THE

Best & Next

IN EDUCATION

Issue 2.1! February 2014

Editors Note
! Weve been snowed in here in Philadelphia, like much of the United States. Ice storms and lost power have shut down schools from coast-to-coast. Yet, weve seen the learning continue online. ! A.J. Juliani ! Teachers have had online #snowchats on Twitter and other social media. Students participated in Digital Learning Day even when they were home thanks to live streaming events and activities. ! ! Its also been amazing to watch teachers stay overnight with students at some schools in the South after a major ice storm kept them away from their parents. This winter has shown me once again how much of an impact teachers and leaders can have on our youths lives.! ! I for one want to say THANK YOU, to every teacher and educator serving and working for a better experience and future for our young people!! ! Enjoy this issue! ! ! A.J. Juliani! !

WHATS INSIDE?
!

Featured Book, Apps, and Tools Teach Like a Pirate by Dave Burgess App Reviews Web Tools! ! The Best Posts From Around the Web Of Course I Know How to Google! Connecting Via Guys Lunch They Eye Opening Realization That Happened! ! Whats Next? Ed-Tech Roundup Research Roundup! ! 5 Things Innovative Schools Do Differently Thank You From Our Team

Fall In Love With Close Reading

by Christopher Lehman & Kate Roberts Chris and Kate start with a powerful three-step close-

reading ritual that students can apply to any text. Then they lay out practical, engaging lessons that not only guide students to independence in reading texts closely but also help them transfer this critical, analytical skill to media and even the lives they lead. Responsive to students needs and field-tested in classrooms, these lessons include: Connect with Chris and Kate on Twitter. Get the Book on Amazon ! strategies for close reading suggestions for differentiation sample charts and student work from real classrooms connections to the Common Core State Standards

Learn more about the book on their website!

APP REVIEW
Best: Evernote Evernote has been a favorite app of Fortune 500 companies, startups, and now it has hit main stream educational use in the classroom. Teachers like Nicholas Provenzano rave about Evernotes capabilities in the class to collaborate, share, and organize digital work efficiently. Check out how Evernote could boost digital organization and collaboration in your classroom by reading this article. Its also available the web and in the App Store and Google Play.!

Next: OneNote OneNote is a sometimes forgotten tool in the Microsoft Office Suite. Now with the big push towards tablet learning from Microsoft, OneNote (and its similar features to Evernote) has taken center stage as a do everything app for education. I can speak from personal experience that OneNote has transformed the teaching and learning in my school district. Whether it is digital collaboration, eportfolios, or sharing videos...OneNote can do it all as a true power app.

WEB TOOLS
Best: Draft Draft is where I usually do all of my writing. Nate Kontny has created (in my mind) the best pure tool for writing online. I wrote about the great features here, but for publishing here is what you need to know. Anything you create in Draft can be immediately exported to a PDF, ePub, or Mobi (Kindle) file. Draft can also immediately publish a folder to an online website, so its potential for publishing is some of the best online. !

Next: Liberio Liber.io just came onto the market but I am ecstatic about what Cat Noone and company have done here. The premise is so simple: Write in Google Drive and immediately export your files to a variety of different ebook formats (ePub etc). If you are a Google junkie (like me) this may be the way to go because all of your content is already living in Google Drive. Also, it takes the hard work out of formatting for ePub and other digital publishing formats. If you want to have a variety of digital downloading options this is the perfect way to go.

K-12 View

THE BEST POSTS FROM THE WEB

In each issue we present four articles that have resonated with teachers online. These articles focus on how we can (as individuals) help each other to get better.

K-12 View

Minutes go by and they are all deeply engaged with the computers. I hear rumbles of frustration and questions of what they are supposed to look up. Did you find anything? I cant find anything. Theres nothing here. Ms. Sackstein, there isnt any information. Am I doing this right?

OF COURSE I KNOW HOW TO GOOGLE!

What? Of course we know how to Google! Come on, Ms. Sackstein. A full room of seniors stared at me like I had three heads, confused and maybe even insulted that I had the audacity to suggest they didnt know how to search the worlds more well known search engine. Taking them at their word, I set them on a mission to search for high school publication advertising policies in NY. They logged into accounts, opened up Google and do what anyone who knows how search Googledoes: put keywords into the line and when the exact hit doesnt come up in the first three options, proclaim there isnt any information out there.

Are you sure? I asked. What did you search? Just what you told us to search. And what was that exactly? Advertising policies in NY, right? As I walked to each group, they all had similar information on their screens, but none of them were in the ballpark. They found articles about commercial advertising in schools or policies about laws governing commercial involvement in schools, but nothing specific about advertising policies in scholastic publications.

