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Just teach us, say students: Explain the math or science so we can understand it
Teenagers want teachers to explain STEM subjects. Few care about working in groups or seeing examples that reflect their race or gender.

Joanne Jacobs
Jun 41 min read
7 comments


No-zero grading lets no-show students graduate: 'Just crazy'
Passing students who don't show up regularly or do the work is "just crazy," says an "A" students -- and many of her teachers in Chicago.

Joanne Jacobs
May 283 min read
3 comments


To boost achievement, stop doing stupid things
The first step in improving education is to stop doing stupid things.

Joanne Jacobs
May 273 min read
14 comments


Enforcing the no-phones rule: Boredom for students, 'bliss' for teachers
Teenagers are deeply addicted to their phones. Schools must lock the phones away all day to enable them to learn.

Joanne Jacobs
May 263 min read
4 comments


Hands on, minds off: Constructing confusion
"Discovery" students are busy and engaged, but not necessarily learning.

Joanne Jacobs
May 72 min read
3 comments


Students don't need to like their teachers to learn from them
Students don't need to like their teacher to learn, but they tend to like teachers who teach well.

Joanne Jacobs
May 12 min read
0 comments


Houston's comeback: Structure, direct instruction are paying off
Students are learning more at Houston schools that stress teacher-guided classrooms, structure and order.

Joanne Jacobs
Apr 212 min read
6 comments


Scripted lessons are replacing DIY teaching: Will kids learn more?
Schools are moving to scripted, structured lessons and "high-quality" (they hope) learning materials.

Joanne Jacobs
Apr 72 min read
2 comments


Don't blame parents for things they can't control
Parents can send children to school rested and ready to learn, but schools have to do their part too.

Joanne Jacobs
Apr 32 min read
3 comments


If a student isn't learning, who's responsible?
Teaching students to be responsible for their actions is back in fashion.

Joanne Jacobs
Mar 272 min read
5 comments


Dump the devices and bring back textbooks
Good, old-fashioned printed textbooks are valuable learning guides.

Joanne Jacobs
Mar 202 min read
6 comments


How 'Bama got better in math: Crunching numbers, coaching teachers pays off
Fourth-grade math scores are way up in a rural Alabama county that's turned to data analysis and coaching to improve learning.

Joanne Jacobs
Mar 182 min read
0 comments


Teachers can't do it all: Let them focus on teaching
Teachers should focus their time and energy on teaching, not DIY curriculum design.

Joanne Jacobs
Mar 132 min read
1 comment


In a rustbelt city, disadvantaged students are proficient readers
Steubenville's families are struggling to make a living -- but their children are excellent readers.

Joanne Jacobs
Feb 212 min read
5 comments


'I can't learn if I have no idea what to do'
When teachers teach, ask questions, let students practice and provide feedback, students learn more.

Joanne Jacobs
Feb 52 min read
0 comments


The way back: Refocus on things schools can do
Schools need to focus on teaching academics rather than trying to end injustice or combat climate change.

Joanne Jacobs
Feb 52 min read
8 comments


Keep it simple: Attention must be paid
How do teachers get the attention of easily distracted "digital natives?"

Joanne Jacobs
Feb 22 min read
0 comments


Creative in what?
Schools can't teach creativity as a general skill applicable to all fields.

Joanne Jacobs
Jan 161 min read
0 comments


Atticus learns to read: Teaching phonics works
K-1 students made significant gains when teachers used UFLI Foundations, a systematic phonics and phonemic awareness program.

Joanne Jacobs
Jan 151 min read
2 comments


Do special-ed kids do best in mainstream classrooms? Maybe not
The evidence that mainstreaming special-needs students improves their academic success is "flawed," says a new study.

Joanne Jacobs
Jan 143 min read
2 comments
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