant development, it can’t be denied that each is important.

Autumn continues to be an excellent time for teachers, because with Connected Educators Month behind us, National Novel Writing Month is in full swing.

In order to maximize student outcomes, effective teaching strategies must include the promotion of a fertile learning environment at home as well as in the classroom.

More and more, literacy is being understood as a foundation for learning.

Brain-based learning is the educational philosophy that the best instructional strategies derive from an understanding of the physical structure and processes of the human brain.

Flipped classroom models reverse the way in which students have traditionally been taught.

When discussing the literacy strategies of K-12 students, one is likely to encounter two oft-used terms: content area literacy and disciplinary literacy.

No matter what amount of space you’ve been given, make the absolute most of it and optimize your students’ focus by trying these few tips from Mentoring Minds.

Ask any teacher and they’ll tell you that they’ve struggled with classroom management at some point in their career.

For teachers working to incorporate an integrated curriculum into their classrooms, understanding the pedagogical philosophy of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) may help reinforce the need for differentiation.

In the midst of Connected Educators Month, October 19-25 officially marks Digital Citizenship Week, an opportunity for students, parents and teachers to address concerns about digital responsibility and safety.

For the first time in the 13​-year run of the Broad Prize, the prestigious award given to the best urban school districts, the prize was given to two districts in a tie.

Though the maker movement has deep roots, this learning strategy has recently been attracting lots of attention in the world of education. 

One of the most important reasons educators across the country are moving toward an integrated curriculum is to prepare students to be part of a STEM workforce.

Implementing a bring-your-own-device policy in your classroom is a great way to work toward an integrated curriculum.

If you’re looking for ways to develop a more creative curriculum for the coming school year, consider challenging students to design infographics.

One of the main challenges for many teachers trying to implement an integrated curriculum is trying to keep up with the most recent advancements in technology.

A major issue for educators, administrators and school districts is how to ensure the security of student data when implementing an integrated curriculum.

The best way for educators to learn to use new technology-based pedagogical methods, Ed Tech apps, and device troubleshooting is by experiencing those skills firsthand during professional development.

Transforming classrooms from analog to digital isn’t something that happens overnight.

When implementing an integrated curriculum, it’s imperative that teachers be able to manage their classrooms while students are using Internet-equipped devices.

For some educators, it might be challenging to explain all the benefits of an integrated curriculum to parents.

Scholastic Library Publishing and School Library Journal have officially announced the inaugural winner of their School Librarian of the Year Award, an honor that recognizes K-12 tech-savvy library professionals.

For the past two years, October has been Connected Educators Month (CEM), an opportunity for teachers across the country to network, share learning strategies, and discuss curriculum integration.

For new teachers, one of the main challenges might simply be finding a firm structure of management and discipline that works.

EdSurge and Digital Promise have teamed up to create an inaugural award program honoring innovations in educational technology, and in doing so have noticed several trends in the geography of Ed Tech app development.

To make the most of tablets, laptops, or any other technology, have defined goals for how these devices will be utilized throughout the year.

Students who have a personal interest in a lesson’s subject matter are more likely to be engaged in class.

Currently, many educators’ teaching abilities and classroom management skills are evaluated by rare occurrences of formal observation from principals or other administrators.

A recent study conducted by Fiberlink, a subsidiary of IBM, found that workers in the education industry adopted more public and custom applications than any other professional sector.

Utilizing an integrated curriculum in the classroom is as much an opportunity to learn as it is to teach.

Google is among several tech firms such as Microsoft and Apple that are courting educational systems to invest in devices and applications.

Teachers looking to implement a creative curriculum in their classrooms should consider virtual or remote labs.

Blended learning can seem like a complicated process, partly because the definition of this contemporary pedagogical method is still not concrete.

Digital storytelling can be an important asset in creating an integrated classroom.

Self-regulated learning, often abbreviated to SRL, is a pedagogical technique in which students utilize metacognitive strategies to evaluate their individual progress and consider their educational motivation.

With an understanding of technology now being a necessary component not only to be successful academically but also in the workforce, it is important to find positive ways to steer teachers toward an integrated curriculum.

