For children with dyslexia, learning to read will likely become a deeply personal and ongoing journey — they will experience the process, successes, and difficulties of literacy differently than their non-dyslexic peers. But that doesn’t mean that these students are destined to suffer in school — it simply means that the instruction, tools, resources, and learning experience provided to them must be all the more deliberate and powerful. With the right instructional materials and pedagogical approach, we can empower dyslexic children to successfully tackle challenging texts throughout their academic careers.
The unique learning experience of dyslexic children requires a unique…
By Fiona Vernal, Director of Engaged, Public, Oral, and Community Histories and Associate Professor of History at the University of Connecticut.
With the help of her colleagues, Dr. Fiona Vernal created Part 3 of our series, “Voices in Social Studies”, as a resource guide for teachers interested in the intersection of SEL, culture, and community. Special thanks to Isalena Gilzene and Hope Brown. Read part 1 and part 2.
Old Wine, New Bottles? Thirty Years of Social and Emotional Learning
Every few decades, education experts reconsider what pedagogies, principles, materials, and methods will contribute to success in the classroom. Social and emotional learning (SEL), a framework developed almost thirty years ago in 1994, is beginning to coalesce and gain momentum throughout the country. By August 2020, 29 states had developed SEL standards…
Celebrating Financial Literacy Month
Every April we celebrate Financial Literacy Month, an observance founded by The Jump$tart Coalition to improve financial literacy, especially among our nation’s youth, and to promote financial well-being for all consumers.
Studies have found that providing students, as early in their education as possible, with foundational financial education skills and educational programs can build overall financial wellness. Unfortunately, the OECD’s 2018 PISA Survey results reveal that one in five US students fail to demonstrate more than a basic level of financial knowledge and skills, and students are performing below the baseline level of proficiency. [2]
This means that the vast…
Learning Science 101: Worked Examples
Let’s face it: most kids think video games are a lot more fun than learning. But, that doesn’t have to be the case.
In reality, teaching and video games have a lot in common. Many of the video games that kids today love are actually designed based on the science of how children learn.
That means if we tap into the smart strategies that make video games work, we can make instruction more effective, content more engaging, and students more excited to learn and grow.
But how might we do this? One effective learning tactic often seen in video game…
By Dr. Jan Hasbrouck, Author and Educational Consultant
How do we address dyslexia in the classroom, so we can turn struggling readers into confident ones?
Decades of research have clearly shown that the most effective instruction and intervention for reading should be systematically designed and delivered. This instruction should also include high levels of student engagement and feedback, and look different across the grades.
In past installments, Dr. Jan Hasbrouck has discussed the research behind dyslexia, dispelled common misconceptions surrounding the disorder, and described the signs and symptoms. This blog, adapted from Dr. …
Today’s rigorous standards challenge schools to prepare all students for the demands of 21st-century college and careers. But some student populations struggle to reach grade level and perform well on high-stakes tests. Regardless of the reason, Direct Instruction (DI) programs have the power to turn their lives around. The DI method is extensively tested and proven to transform students into confident learners who meet or surpass grade-level expectations in reading, language arts, and math. DI programs give schools a clear path to Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) and beyond.
What makes DI Effective?
A high school diploma is a gateway to college and the workforce…
On March 26, we celebrate the second annual International Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Day, established by The Urban Assembly and SEL4US to honor the importance of social and emotional learning (SEL).
SEL is a critical component of well-rounded educational programs. It is proven to enhance academic incomes, improve relationship and communication skills, build hirable, 21st-century skills, and better prime and prepare students for success in a global economy.
Despite its efficacy and necessity, SEL is still lacking in many schools and communities today. International SEL aims to solve this, by building awareness, advocating, and promoting the power of SEL.
…
By Jason Blair, Art Educator in Columbus, Ohio
The most important thing we can do as educators is to create the conditions that empower student agency in our learning spaces. We are not just preparing students for college and career, we are also preparing students to be citizens of the world.
Citizens who will embrace the diverse fabric that is woven through our communities.
Citizens who will stand for what they believe in. Citizens who will seek discomfort so that they may learn and grow from it.
Our world needs citizens who are willing to challenge the status quo.
How might we begin to create the conditions to…
By Mitch Prinstein, Ph.D., Board-Certified Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychologist
Published as a part of a collaboration between McGraw Hill and Character Lab, where this piece first appeared. Character Lab advances scientific insights that help kids thrive (you can watch a short video here). By connecting researchers with educators, Character Lab seeks to create greater knowledge about the conditions that lead to social, emotional, academic, and physical well-being for young people throughout the country.
“Human beings are social creatures….[S]imply to exist as a normal human being requires interaction with other people.”
— Atul Gawande
Why does social intelligence matter?
Social intelligence is as important as IQ when it comes to happiness, health, and success. Empathetic…
#SELdayCHAT on March 25, 2021 at 8 p.m. EST
Each year, International Social Emotional Learning Day showcases, promotes, advocates, and supports social-emotional learning in schools and communities across the world. Every school has their own way of celebrating the worldwide event, and many choose to use the time to connect with likeminded educators and share ideas for social and emotional development — for both students and educators!
To help you connect with peers, share those ideas, and have those meaningful conversations, we’ve organized a Twitter chat on SEL. …
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