Educator Effectiveness

Teachers' Top Three from ESE - April 21, 2016

1. In the News: U.S. Department of Education Releases Guidance on Testing
   On Friday, the U.S. Department of Education released several case studies that share how states and districts are working to make assessment practices meaningful for students, parents, and educators. In a statement that accompanied the release, Education Secretary John King said, ""Done well, assessments are tools for learning and promoting equity. Done poorly, in excess or without clear purpose, they take valuable time away from teaching and learning, draining creative approaches from our classrooms."

2. What We're Reading: "Why I Plan to Stay in Teaching"
   In this EdWeek blog, Justin Minkel a 2nd and 3rd grade teacher from Springdale, Arkansas, explains why he hopes to still be teaching when he's "an old, tired, yet happy man."

3. Did You Know?: TED Talks Features and Upcoming Boston EdTalks
   TED Talks started with a focus on technology, engineering, and design and now cover practically any topic you can imagine. The goal is to share innovative ideas and stories in through compelling talks in 18 minutes or less.

   You can find playlists dedicated to certain topics (checkout the 10 Talks from Inspiring Teachers) or search by hundreds of topics aligned to your interests, content area, or students' interests. Some of the most recent TED Talks include: "The Unexpected Benefit of Celebrating Failure," "Your Kids Might Live on Mars. Here's How They'll Survive," and "The Magic Ingredient that brings Pixar Movies to Life."

   On a similar note, Boston EdTalks will have its fifth annual celebration of teacher-led innovation on May 5, 2016 from 6-8pm with a reception before and after. The event will feature six short talks by local educators on subjects ranging from social and emotional learning to the making of math champions. Learn more and RSVP online.