Many public school teachers are encountering students whose native languages are not English.

Enhance student engagement by making social media an integral part of an integrated curriculum.

Social and emotional education teaches students to become healthy members of society.

Through the use of Twitter and a blog, teachers in New Zealand have been able to get kids interested in learning by using the kinds of social media technologies that they encounter in their lives outside of school every day.

The use of online and video role-playing games to produce strong learning strategies has significantly altered the educational world.

The speed with which technology has been adopted by classrooms around the country is quite astonishing. Computers represent a fantastic…

Scaffolding is a key instructional strategy designed to encourage student success.

There are ways to ensure not only that project-based learning is appropriately rigorous for today’s standards, but also that it engages each individual student.

There are many educational strategies for teaching students fundamental literacy skills.

Asking the right critical thinking questions is one of the best ways of accessing the deeper learning processes in students.

It can often be difficult to find an engaging study techniques in mathematics.

Scaffolding is a process by which you can make sure students are receiving the instructional support they need in their education without being overbearing.

Vocabulary instruction is an important part of a child’s education.

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have found that heavily decorated elementary school classrooms can be disruptive to student learning.

The Internet revolution is connecting people from across the world in new and meaningful ways, and even young elementary school students can benefit from exposure to social media platforms.

A journal, diary, or learning log can be a great way to prompt students to think about the ways they learn.

Though developing close reading skills can be achieved through a wide range of study techniques, one necessary learning strategy is asking text-dependent questions that promote evidence of learning.

One of the most frustrating things for a teacher is a student who is unwilling to engage in a lesson or unit.

Though flashcards are a traditional method for learning new vocabulary, an integrated curriculum is beneficial in that it can help students learn vocabulary for the long term.

Monitoring student progress is critical to the educational process.

Research has shown that one of the best ways to develop student engagement is through positive teacher/student relationships.

One of the biggest challenges students face today is the notable juxtaposition between how they are taught language skills and how a grammar is utilized in day-to-day existence.

One of the most discussed educational strategies for teaching language arts is the idea of text complexity.

Students are heavily influenced by their learning environments.

In the quest to develop well-rounded students, educators strive to engage their pupils in a wide range of thinking strategies.

Educational strategies that focus on small groups of students are great for developing students’ critical thinking skills.

Teachers can use team learning as a way of engaging students in the classroom.

In today’s modern society, computer skills are becoming as universal as literacy skills. 

Often the greatest challenges a teacher faces come not from their students, but rather, from their students’ parents.

Designing lesson plans that encourage self-expression and out-of-the-box problem-solving skills can be challenging for teachers. However, the rewards that come from successfully overcoming such a challenge are certainly worth it.

Response to Intervention (RTI) is a way of identifying children early in their academic careers who may be at risk for learning difficulties.

Brain-based learning, also known as educational neuroscience, is actually much less complicated than the name might lead you to believe.

The term “critical thinking” is a common phrase in the academic community.

The key to literacy is reading comprehension.

An integrated curriculum organizes instruction into units that focus on a certain theme.

As students begin to make the transition from the structured learning environment of K-12 education to the looser collegiate model, proper study techniques become more and more important.

RTI strategies are useful in their ability to address a wide range of educational concerns.

A course on dramatic literature is an effective way to foster student creativity and reading comprehension.

Motivating students to become active participants in their own education is often a difficult task.

One of the major occupational hazards of teaching is emotional burnout.

When they aren’t challenged properly, students can easily fall into a routine in which they simply slide by, content to do the minimum amount of work that is required.

At-risk students present a unique set of challenges for educators and administrators.

Teaching concepts in the classroom doesn’t accomplish anything unless students understand how those ideas apply to the real world.

Research suggests that the precepts of content area literacy need to be updated to reflect the specialized demands of literacy in disciplines such as history, math, and science (Shanahan & Shanahan, 2008).

Many science teachers are apprehensive about including texts in their classroom instruction.

Content area literacy, the application of reading and writing skills across disciplines, may seem to lend itself to certain subjects more than others.

The increased focus on literacy has challenged teachers to explore strategies for including more reading and writing in their daily instruction.

