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 This blog is no longer being updated, but you can continue to explore these issues on edweek.org by visiting our related topic pages: teaching, teaching profession, and curriculum.
Curriculum
Student 'Literary Ambassadors' Head Poetry Month Activities
Various organizations gear up to celebrate National Poetry Month, an initiative that was first introduced by the Academy of American Poets in 1996.
Classroom Technology
Resource Watch: Using Video Clips in the Classroom
Videos can be a great tool for introducing a lesson, engaging students, or demonstrating an elusive concept. Here's a resource that can help teachers find good video content.
Special Education
New Data: 11 Percent of Students Have ADHD Diagnosis
Earlier this week, the New York Times reported that 11 percent of school-age kids in the U.S.--and one in five boys in high school--have received a medical diagnosis of ADHD.
Reading & Literacy
The Last Days of 'Whom'?
Language arts teachers take note: According to Atlantic staff writer Megan Garber, the dreaded "who/whom" distinction may soon be a thing of the past.
English Learners
A Month of Classroom Laughs
April Fools' Day kicks of National Humor Month, giving teachers the opportunity to incorporate jokes and laughter in their lesson plans this month.
Job Hunting Tips & Advice
Poll: Teachers Rank High on 'Well-Being'
Teachers top all other professionals except for physicians in overall well-being, according to the 2012 Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index.
Equity & Diversity
The Transformative Power of a Classic Novel
Chinua Achebe's most famous novel, Things Fall Apart, a trenchant exploration of colonialism and culture, has long been staple of of high school and college reading lists.
Teaching Profession
The 'Widget Effect' Endures: Teachers Still Rated High
A recent Education Sector report does a deep dive into school evaluation systems in Washington, finding that nearly every school in the state failed to differentiate between effective and ineffective teachers and principals.
School & District Management
Researcher: It's OK for Kids to be Bored
A British education researcher says it's mistake to think that children need to be "constantly occupied and constantly stimulated."
School Climate & Safety
New Training for Teachers: Self Defense
In light of the December Newtown, Conn., school shooting and fears about school violence, some teachers, parents, and administrators are turning to self-defense classes.
Teaching Profession
Video Contest: Teaching K-12 Students Financial Literacy
In an effort to recognize Financial Literacy Month in April, the Council for Economic Education has announced a Facebook contest for teachers to demonstrate creative ways to incorporate personal-finance lessons in the classroom.
Assessment
Teacher: Give Me Testing Data That Make Sense
An Indianapolis high school English teacher adds her voice to the growing chorus of educators speaking out against what they see as extraneous and unreliable benchmarking assessments.
Assessment
Value-Added Testing Now Ruining County Fairs?
So I bet you never stopped to consider the effects of teacher-evaluation reform on county fairs. I can't say that we have, either, but apparently this has become a not insignificant matter in the town of Carrington, Ohio.
School Climate & Safety
Citing Safety Concerns, Md. District Looks to Put Restrictions on Parents
A Maryland school district is considering a measure that would ban visitors at elementary schools from hugging other people's children. The policy would also prohibit parents and visitors from bringing homemade food to schools and limit lunchtime and recess visits.