Learning Forward
Equity and excellence in teaching and learning.
Examining evidence
October 2008
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In This Issue
ARTICLES
What would a school look like if it practiced the way doctors do?
School leaders can learn from the way doctors use assessment data.
It's not just any day
When the sun rises on D-Day at one rural district, educators meet to disaggregate the data.
Texas school beats the odds with a shared commitment to student learning
The odds were stacked against the new elementary school from the beginning. In its favor, the school was a beautiful building with an established principal. Beyond that, anyone would predict […]
4 practices serve as pillars for adult learning
At a recent workshop I delivered on practices that support adult growth, John, a New York City principal for more than 20 years, captured the others’ experiences. “I have a […]
Mix it up
Variety is key to a well-rounded data-analysis plan.
Use evidence to make the case for learning
Social scientist Samuel Popkin wrote about the concept of “gut rationality” to explain how voters make decisions during presidential elections (1994). His theory is that voters take a bit of […]
A lesson learned from students
A young middle school teacher moves from exhaustion to enlightenment.
Use 'both/and' thinking to find the best of two sides of a conflict
Careful word choices help groups address both sides of a conflict.
Data dialogue
Focused conversations put evidence to work in the classroom.
Let stakeholders know what you intend to accomplish
A superintendent seeks help in making the case for professional learning time.
Community events offer cultural learning opportunities
Culturally proficient schools have carefully developed an awareness of the communities they serve. The teachers and leaders know who lives in the community, value and build upon the assets students […]
Striking a balance
Forsyth County Schools has recently finished a very successful year. In 2008, all 16 elementary schools and eight middle schools made Adequate Yearly Progress. In spite of the fact that […]
Courage, confidence, clarity mark the pathway to change
NSDC’s deputy executive director addresses evaluation anxiety and the challenges coaches face.
A lesson in teaching, starring, you
When teachers work toward the goal of using evidence of student learning to improve teaching, they typically use test scores, student work, portfolios, and a variety of formative assessments. Videotapes […]
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