Let’s double down on math and reading!

Let’s double down on math and reading!

If a certain kind of teaching failed to produce learning the first time, why will it suddenly produce it the second time? In many cases the children, now ashamed and angry as well as bored and confused, will do even worse than before… (Holt, How Children Fail, p. 3)

Let’s double down on math and reading block! Let’s extend the school day or calendar! Let’s require kids to attend summer school! Let’s force children to repeat a grade!

But whatever we do, let’s don’t change students’ learning experience. Just more of the same… (and if we are changing the learning experience during those times, perhaps – just perhaps – we should have been doing that in the first place?).

Students fail because they are afraid, bored, or confused

Students fail because they are afraid, bored, or confused

[Students] fail because they are afraid, bored, and confused. They are afraid, above all else, of failing, of disappointing or displeasing the many anxious adults around them, whose limitless hopes and expectations for them hang over their heads like a cloud. They are bored because the things they are given and told to do in school are so trivial, so dull, and make such limited and narrow demands on the wide spectrum of their intelligence, capabilities, and talents. They are confused because most of the torrent of words that pours over them in school makes little or no sense. (Holt, How Children Fail, pp. 5-6)

Why do we assume the worst of children?

Why do we assume the worst of children?

I’m going to start posting some quotes here from John Holt’s How Children Fail, which is a classic education text about student learning (that most educators have never read?)…

The bad things we assume about other people tend to become true, become “self-fulfilling prophecies.” Many people seem to think that the way to take care of children is to ask in any situation what is the most stupid and dangerous thing the children could possibly do, and then act as if they were sure to do it. (p. 81)

How about a Social Impact elective?

How about a Social Impact elective?

One class that I always thought would be meaningful, impactful, and highly visible to the community would be a Social Impact elective course. This would basically be a student-driven genius hour but focused heavily on the Contribution item in Section B of the 4 Shifts Protocol to include a community impact focus.

We could integrate some design thinking concepts at the beginning such as identifying a problem or challenge in the community, conducting empathy interviews, and beginning to prototype solutions. We probably would require a partnership with an external expert or organization. And there should be a highly-publicized exhibition at the end of the semester. I think that schools would see students do some PHENOMENAL work as they lean into areas of interest or concern in their local community as positive change-makers.

Such a course could occur at any grade level, but might be particularly valuable in middle or high school as students begin to search for more relevance in their school experience. I know a number of deeper learning schools that are doing similar work through teacher-created projects. These projects would be more student-initiated and -driven, and the elective course format might be a relatively easy on ramp for more traditional schools that aren’t well-versed in deeper learning but would like to start creating some different opportunities for students. In addition to building students’ efficacy as real world difference-makers, these experiences also would be fantastic additions to students’ job or college applications.

Your thoughts? Know anyone currently doing this?

Image credit: RTCA NPS, CASP Urban Trails workshop

The International Schools Podcast

The International Schools Podcast

John Mikton and Dan Taylor were kind enough to invite me on the International Schools Podcast. John and Dan do a fantastic job of highlighting interesting things that are happening in the international schools space and they always have awesome guests on the podcast. If you haven’t subscribed yet, you’re missing out!

I was incredibly honored to be on the show for Episode 89. We talked about deeper learning, technology integration, leadership, and lots of other fun stuff… 

Happy listening!

Redesigning for Deeper Learning Episode 002: Elementary School Writing

Redesigning for Deeper Learning Episode 002: Elementary School Writing

Episode 002 of the Redesigning for Deeper Learning podcast is now available. Lori and I redesigned an elementary school writing lesson that aims to help students learn about natural disasters.

Redesigning for Deeper Learning is a podcast in which we redesign lessons and units for deeper learning LIVE. Our goal is to model how we can start shifting our day-to-day instruction toward student agency, voice, and choice; critical thinking, problem solving, and depth of understanding; more real-world authentic work; and rich technology infusion. We believe that this might be the first podcast that actually redesigns lessons ON AIR.

After our first four episodes we are inviting teachers, coaches, and other instructional leaders to bring us lessons or units and redesign them with us on the show! If you are a classroom educator, coach, or curriculum designer, please use our guest sign-up form or contact one of the hosts if you are interested in joining us. We promise to treat you kindly and look forward to brainstorming some learning shifts with you!

