Matthew Lynch is an educational consultant and owner of Lynch Consulting Group, LLC. He is a former K-12 social studies and special education teacher who now researches policy and education reform. He also is the owner and editor of The Edvocate (www.theedadvocate.org) and The Tech Edvocate (www.thetechedvocate.org). This blog is no longer being updated.
Education
Opinion
Where We Go From Here in Reading
There are far too many students in the United States who can't read proficiently. And, the reading achievement gap has persisted for decades. It's time to re-examine how we in the education community assess and personalize reading. The convergence of new developments in reading research and technological advances illuminate a pathway forward to improve student literacy, and subsequently, academic outcomes.
Education
Opinion
How to Create Culturally Responsive Assessments
Not all students are natural-born test takers. Any educator who has spent even a small amount of time in classrooms knows this - much in the way that different students have different learning styles. Most times, teachers can account for this in their classrooms based on the students they serve.
Education
Opinion
Black Boys in Crisis: How to Get Them to Read
The statistics point to a startling, yet simple, truth: black boys who cannot read are already in trouble. So if we know that black boys aren't reading the level they should, what can we do to improve that? It starts with awareness and extends to...
Education
Opinion
Why Do We Continue to Use Ineffective Assessments?
One major way that this accountability is enforced is through standardized testing. By applying the same requirements to each teacher, and each student within a state, the general theory is that accountability for student success will be upheld.
Education
Opinion
4 Ways to Maximize the ROI on Professional Development Spending
Are you getting the most from your PD dollars in terms of educator growth and student achievement?
Education
Opinion
Black Boys in Crisis: They Aren't Reading
Only 10 percent of eighth-grade black boys in the U.S. are proficient in reading. In urban areas like Chicago and Detroit, that number is even lower.
Education
Opinion
Gamification Can Reinvigorate Teaching and Learning: An Introduction
In broad terms, gamification is using the concepts of game design and play to motivate users and boost participation, and engagement. People who gamify attempt to tap into their users' innate desire for competition, prestige, and partnership. Teachers use game design principles to enhance curriculum materials while helping students learn.
Education
Opinion
Are We Effectively Preparing Students for a Globally Connected World?
An award-winning educator illuminates the importance of combatting isolationism by guiding substantive dialogue among students from different places, cultures, and religions.
Education
Opinion
Small Data: Cracking the Code of Student Success
Technology allows teachers and administrators to capture, organize and analyze this information, so they can act on it in a timely way. But is it having an effect on student learning and achievement?
Education
Opinion
Understanding the Teacher Shortage Crisis and the Solutions to Fix it
According to numerous sources, America is experiencing a nationwide teacher shortage that will undoubtedly escalate to a crisis within the next two years.
Education
Opinion
The Grand Ideas Behind Sustainable Educational Reform
Sustained educational change will never occur until we as a country decide that enough is enough and make a commitment to change, no matter what it takes.
Education
Opinion
Jumpstarting Learning for Children in Poverty
Contrary to popular belief, DNA is not a child's destiny. IQ is not fixed. Cognitive skills can change. This is critically important in K-12 schools because of the poverty gap -- the difference between a child's chronological age and developmental age.
Education
Opinion
How Colleges Can Close the Achievement Gap
So how can colleges step up their game when it comes to closing the achievement gap?
Education
Opinion
What Communication Apps Got Wrong About Parent Engagement
The following guest post was written by Vlada Lotkina