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One group found a lot about bans on selling sugary substances and why schools cant sell them anymore. Some were searching laws associated with advertising, but all of them definitely missed the mark. Processing their utter inability to search effectively, we needed to figure out what was going wrong. I mean, if they all know how to use Google, how come no one found information that was appropriate? Stop what youre doing. Attention to the front. Someone please tell me what you did to find information? I put NY advertising policies in school in the line and searched images first. Then I tried a variety of different words but arrived at the same conclusion. Nothing! Its not enough just have key words. You need to work with what you have. Try using quotation marks to limit what youre searching for. Try using the advanced search to narrow the field. Then take the

time to view different sites, not just the first three that appear. Now you try. As I walked around the room the second time, students were still having a hard time, but some were getting luckier, closer to what the assignment required of them. They wouldnt be able to write their own policy if they didnt research what one looked like and what should be included in it. One of the greatest challenges my students face is my unwillingness to tell them what to do directly. Always looking to support their learning styles and voices, I offer help and guidelines but never one and only way to accomplish a task. This ambiguity creates a lot of anxiety for my students as they are more consumed with getting good grades than learning. Refocusing them on the learning process is just as important as them reflecting on what they actually know.

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My students thought they knew how to Google. They were insistent upon it. I was crazy for even thinking they didnt know, but what each of them realized is maybe they dont know. As much as this can be uncomfortable to recognize, it is also the first essential step to changing their situations. Once a student realizes they dont know, they are receptive to learning and therefore have the opportunity to experience the process and make it their own. At the end of the class, each pair of students was able to create an advertising policy for the school publications. Using different models and websites to make it happen, their more specific searches were able to get them more reliable sources for the task at hand. Google is a powerful tool, but like many tools, if it isnt used correctly it can be useless and frustrating. We cant take for granted that our students know how to successfully use tools that we see them using all the time. It is imperative as teachers, that we acquaint ourselves with the full function of technology, so we can use it effectively with our students. Using technology for the sake of using it serves little purpose, but once we make it an integral means of developing understanding it becomes essential. Students look to us as models of this usage, so the learning must begin on our laptops so we can show kids how to use these tools with proficiency. How can you teach students to better use the tools they think they know? ! Starr Sackstein is the JEA NY Director, lover of the written word, student press rights advocate, motivator of the college bound. Mom. Shes also involved in #jerdchat #sunchat on Twitter. Check out her book: Teaching Mythology Exposed

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K-12 View

girls high and dry? !No, my female team teacher takes on the girls.

CONNECTING VIA GUYS LUNCH

I believe in the power of connection. !I believe in the impact one adult can make. In my own life, I've seen how much someone spending time with you can make a difference. !I am the product of the time that other adults have put into me. !I will forever be indebted to the time that my two Youth Ministers spent teaching me just how important I was and helping me find a voice. In saying that, every year I've done a "Guys' Lunch" with my 5th grade boys. !We meet a few times a year, have lunch in my room and just chat. !Am I leaving the

In the years past it has just been a time to get together with my male students and connect and learn what qualities a young man should have. !This year I decided I wanted to do things a little differently. !This group of guys that I have this year are incredibly kind hearted and amazing young leaders. !I wasn't going to have to do a lot of the "expectations" stuff I've done before. This last year I've also learned a little more about myself. !I'm not young, but I've done some serious growing up this last year. !And because of that I wanted to bring more heart and honesty to my "Guys' Lunch". Today was our first one (I know I'm a little late to the game). To say I was floored by my male students would be an understatement. !I was also a little surprised by my honesty.

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So today we all gathered in my room for lunch. !We spent about half the time just hanging out and building relationships. The second half of the time we delved into the lunch's topic which was: the family we come from. !I shared my story of coming from a broken home. !And surprisingly I got a little emotional. !I'm not 100% sure why. !I think it was a culmination of looking at the eyes of those kids that related to my story as well as me actually sharing my story. !You see, I've never actually shared with anyone about the kind of environment I grew up in. !Yes, I've said I come from a divorced family, but that's about the extent I've shared because I've always felt that people didn't need or want to hear my story. But today, I shared a little of my story. !And the boys each shared whether they came from a home of both parents, one parent, or

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someone not their parents. !We talked about how the home environment we come from doesn't define us at all. !I shared an example about the person I could have become if I had allowed my circumstances to define me. !And we talked about not judging anyone because of the environment they came from and taking the time to see everyone for who they are. !We also talked about how even the people that look like they have the most perfect life and most perfect family have problems and things they wish they could change. It was a powerful moment when the boys started sharing stories about how some of them deal with things at home, how some see their parents fight every day, and more. !The honesty in the room was awe inspiring. Why do I share this story with you? !I want to continually show the power of an adult connecting with a child. !Of reaching more of the child than just the academics. !For when you reach a child's heart, you've really reached them, and I can't wait to see what the future "Guys' Lunches" are going to bring because the boys have requested we do them every other week!!