Episodes are available at redesigningfordeeperlearning.org and on all major podcast platforms. Thanks for listening, and please let us know what suggestions you have for improvement. We want this to be useful to folks!

NEW PODCAST: Redesigning for Deeper Learning

NEW PODCAST: Redesigning for Deeper Learning

I am pleased to announce the launch of my second new podcast, Redesigning for Deeper Learning (R4DL), co-hosted with Lori McEwen and Julie Graber.

Redesigning for Deeper Learning is a podcast in which we redesign lessons and units for deeper learning LIVE. Our goal is to model how we can start shifting our day-to-day instruction toward student agency, voice, and choice; critical thinking, problem solving, and depth of understanding; more real-world authentic work; and rich technology infusion. We believe that this might be the first podcast that actually redesigns lessons ON AIR.

Episode 001 is now available. We redesigned a high school English Language Arts lesson on annotation. Episode 002 will drop soon. We focused on an elementary school writing lesson about natural disasters. Episodes 003 and 004 are on elementary math (place value) and middle school social studies (The Bill of Rights, U.S. Constitution), respectively.

After these first four episodes, we are inviting teachers, coaches, and other school leaders to bring us lessons or units and redesign them with us on the show! If you are a classroom educator, coach, or curriculum designer, please use our guest sign-up form or contact one of the hosts if you are interested in joining us. We promise to treat you kindly and look forward to brainstorming some learning shifts with you!

Episodes are available at redesigningfordeeperlearning.org and on all major podcast platforms. Thanks for listening, and please let us know what suggestions you have for improvement. We want this to be useful to folks!

DLEMS 00: Deeper learning in elementary and middle schools

DLEMS 00: Deeper learning in elementary and middle schools

And so it begins…

I am on sabbatical in Spring 2023, unpacking deeper learning in elementary and middle schools. I have been named a New Pathways Fellow by Getting Smart in support of this work. If you would like to know more, I made a one-page summary of what I am hoping to accomplish (the text is below as well). If there is an inquiry- and problem-based learning school that serves grades K-8 that you think I should try and visit, or if you’d like to learn more about what I’m doing and learning, please get in touch!

Driving Question

What do students, teachers, and leaders do in ‘deeper learning’ elementary and middle schools that is different from their traditional peers?

Overview

‘Deeper learning’ environments are cropping up all around the world in reaction to student boredom and disengagement, the globalization and automation of many job sectors, the increasing complexity of our digital and online information landscape, learning equity and workforce concerns, the need for adaptive and transformative societal innovation, and other factors. However, with some exceptions (e.g., EL, Design39, or EPiC), most of the schools that are featured in deeper learning research, advocacy, and publicity conversations often are at the secondary level (e.g., The Met or High Tech High).

The Plan

As deeper learning networks like Big Picture Learning, New Tech Network, High Tech High, and others extend their models into lower grades, they are meeting long-standing, student-centered models such as Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, and democratic schools that are moving upward from the other direction. Grades K through 8 are where all of these movements come together! My Spring 2023 sabbatical will focus on both the instructional and leadership sides of deeper learning in grades K through 8, with an emphasis on critical thinking and problem solving, greater student and educator agency, real-world authentic work, and rich technology infusion (inquiry, PBL, challenge- or place-based learning, high-quality STEM, entrepreneurship, etc.). I am building upon the work in my previous book, Leadership for Deeper Learning, in which my colleagues and I interviewed principals of 30 innovative schools around the world and then followed up those interviews with site visits, observations, on-site photographs and videos, and additional conversations with students and teachers.

Finances, Publicity, and Other Supports

I am road tripping around the country to visit innovative elementary and middle schools. My costs are pretty simple: just mileage, meals, and hotels (and occasionally airfare and rental cars) as I aim to visit several dozen schools nationwide. I already have secured funding for about half of my total anticipated budget of $30,000. If you know anyone who might be willing to lend financial, publicity, expertise, or other support, please get in touch at or 707-722-7853 (my cell).

Thanks for your interest in this work! You can follow along at #DLEMS #deeperlearning #NewPathways. I also will be sharing my learning at the Getting Smart website and in other spaces. Stay tuned!

