Normalizing Struggle to Promote Confidence in Mathematics Math is all around us. It allows us to make sense of our world. But too few people finish their K-12 journey feeling ready to apply mathematical thinking to everyday problems. So, what can we do about it? Earlier, I talked with Rachel Scarpato, Senior Director of Math … Continued
What Should EdTech Help You Do? Technology is becoming more prevalent than ever in our lives. With advances in AI, virtual classrooms, and personal devices, it’s no wonder that there are over 8,000 verified tools in the edtech marketplace. Teachers and students are estimated to use over 140 individual tools per year. With so many … Continued
How our experiences with math shape the ways we see ourselves The mere mention of math often brings out strong emotions in people. Either you love it, or you hate it. Those personal feelings you bring to math usually have something to do with how you were taught and the expectations your teachers set throughout … Continued
Dr. Lakita McKinney on her journey in education “I never had a doubt about what I wanted to do professionally; I knew that teaching was going to be my profession of choice.” Few people are lucky enough to find their life’s passion before they graduate from high school. For Dr. Lakita McKinney, the new Managing … Continued
Proving What’s Possible Few educators receive adequate professional learning on grade-level standards and the curricular materials they use with students, hindering students’ access to lessons that meet their full potential. The evidence is evolving on which types of professional development models show improvements in teacher practice and student learning, with more work to be done … Continued
Meet Dr. Jennifer Slanger When Dr. Jennifer Slanger started her early education in Grand Rapids Public Schools, her school experience didn’t necessarily reflect the district’s diversity at large. She recalls, “My elementary school was primarily White students. I think I can remember one or two Black children in the entire kindergarten through sixth-grade building.” High … Continued
The Work Required for a More Perfect Union American democracy is a radical notion. On July 4, 1776, our nation’s founders declared a vision for rule by the people that changed the course of the modern world. This group of men didn’t see women or people of color holding power in this new society, but … Continued
Reflections on 2022 You’ve made it: it’s winter break. Take a deep breath. Enjoy those warm sips of apple cider or hot cocoa, the laughter of holiday festivities, the crackle of a warm fire, or whatever else brings you joy. This time of year, we hear calls to look ahead—and we will in due time—but … Continued
At this time of great change, GivingTuesday is a powerful reminder of our interdependence, our shared hopes, and the possibilities that collective action can unearth. GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Since then, it has become a way to elevate groundbreaking work in communities … Continued
Building Teacher Efficacy Here in Grand Rapids, Michigan, rivers have special significance. The major tributaries are critically important to life in the entire Great Lakes region. They also mirror a metaphor offered by Elena Aguilar that has become a central focus for our Equity in Literacy Fellowship this year. What are Rut and River Stories? … Continued
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