! Todd Nesloney is the TCEA Teacher of the Year and this years White House Champion of Change recipient.He has also been featured asa NSBA 20 to Watch, CDE Top 40 Innovators, @ClassroomChamps Teacher. Find Todd on Twitter where he is also the Co-Host of the EduAllStars Podcast! !

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Feature Story

THE EYE OPENING REALIZATION THAT REALLY HAPPENED

Over 10,000 educators have joined by Benthe Gilpin The 30 Goals Challenge since January 2010. Join them this year as we prepare to make a difference in

Kids nowadays. !I listen to adults often talk about how kids don't know how to play, kids don't know what hard work truly is, kids don't understand the importance of a handshake and some even say they are worried about the future because our kids lack social skills. !Some adults believe kids are too plugged in. !Really?! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! I won't give up on our kids, I won't believe they will be inept. !This is what I believe, times change. !I hear references to the Good Ol' Days. Really? !Were they really that good? !Is today really that bad? Check out these pictures. !Look at the engagement, the creativity and the joy in the faces. ! ! !

Is one of these right and the other wrong? !I say no. !They're different. !That is what we all must understand and accept. !Times have changed. ! Not convinced... ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! This is what some think of when they talk about "plugged in". !Today's society always seems to have a device in hand. !People don't interact like they used to. !Really? So this was the Good Ol' Days?! !

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My point is this, times change. !I don't believe one is right and one is wrong. !I believe they are different and because they are different we need to adjust and change. Last weekend I attended the Boyne City UnConference. Steve Kelly spoke with a 20 year veteran teacher, who has been successful throughout his career. !He attended the conference and said, "Things have changed, kids have changed, I need to reinvent learning in my classroom. !I need to reinvent myself as an educator." Wow. !What a profound statement. !Someone that has been successful has come to the realization that staying the same or doing things the way they've always been done will not cut it in today's classroom. We've all heard the saying, "Time heals all wounds", I believe time does more than that. !The longer time passes the more we give it a mystique. !We forget some struggles and heartaches and remember what

we choose to. The way we've always done things may have worked in the past. !I urge you to be honest with yourself. !Three essentials stand out to me: 1) Differentiation 2) Listening 3) Humor! ! Differentiation: This is a must...but what does it really look like? 1- Communicate with parents that your classroom is not a one-size fits all. !Be positive and own it! 2- Start small, give students choice when it comes to reading & writing. 3- Learn the ins & outs of your students. !What makes them tick... 4- Figure out how each student learns best, are they visual, hands-on, auditory... 5- Formative assess often!

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6- Provide lots of opportunities for students to show what they learned. 7- Actively pursue feedback from parents, students and colleagues. !Reflect and grow from feedback. Listening: !This is also essential in all classrooms. !Put yourself in your students shoes, is the environment safe? !Can I take a risk without being ridiculed? !Do I have a voice in the classroom? !As a teacher I felt awful when I didn't talk with each of my students on a daily basis...don't let this happen in your classroom. Humor: !I know what your thinking, humor? !We model for our students every day. !We model by our words, what we wear, and how we react. !Most educators want students to be willing to try new things and persevere, yet not all teachers openly try new things. !How many educators laugh at themselves when they make mistakes? !I dare say...not enough. !Educators need to install more humor, try new things, be willing to fall on your face. !Sometimes we take ourselves way too serious. !I believe we need to be willing to laugh at ourselves. I'm proud of the gentleman that is taking steps to reinvent himself. !It's a difficult thing to do. !Many people would simply say, "What I've always done has worked, I don't need to change." !Not this educator...he is going to venture down the bumpy road of change! ! Ben Gilpin is an Elementary Principal, dad to two boys, husband, runner, golfer, book reader, sports fan, tech geek, and ice cream lover. He blogs over at the Colorful Principal and you can also find him on Twitter.

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Next Practices

WHATS NEXT?
It can be overwhelming to stay on top of the latest ed-tech trends and educational research. Weve broken it down into two easy sections so you know whats next in education.

Whats Next?

GREAT SITES FOR EDTECH INFO

ED-TECH ROUNDUP
! Think of this list as your way to get caught up on the big things happening in educational technology. Want more? Look to the left!! ! EdSurge reports: According to EdNET Insight's "State of the K-12 Market 2013" report, 75% of districts say their budgets for hardware, software, teaching training and tech support "will either stay the same or increase." ! ! Edudemic asks whether or not MOOCs are still going strong? and provides a convincing argument that you may or may not agree with in this latest piece.! ! The White House will hold a Maker Faire this year in a new report from the Obama administration. Learn more about their plans here on their blog.! ! Remind101, a startup that makes a free messaging app for teachers (and that we mentioned in our first issue) recently raised $15 million in a round led by Kleiner Perkins Caulfield and Byer.!

