Top Opinion Blog Posts of 2016: Education Week's Most-Viewed

The editors of Education Week compiled a list of the 10 most-viewed opinion blog posts that drew our readers in 2015. Below, the posts are listed in order of the number of online visits they generated. Revisit these blog posts, and examine perspectives you may have missed this year.

1. The #1 Factor That Determines a Toxic or Thriving School Culture

"When it comes to the success of an individual classroom, nothing is more important than the relationship between the teacher and the students," writes Alex Kajitani. "When it comes to the success of an entire school, nothing is more important than the relationship of the adults in the building." (April 27, 2016) | From the Blog: Teacher-Leader Voices

2. The Myth of Walkthroughs: 8 Unobserved Practices in Classrooms

"Walkthroughs will be much more successful if they bring about deep learning on the part of students, teachers, and the leaders who are doing them," writes Peter DeWitt. (April 19, 2016) | From the Blog: Finding Common Ground

3. Why Ability Grouping Doesn't Work

"We need to take account of the substantial research which shows that grouping students by ability makes them less successful," writes Shirley Clarke. (February 15, 2016) | From the Blog: Finding Common Ground

4. Yes, Differentiation Is Hard. So, Let's Get It Right

"Differentiation is a word that makes some teachers shudder, but we know it's important," says Lisa Westman. "So let's get it right." (August 11, 2016) | From the Blog: Finding Common Ground

5. Should These 10 Educational Words Be Banished?

Peter DeWitt argues that words in education can bring on a visceral reaction by educators. Here are 10 words he says should no longer be in fashion in 2016. (March 20, 2016) | From the Blog: Finding Common Ground

6. Ten Non-Standard Ideas About Going Back to School

Here's Nancy Flanagan's unique advice for teachers on gearing up for the new year. (August 6, 2016) | From the Blog: Teacher in a Strange Land

7. Policy Change Alert: But No Overtime Pay for Teachers

Megan M. Allen reacts to the news that an estimated 4 million workers across the United States will now be eligible for overtime pay when working over 40 hours, but teachers will not. (May 18, 2016) | From the Blog: An Edugeek's Guide to K-12 Practice & Policy

8. 5 Ways Gifted Students Learn Differently

"Understanding how gifted students learn in comparison to their peers is necessary for the success of their learning experience and your ability to connect with them through teaching," writes Matthew Lynch. (June 13, 2016) | From the Blog: Education Futures: Emerging Trends in K-12

9. Student Engagement: Is It Authentic or Compliant?

Student engagement is extremely important in our classrooms, but there is a fine balance between asking for compliance and getting authentic learning, argues Peter DeWitt. (April 12, 2016) | From the Blog: Finding Common Ground

10. The Costs of Teacher Collective Bargaining

"As Chicago's teachers are on the verge of striking for the third time since 2012, it sure seems like the Chicago Teachers Union is bent on demonstrating the costs of collective bargaining," says Rick Hess. (October 4, 2016) | From the Blog: Rick Hess Straight Up