Instructional strategies for improving content area literacy may seem difficult to implement in subjects whose medium is not primarily the written word.

The degree to which a student absorbs material has traditionally been categorized into deep learning and surface learning.

The traditional apprenticeship model of education was centered on the learner engaging in a task under the guidance of a professional.

Using textbooks as a foundation for instruction may be detrimental to the effective practice of curriculum integration.

The digital age has ushered in the widespread use of technology in all facets of life.

Modern science has allowed researchers greater insight into the functional processes of the brain than ever before.

In the modern world of education, standardized tests have become the most prevalent method used to gauge a student’s abilities.

For many years, reading and writing were thought of as being solely under the purview of English teachers.

Of all the benefits that technology has brought to the world over the past several decades, the ability to gather, organize, research, and analyze data is one of the most important.

As the second half of the school year draws near, it’s the perfect time to assess how far your students…

Engendering critical thinking skills in today’s students requires more than just one-on-one instruction to enhance those abilities.

In both the academic and professional worlds, greater emphasis has been placed on critical thinking skills in the United States in recent years.

For many educators, the need to teach critical thinking skills is apparent, but the steps they must take to do so aren’t as obvious.

Helping students develop critical thinking skills can sometimes be hindered by their reluctance to delve deeply into traditional subjects.

“I wish every week were the week before winter break!” said no teacher ever. You’re done! It was probably a…

One of the best ways to get students to think more deeply about the topics they are being taught is to ask critical thinking questions.

When it comes to developing critical thinking skills, as with many things in life, it’s all about the basics.

One of the greatest aspects of teaching students critical thinking skills is that, especially when compared to traditional classroom activities, critical thinking exercises can be a lot of fun.

Thinking skills are viewed as a crucial issue in education. The ability to engage in careful, reflective thought is viewed…

Have you noticed when people speak of prestigious occupations they usually list them in the order of Doctor-Lawyer-Teacher? Well it’s…

Learning mathematics without a foundation in the language of mathematics is akin to navigating the Amazon without a guide –…

Teaching students critical thinking skills has become one of the most important goals of teachers and administrators in recent years, replacing the kinds of rote memorization techniques that long dominated the American education landscape.

Every school administrator plays the role of a public relations director. Building public relations on the campus and in the…

Being a campus administrator can be a daunting task, yet a rewarding one. When a school year begins with enthusiasm…

Since 1980, Texas has administered state-mandated tests for accountability purposes. We have had Texas Assessment of Basic Skills (TABS), Texas…

Research shows a strong link between parent involvement and student achievement. First impressions are very important in building positive working…

Reading teacher Linda Unser is a little overwhelmed and a little worried. She has spent the new school year at Frankfort…

If spring is near, can testing season be far behind? With this thought in mind, it is never too early…

ASCD released a new report titled “Fulfilling the Promise of the Common Core State Standards: Moving from Adoption to Implementation…

Administrator Tips | Start off the year by maintaining a positive school climate Remembering what it was like to be…

Schools are continually asked to integrate the development of skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, and collaboration into teaching…

Earlier this month, we asked you why you teach and we loved all of your feedback. We also asked the…

While I hope you’re relaxing this summer, the break from school provides many teachers with the time and space they…

One of Mentoring Minds’ Facebook friends submitted the following question for our educators to answer.   Q: My son gets…

High-stakes testing. When you read that phrase does your blood pressure start to rise? Studies show that many teachers experience…

You’re an ace at engaging students with critical thinking strategies. You know how active learning helps motivate students. But what if…

Classroom management. Whether you love it or loathe it, the impact of classroom management on student achievement and teacher satisfaction…

As you already know, bullying is an academic issue. It’s also a legal issue. Forty-nine states and the District of…

Rigor is a popular education buzzword – especially right now with the implementation of Common Core standards Politicians, corporate leaders,…

When students speak up in class and conversations develop, you can feel the energy in the classroom. Concepts get discussed…

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. As much as we wish bullying would disappear, the fact is one-third of all…

I hear, and I forget. I see, and I remember. I do, and I understand. ~ Confucius As Confucius noted,…