Playing around with ChatGPT from OpenAI

Playing around with ChatGPT from OpenAI

I’ve been playing around with ChatGPT from OpenAI. Below are a few prompts and the responses generated by the artificial intelligence (AI) of ChatGPT. Be sure to see the last question below! Your thoughts?

Can Holden Caulfield be considered a tragic hero?

Holden Caulfield, the main character in J.D. Salinger’s novel “The Catcher in the Rye,” could be considered a tragic hero. A tragic hero is a literary character who is noble and has good intentions, but who is ultimately flawed and makes mistakes that lead to their downfall. Holden fits this description because he is a complex and sensitive character who is trying to find his place in the world. However, his actions and decisions are often misguided and cause him to suffer and struggle. Despite his flaws, Holden remains a sympathetic and relatable character, which is a key characteristic of a tragic hero.

What are different forms of energy?

There are many different forms of energy. Some examples include kinetic energy, which is the energy of motion; potential energy, which is stored energy that can be converted into kinetic energy; thermal energy, which is the energy of heat; electrical energy, which is the flow of electric charge; and radiant energy, which is the energy of light or other electromagnetic radiation. These forms of energy can be converted from one form to another, and they are all essential for various processes and phenomena in the natural world.

What are the differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes?

Response 1

Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are two different types of the disease. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar. This type of diabetes is typically diagnosed in childhood or adolescence and requires regular insulin injections to control blood sugar levels.

Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is a metabolic disorder in which the body does not produce enough insulin or does not effectively use the insulin it does produce. This type of diabetes is typically diagnosed in adulthood and can often be managed with lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, and medication.

Some key differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes include:

  • Cause: Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction, while Type 2 diabetes is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
  • Age of onset: Type 1 diabetes is typically diagnosed in childhood or adolescence, while Type 2 diabetes is typically diagnosed in adulthood.
  • Treatment: Type 1 diabetes requires regular insulin injections, while Type 2 diabetes can often be managed with lifestyle changes and medication.
  • Progression: Type 1 diabetes tends to progress rapidly, while Type 2 diabetes tends to progress more slowly.

Overall, the main difference between the two types of diabetes is the cause and the way in which they are treated.

Response 2

Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are two different forms of the disease. Type 1 diabetes, also known as insulin-dependent diabetes or juvenile diabetes, is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar. Type 1 diabetes is typically diagnosed in children and young adults, and it is treated with insulin injections or an insulin pump.

Type 2 diabetes, also known as non-insulin dependent diabetes or adult-onset diabetes, is a chronic condition in which the body does not produce enough insulin or does not use insulin effectively. This form of diabetes is more common than Type 1 diabetes and is often associated with obesity and lack of physical activity. It is typically diagnosed in adults, but it is also becoming more common in children and teenagers. Treatment for Type 2 diabetes may include lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, oral medication, and insulin injections.

Some key differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes include:

  • Causes: Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune disorder, while Type 2 diabetes is often caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
  • Age of onset: Type 1 diabetes is typically diagnosed in children and young adults, while Type 2 diabetes is typically diagnosed in adults.
  • Treatment: Type 1 diabetes is treated with insulin injections or an insulin pump, while Type 2 diabetes may be treated with lifestyle changes, oral medication, and insulin injections.
  • Prognosis: The long-term outlook for individuals with Type 1 diabetes is generally good with proper management, while the long-term outlook for individuals with Type 2 diabetes may be more variable and can depend on several factors, including the severity of the disease and the person’s overall health.

What are the best foods to eat in Thailand?

Thailand is known for its delicious and varied cuisine, which is influenced by Chinese, Indian, and Malay culinary traditions. Some of the best foods to eat in Thailand include:

  • Tom yum: a spicy and sour soup made with shrimp, lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves
  • Pad Thai: a stir-fried noodle dish made with rice noodles, tofu, shrimp, egg, and peanuts
  • Green curry: a rich and fragrant curry made with coconut milk, green chilies, and a variety of vegetables and meats
  • Som tam: a spicy green papaya salad made with shrimp, peanuts, long beans, and a lime dressing
  • Fried rice: a popular and versatile dish made with rice, eggs, onions, and a variety of meats and vegetables
  • Mango sticky rice: a sweet and satisfying dessert made with glutinous rice, mangoes, and coconut milk.

