Oral history project engages students and builds family and community connections Using a microfilm machine for the first time… Watching a local news broadcast from the mid-nineties about the Blizzard of ’93… Holding an authentic newspaper from 1941… Facetiming across the Pacific Ocean, bridging generations, cultures, and language… Visiting the largest library in Pittsburgh to
New information helps educators understand how to work with students In the August 2011 issue of Middle Ground, I encouraged teachers to be proactive with students whose parents are in jail or prison. I provided a brief overview of the perceived academic disadvantages for children of incarcerated parents and suggested how teachers, counselors, and administrators could
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Building a multifaceted plan makes the difference “I’m nervous about forgetting my locker combination.” “I’m worried about getting lost.” “I’m nervous about keeping track of my schedule and having more homework.” “What if my child no longer hugs me as she steps off the bus?” Middle School. These two words instill fear in parents and
Read More… from No More Fears and Tears: Transitioning to Middle School
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Helping children with disabilities by supporting families In my first years as a special education teacher, I taught a sixth grade student with Down Syndrome to tie her shoes. When her parent came to pick her up one afternoon, the student and I shared the good news. The parent’s face turned red, she clenched her
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As a lifelong educator, I have realized that implementing some consistent structures and routines at home with my own children have significantly contributed to their success as students. In talking with many of the parents of the students at my schools, it is clear that many of them have no structures in place at home
Read More… from Home Supports and Routines for Middle School Success
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How developing a Dream Team can promote student success Many years ago, after a meeting about a student with the child’s grandmother, I realized the short-sightedness of my communication salutation, “Dear Parents.” At the time, I switched it to “Dear Families,” but lately, I’m wondering if there is a need for another shift, another innovation,
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