Erik M. Francis, M.Ed., M.S. is an author, educator, and speaker who specializes in teaching and learning that promotes cognitive rigor and postsecondary (college and career) readiness. He is the author of Now THAT’S a Good Question! How to Promote Cognitive Rigor Through Classroom Questioning (ASCD). He is also the owner of Maverik Education LLC, providing academic
Technology
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How one South Texas school district is taking middle school reading comprehension to another level Nearly six million middle school students today are reading below grade level—a shocking number. The National Center for Education Statistics’ 2017 report, The Nation’s Report Card: Mathematics and Reading Assessments, shows minimal improvement in reading scores for middle school students on
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Understanding the middle school learner as the basis for implementing a district-wide digital transformation In December 2015, the Tuscaloosa City Schools Board of Education approved the superintendent’s strategic plan, a broadly ambitious plan that prioritized capital improvements, human resources, and curriculum and instruction. Two key areas in the last category were a focus on middle
Read More… from Transforming Middle School Practice Through Instructional Technology
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Repurposing available tools in new and innovative ways to transform learning We’ve all had those days when technology doesn’t cooperate, leaving that innovative lesson plan we’ve worked so hard on to fall apart. I crafted a differentiated lesson using a popular web-based educational technology (ed tech) software for a drawing unit. Enthusiasm quickly dissipated when
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Developing communication and leadership skills through community engagement During the middle school years young adolescents not only become aware of the changes associated with physical and emotional maturity, but they also adjust to new learning standards and expectations. The goals of middle school include fostering the self-esteem, self-worth, and confidence necessary for young adults to
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Three things middle level educators can do to encourage more girls to engage in STEM The movie Hidden Figures, the story of four African American women working at NASA in the 1960s, has reinvigorated the role of women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) careers. Although women comprise 48% of the current U.S. workforce, they comprise
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