The Teaching Now blog explored the latest news on the teaching profession, from practical classroom tips to raging policy debates. This blog is no longer being updated, but you can continue to explore these issues on edweek.org by visiting our related topic pages: teaching, teaching profession, and curriculum.
Teaching
Homework A or Homework B? Let Students Choose
Ed Week research reporter Sarah Sparks has the scoop on a new study finding that students learn more and are more invested when they have a say in what assignments they do.
Education
Video Break: "Waiting for 'Superman'" Kids Meet Obama
As Nancy Flanagan points out on Teacher in a Strange Land, Parade magazine named the kids from "Waiting for 'Superman'" "Personalities of the Year." President Obama was so taken with the young stars that he invited them to the White House. Here's a peek into their visit, as posted on the whitehouse.gov website. Regardless of your thoughts on the movie or our president, you've got to admit that little Francisco in blue is quite cute. And is Anthony shedding a tear there at the end?
Curriculum
Should We Ban Fiction Books from Schools?
One education consultant believes replacing most fiction with non-fiction books is the solution to getting boys interested in reading again.
Student Well-Being & Movement
Late To Class? You're Locked Out
Under a tough new tardy policy, students at a Calif. high school who fail to get to class before the bell rings are locked out and sent to detention.
Curriculum
Can Student Creativity Be Saved?
Educators may need to do a better job of tolerating "wrong" answers.
Professional Development
2010 Class of NBCTs Is Announced
More than 8,600 teachers and school counselors achieved National Board Certification in 2010, the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards said this week. That brings the total number of National Board Certified Teachers—half of whom teach in Title 1, high-needs schools—up to 91,000.
Teacher Preparation
Putting the Power in Teachers' Hands
In an Ohio district, schools use peer evaluations--a process put in place by a former teachers' union president--to decide whether rookie teachers keep their jobs.
Teaching Profession
When Standardized Tests Get it Wrong
After reviewing a standardized test his students had taken, a high school teacher discovered that eight of the 28 questions were faulty.
Student Achievement
TFA and KIPP: How Much Do They Help?
Ed writers Jay Mathews and Valerie Strauss are having a spirited debate about Teach for America and the Knowledge is Power Program over at the Washington Post.
Education
Teachers Should Pitch Their Own Stories
NPR's Michele Norris says that, to turn the negative education conversation around, teachers should be vocal about their classroom successes.
Education
Teacher 'Learning Walks' Encourage 'Stealing' and Positivity
A "learning walk" is a simple but potentially game-changing idea that some say can weed out ineffective teachers and help great teachers spread their best practices.
Education
Teacher Observations: More 'Accurate' Data, Less 'Cupcake Bias'
A retired teacher argues that data-based observations are an accurate and unbiased method for evaluating teachers.
Education
Administrators Preach on Project RISE
Live from the Learning Forward annual conference in Atlanta.