http://blogs.4j.lane.edu/chinn/?p=751
Hello All,
It’s already October and we are definitely in the thick of the school year.
Three items of note for this week.
• Educator Goals Plan Reminder – Thank you to those teachers who have already scheduled their October goaIs conference. If you haven’t already, please email me a date and time in October that works for you to meet with me. Attached is a PDF version of the Educator Goals Plan.
• Editorial on Student Homework and Related Study (a way to lighten your workload) – Here’s a thought provoking editorial that questions the need for teachers at the elementary level to provide traditional homework in favor of “free reading”. Related is an older article on a study referenced in the editorial, which found homework did little to boost achievement for student in grades K-7 (homework was found to improve achievement in grades 8-12). It also has some useful guidelines on what types homework should be used at the elementary level. Although I’m not in favor of totally eliminating homework, in light of larger class sizes, reducing the amount of homework sent home with students might be an easy way for teachers to help manage workload.
• The National Conservation Poster Contest – The Upper Willamette Soil & Water Conservation District is having a K-1, 2-3, and 4-6 grade poster contest with the themes of “Forests for People – More Than You Can Imagine.” If conservation fits with something you are currently teaching or if you are interested, visit the SWCD website for more information. There are some cool prizes for the winners!
Have a good week, everyone!
Allan