These are just a few examples of the many delicious foods that can be found in Thailand. It is worth trying a variety of dishes to experience the full range of flavors and textures that Thai cuisine has to offer.

What is (34.16 * 54.87) / 31?

The result of (34.16 * 54.87) / 31 is approximately 32.35. To calculate this, we first need to multiply 34.16 and 54.87 to get 1882.0872. We then need to divide this result by 31 to get approximately 32.35.

What are polynomials and what do we use them for?

Polynomials are mathematical expressions that consist of variables and coefficients. They can be written in the form a0 + a1x + a2x^2 + a3x^3 + … + anx^n, where a0, a1, a2, a3, …, an are the coefficients and x is the variable. Polynomials are used in many different fields to model and solve a variety of problems. Some common uses of polynomials include:

  • Describing the motion of objects: Polynomials can be used to model the position, velocity, and acceleration of objects moving in a straight line or in a plane.
  • Modeling population growth: Polynomials can be used to model the growth of a population over time, taking into account factors such as birth rates, death rates, and migration.
  • Solving equations: Polynomials can be used to find the solutions to equations, including those that cannot be solved using algebraic methods.
  • Interpolating data: Polynomials can be used to estimate the values of a function between known data points, allowing us to make predictions and extrapolations.
  • Optimization: Polynomials can be used to find the maximum or minimum values of a function, which can be useful for solving optimization problems in fields such as engineering and economics.

Overall, polynomials are a powerful and versatile tool that can be used to model and solve a wide range of problems.

Will Social Security run out of money?

The Social Security Trust Funds, which are used to pay for Social Security benefits, are currently projected to be exhausted by 2035. This means that if no changes are made to the program, the Trust Funds will no longer have enough money to pay for all of the promised benefits. However, it is important to note that even if the Trust Funds are exhausted, the Social Security program will still have enough revenue coming in from payroll taxes and other sources to pay for about three-fourths of promised benefits.

The Social Security program has been running a deficit for several years, and the gap between the program’s revenues and expenses is expected to continue to grow in the coming decades. This is due to a number of factors, including the aging of the population, increases in life expectancy, and slower economic growth. In order to ensure the long-term solvency of the Social Security program, it may be necessary to make changes to the program, such as increasing payroll taxes or reducing benefits.

Overall, it is likely that the Social Security program will need to be modified in some way in order to continue to provide benefits to future retirees. However, it is important to remember that the program has been successful in providing income security for millions of Americans for many years, and it will continue to play a critical role in the country’s retirement system.

Can we custom design babies with CRISPR?

CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) is a gene-editing technology that allows scientists to make precise changes to the DNA of living organisms. While CRISPR has been used to edit the genes of plants, animals, and other organisms, it is not currently possible to use it to design custom babies.

The use of CRISPR and other gene-editing technologies to modify the DNA of human embryos is a highly controversial and complex issue. There are many ethical, legal, and technical challenges that must be considered before it can be done safely and responsibly. In addition, there are many potential risks and unknowns associated with using CRISPR to edit the genes of human embryos, and further research and development is needed before it can be considered a viable option.

At present, it is not possible to use CRISPR or any other technology to design custom babies. While gene-editing technologies may hold great promise for the future, they also raise many complex and difficult questions that must be carefully considered.

Should I get a fixed rate or adjustable rate mortgage?

It is difficult for me to advise you on whether to get a fixed rate or adjustable rate mortgage, as this decision will depend on your individual circumstances and financial goals. Fixed rate mortgages have an interest rate that remains the same throughout the life of the loan, while adjustable rate mortgages have an interest rate that can fluctuate over time.

Fixed rate mortgages are a good option for people who want the security of knowing what their monthly mortgage payment will be for the entire loan term. They are also a good option for people who plan to stay in their home for a long time and want to lock in a low interest rate.

Adjustable rate mortgages, on the other hand, may have a lower interest rate initially, but the rate can increase or decrease over time based on market conditions. These loans may be a good option for people who expect their income to increase over time and who are comfortable with the potential for changes in their monthly mortgage payment. They may also be a good option for people who plan to sell their home or refinance their loan before the interest rate adjusts.

It is important to carefully consider your financial situation and goals before deciding whether a fixed rate or adjustable rate mortgage is right for you. You may want to talk to a financial advisor or mortgage lender to get more information and advice.