Games + Learning: This new site is dedicated to game based learning and has some great resources available already. I hope you check it out.

Matt B Gomez: Matt has been steadily sharing some awesome ed tech resources and app 101 videos for elementary teachers.

Cybraryman: Another great resource hub for all things education (including ed tech). This retired educator just keeps giving back!

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RESEARCH ROUNDUP GREAT SITES FOR

Get caught up on the latest educational research

EDUCATION RESEARCH

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! ! ! ! ! ! costs, according to an analysis of census data released last week. Read about the study at the Boston Globe.! ! A new study, released by the National Bureau of Economic Research, suggests that efforts to recruit more disadvantaged students to college by seeking those at disadvantaged high schools may be hindered if there are not simultaneous efforts to improve the high schools or to offer those students help once in college.! ! Have an article to share? Send it to team@bestnext.org

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INNOVATE

5 Things Innovative Schools Do Differently

by A.J. Juliani

Have you ever wondered how some schools have made the jump from a 20th century mindset to innovative institutions? Its no secret that these schools have to deal with the same standardized tests, the same new education policies and laws, and the structures that we all have to overcomeyet theyve been able to move forward instead of treading water. A few months ago I interviewed Principal Eric Sheninger for my upcoming book,Inquiry and Innovation in the Classroom, and our discussion focused on what every school can do to bring innovation into their culture. Make no mistake, this is not the easiest task, but it can be accomplished by embracing a few habits that set the course for real change.! ! 1. Innovative schools arent afraid What is your school afraid of? Is your school afraid of doing poorly on standardized tests if they move to a project-based curriculum? Is your school afraid of !

losing a higher ranking when they push for more internships and less AP placements? Is your school afraid of parents complaining, school board questions, and teachers struggling to keep up? Its normal to be afraid of what is going to happen when making a change. But we need to remember that change is constant, and the only way our students and teachers can be innovative..is if they are allowed to step out and do something different.! 2. Innovative schools make mistakes If a school can make a mistake and learn from it, imagine what type of message that sends to the teachers and students. Innovative schools continually push the envelope of teaching and learning, and sometimes this leads to mistakes. Mistakes with technology, mistakes with curriculum, and mistakes with training.

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But, that doesnt hold innovative schools back from moving forward. They get back up, and keep going. Notice, this isnt one person making a mistake, it is the organizationand the entire school can learn and improve from mistakes if that is built into the culture.! ! 3. Innovative schools are transparent What goes hand in hand with not being afraid and making mistakes? Transparency. Sheninger said one of the most important small changes his school made was being transparent:

Another small change was becoming a more transparent administrator and sharing the innovative practices taking place within the walls of my school. WithTwitter I have been able to give my stakeholders a glimpse into my role as an educational leader. Facebook has been an incredible tool to share realtime information, student achievements, and staff innovations. Both of these tools combined have given my stakeholders and the greater educational community a birds eye view into my school and the great things happening here.
Transparency is making sure all stakeholders are involved and understand where you are headed as a school. That way, when you make a change (or make a mistake) everyone will be aware of what is going on and the reasons behind moving forward. Again, this may seem scary to many schools, which is why #1 is dont be afraid!! ! 4. Innovative schools use technology the right way Technology is a tool. Its a great learning tool when used properly, but can also serve as a distraction when used poorly.

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When I taught high school English I would often have to check myself on whether or not I was using student laptops as teenage pacifiers. Put them in front of students and sit back It is a tough trap for any teacher. I can fool myself into believing students are actively working, when really they could be watching a YouTube music video or playing a game. However, because I was aware of this, I focused much of my tech integration around active lessons. I could pop in and view what they were doing online, or I could walk around and work with small groups (or 1-on-1) on specific problems. Once the class was over I could use tools like Google Revision History to actively see what students were accomplishing in class. Technology can be used for many learning purposes, but innovative schools make sure the tools are used the right way.

5. Innovative schools are connected Eric made it clear in our interview that this was the most important piece to the innovative school equation. You cant be innovative while living in a bubble. Sure, you can do some great work, but if it is not shared with the world, and if you are not actively learning from the worldthen youll reach just the tip of the iceberg. Does your school have social media accounts? Are your teachers actively connecting with other teachers online? What about your administrators? Are you sending various stakeholders to conferences and Edcamps? Are you comparing your data to thousands of other schools with a tool like Clarity from BrightBytes? What can you do today, this week, this month to get more connected as a school? Whatever it is, it will help move you forward.

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You Made It!

THANK YOU
Thanks for reading! If youd like to drop us a line about the magazine please send all email to team@bestnext.org. Please share the magazine wide and far! If you enjoyed this magazine and want to help keep it running, send a quick $2 donation to the team. Thanks for the support!