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Student Learning That Works
Changing Schools vol. 79, Spring 2018
McREL International CEO Bryan Goodwin’s proposal for a research-inspired student learning model is the lead story in this edition of Changing Schools. Neuroscience, he writes, is forcing some of the brain’s secrets out into the open. By focusing on how students learn, rather than dwelling exclusively on how teachers teach, educators can create more effective lessons. In other articles, discover the characteristics of a dynamic and engaging classroom; learn about a six-phase process for school improvement and innovation; get tips on using more formative assessment; and read about how a McREL consultant helped a “turnaround” school find success.
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Curiosity Works
Changing Schools vol. 78, Fall 2017
Curiosity has the power to reframe teaching, learning, and leading, unleashing more effective improvement and innovation efforts at schools of every performance status. This issue of Changing Schools looks at how curiosity affects student learning and the professional practices of teachers, principals, and system leaders, and how schools and districts can leverage the power of curiosity. We also explore a unique teacher coaching model that uses “triads”—teams of three teachers taking turns as coach, coachee, and observer—to turn traditional coaching inside out.
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Measuring what matters: How data are making a difference
Changing Schools vol. 77, Spring 2017
Educators have an abundance of data at their disposal these days, but how can they make sure they are using them in a way that improves teaching and learning? This issue of Changing Schools looks at the new and expanded ways that data are making a difference today, including: the use of surveys to collect valuable stakeholder feedback; the increased flexibility of ESSA; how teacher collaboration makes formative assessment more effective; ensuring data are actionable; and the importance of mindsets in getting all stakeholders excited about data.
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Spotlight on social and emotional learning
Changing Schools vol. 76, Fall 2016
Social and emotional learning practices are proven to help students succeed in academics and in life—but how can schools approach it systemically? This issue of our award-winning magazine, Changing Schools, looks at the research behind SEL, how to select and implement the right program and create the culture and conditions to support it, and how SEL connects with student motivation and curiosity.
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Turning improvement inside out
Changing Schools vol. 75, Spring 2016
What would happen if educators tried to improve schools not from the top down but from the inside out? This issue of Changing Schools builds on McREL’s white paper, The Road Less Traveled: Changing Schools from the Inside Out (2015), considering the implications of a curiosity-based approach, including articles on formative assessment, professional learning, systems improvement, school culture, and project- and maker-based learning.
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Technology with intention
Changing Schools vol. 74, Fall 2015
While the use of some sort of technology is practically a given at most schools, many teachers and leaders still have questions about the best tools to use, the best way to use them, and whether or not they are serving the larger purpose of improved student performance. This issue of Changing Schools looks at these issues and how using technology, as with any tool, can enhance instruction, engage students, and teach important 21st century skills—if used with intention.
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Focus on diverse learners
Changing Schools vol. 73, Spring 2015
As diverse learners become the majority in America’s schools, the need to ensure a high-quality education for all students and overcome the achievement gap is greater than ever. In this issue of Changing Schools, we look at some of the challenges surrounding the education of diverse learners and offer insight into ways to improve their odds of success.
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Coaching that makes a difference
Changing Schools vol. 72, Fall 2014
How do we develop—not just hire, manage, and evaluate, but truly develop—the next generation of great teachers and school leaders? Throughout an educator’s career, it takes a combination of thoughtful, strategic training and coaching to fully realize his or her potential.
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What is engagement today?
Changing Schools vol. 71, Spring 2014
This issue delves into student engagement—what it is and what educators can do to systematically engage all students in their learning.