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Compare and contrast the styles of Vincent Van Gogh and Jean-Michel Basquiat

Vincent Van Gogh and Jean-Michel Basquiat were two highly influential artists who worked in different time periods and had distinct styles. Both artists are known for their unique and distinctive approaches to art, and their works have had a lasting impact on the art world.

Van Gogh was a Dutch post-Impressionist painter who is known for his expressive use of color and brushwork. His paintings often featured bold, swirling lines and vibrant colors, and they were heavily influenced by emotion and personal experience. Some of his most famous works include “The Starry Night” and “Sunflowers.”

Basquiat, on the other hand, was an American neo-expressionist painter who is known for his distinctive style that combined elements of graffiti, pop art, and abstract expressionism. His paintings often featured figures, symbols, and words, and they were often marked by a raw energy and intensity. Some of his most famous works include “Untitled” and “Hollywood Africans.”

One key difference between the styles of Van Gogh and Basquiat is the use of color. Van Gogh’s paintings are known for their bold and vibrant colors, while Basquiat’s paintings often featured a more limited color palette, with a predominance of black, white, and gray. Another difference is the subject matter of their paintings. Van Gogh’s paintings often depicted landscapes and still lifes, while Basquiat’s paintings often featured figures and symbols that were inspired by his experiences as a young, black artist in New York City. Despite these differences, both artists are known for their unique and powerful styles, and their works continue to be celebrated and studied today.

What is the best way to teach reading?

There is no one “best” way to teach reading. Different teaching methods and approaches may be more effective for some students than others. Some common strategies for teaching reading include phonics-based instruction, which focuses on teaching students the relationship between letters and sounds, and whole language instruction, which emphasizes the meaning of words and sentences. Other strategies include using reading comprehension activities, such as discussing and answering questions about a text, and providing students with a variety of reading materials that are interesting and engaging to them. Ultimately, the best way to teach reading will depend on the individual needs and abilities of the students.

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Why are teachers leaving the profession?

There are many reasons why teachers may leave the profession, and the specific reasons can vary depending on the individual teacher and the context in which they work. Some common reasons why teachers may leave the profession include:

  • Burnout: Teaching can be a demanding and stressful profession, and many teachers may experience burnout after working in the field for a long time. Burnout can be caused by factors such as heavy workloads, lack of support, and lack of recognition for their work.
  • Low pay: Many teachers are paid relatively low salaries, especially when compared to other professions that require similar levels of education and experience. This can make it difficult for teachers to make ends meet and may lead them to seek higher-paying jobs in other fields.
  • Lack of support: Teachers often work in challenging environments, and they may not receive the support they need to be effective in their jobs. This can include inadequate resources, lack of administrative support, and inadequate professional development opportunities.
  • Negative attitudes towards teachers: Teachers may be subject to criticism and disrespect from students, parents, and the general public. This can create a negative working environment and may lead teachers to feel unappreciated and unsupported.

Overall, there are many factors that can contribute to teachers leaving the profession, and addressing these issues will require a combination of efforts from teachers, school districts, and policy makers.

What are some AI-proof jobs?

It is difficult to predict which jobs will be “AI-proof” in the future, as the capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI) are constantly evolving and new technologies are being developed. However, some jobs that are generally considered to be less susceptible to automation by AI include:

  • Jobs that require complex problem-solving and critical thinking skills: AI systems are generally good at performing tasks that require a high degree of repetition and precision, but they are less effective at tasks that require creativity and abstract reasoning. Jobs that require these skills, such as research, policy analysis, and strategic planning, may be less vulnerable to automation.
  • Jobs that require empathy and emotional intelligence: AI systems are not currently able to replicate the ability of humans to understand and respond to emotional cues and social dynamics. Jobs that require these skills, such as therapy, counseling, and social work, may be less vulnerable to automation.
  • Jobs that require physical presence: Some jobs require workers to be physically present in a specific location, such as to perform hands-on tasks or interact with people. Jobs that require physical presence, such as construction, healthcare, and education, may be less vulnerable to automation.
  • Jobs that require specialized knowledge and expertise: AI systems are not currently able to replicate the depth and breadth of knowledge and experience that many workers have developed over the course of their careers