Curriculum Matters
This blog covered news on the common core, literacy, math, STEM, social studies, the arts, and other curriculum and instruction topics. This blog is no longer being updated, but you can continue to explore these issues on edweek.org by visiting our related topic pages: common core, reading & literacy, mathematics, STEM, social studies, and curriculum.
Science
Gender Gaps at the Math Olympiad: Where Are the Girls?
Last week, a U.S. team won the International Math Olympiad for the first time in 21 years. But the U.S. team, like many others in the competition, was all male.
Science
'Glee Meets Mean Girls': Can TV Contest Spur Girls into Science?
A high school-themed television show is a finalist to promote science interest among young girls.
Professional Development
Focus on the Standards Without the Words 'Common Core'
At a literacy conference where the majority of sessions were focused on practical application in the classroom, the term "common core" was sometimes circumvented, or explicitly avoided.
Reading & Literacy
Using 'Quick Jots' to Write Across the Curriculum
Having students do one- to two-minute writing prompts throughout the day can help build writing fluency and confidence—and is also an easy way to differentiate instruction, a K-6 literacy coach told ILA conference attendees.
Federal
270,000 Students to Connect Over Books With Global Read-Aloud Project
The project, now five years old, gets students, classrooms, and authors connecting through technology while reading the same books.
Federal
U.S. Gets Gold in International Math Competition
The U.S. team won the International Math Olympiad for the first time since 1994.
School & District Management
Improving Reading by Playing With Words: Four Classroom Activities
At the International Literacy Association conference here, renowned reading expert Timothy Rasinski shared some of his favorite ways for developing students' foundational reading skills—many of which involve word play.
Reading & Literacy
Educators Await Reading Experts, Authors, and Shaq at Literacy Conference
Starting today, about 6,000 educators, researchers, librarians, and experts are gathering here for three days of literacy professional development.
Curriculum
A High School That Bets Big on 'Authentic' Assessment
We profile a New York City high school where students have to explain and defend their ideas in major year-long projects in order to earn their diplomas.
Education
Geocaching Aids Student Interest, Teamwork Across Classes, Research Says
The authors conclude that treasure hunts using GPS technology could energize the lesson plans of teachers across different subjects.
Curriculum
Common-Core Materials Showing Up in Repeal States, Other Countries, Too
Common-core instructional materials are being used in all states, including those that the repealed or never adopted the standards, as well as internationally.
Professional Development
Teachers Reflect on What They'll Change in Their Classrooms
On Twitter, educators discussed their summer professional-development plans, and what they'd like to do differently in their classrooms this fall.
Curriculum
Can 'Curious George' Teach Economics?
The Council for Economic Education will hold a session at its upcoming conference on "sneak-onomics"—how to use children's literature to teach economics: a Q&A with the presenter.
Standards & Accountability
Should 'Regrouping' Be Taught Earlier Under Common-Core Math Standards?
The Common Core State Standards teach students the algorithm for multi-digit addition and subtraction in 4th grade. But some experts say it should be taught sooner.