Starr Sackstein is a secondary educator and school leader in New York. She is the author of several books on education, on topics such as going gradeless, peer feedback, and blogging. This blog is no longer being updated.
Teaching
Opinion
Instead of Standardized Testing, Consider Portfolio Assessment
Since learning is so nuanced, so too should be the means in which we assess it. Let's offer students the opportunity to be seen as whole people who can demonstrate different skills and knowledge in a plethora of ways over a period of time.
Professional Development
Opinion
Hacking Instructional Design, a Must Read for Any Instructional Leader
As an instructional coach and leader, it is always awesome to have a resource that can sit on your desk and answer so many questions, just from a scan. The chapters are short and readable for even the busiest educator
Teaching
Opinion
PSA: When Giving Feedback, Don't Lead With 'I Love' or 'I Like'
Feedback requires purpose and action. Ask the person looking for feedback what it is they need or want from you before you start.
College & Workforce Readiness
Opinion
Why Has the Cost of College Outpaced Inflation?
American colleges and universities are one of the nation's greatest assets, but they have been burdened with unsustainable cost increases.
Teaching
Opinion
Tips for Deftly Using Questions to Improve Student Learning
This is a comprehensive read that is conversational and teacher-friendly. Even if you're a questioning pro, you will learn something that will improve student learning in your classroom.
Teaching Profession
Opinion
Body Dysmorphia and Anxiety, the Invisible Experience We Can't Ignore
Although I understand intellectually that I am thin, when I look in a mirror, sometimes all I can see is the areas that I'm not happy with. Fortunately, at this point in my life, I feel good about myself most of the time. I focus on what I like about myself instead of what I don't.
Teaching Profession
Opinion
Seeking Harmony Instead of Balance
Many of us need permission to find harmony in our lives because we expect so much of ourselves that giving ourselves the things we need when we need them almost feels selfish. Taking care of our own needs and being able to address our passions is the only truly compassionate way to live.
Teaching
Opinion
Going Down the Rabbit Hole for Deeper Learning
We must be the learning. Walk the walk that we talk or else how can we be taken seriously as a group of professionals.
Teaching Profession
Opinion
When You Disagree With Your Child's Teacher, What Can You Do?
So as I continue to navigate the waters of change as an educational advocate for students, I'm eager to find a balance between my own personal crusade and the needs of my own child.
School & District Management
Opinion
Content or Skills? It's the Chicken or the Egg Conversation in Education
I do think there is a relationship between content and skills that can't be separated. In order to practice skills, we need content to focus on, and I'm not sure that one is more important than the other. It really depends on the context.
Professional Development
Opinion
Fear, the Kryptonite to Learning
The older we get, the harder it is to make change. Think about the adage, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks." It is ingrained in us that change becomes almost impossible as we age, but that is simply not true.
Teaching
Opinion
Deep Thoughts From the Dashboard, a Reflection Revelation
If you're up for it, shoot a short video of yourself either on Periscope or Twitter and share the link below. It's good to meet you all.
Teaching
Opinion
Let's Focus on What Learners CAN Do, and Plan From There
Learning isn't easy, and we all have our challenges. Rather than assume our learners can't, giving them boring learning opportunities or watered-down versions of the learning, provide rigorous, engaging experiences and watch to see how much all students will grow.