The Edge of Education

If You Need it, Get it! Do-It-Yourself Professional Development in the 21st Century

If You Need it, Get it! Do-It-Yourself Professional Development in the 21st Century

By Rita Platt In my work as a teacher-leader, I often hear teachers lament that they need more training on various methods, strategies, ideas, and […]

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Engaging African American Boys with High Quality Literature

Engaging African American Boys with High Quality Literature

By Rita Platt The suggestions below are great books for everyone. This post, however, puts the lens on readers who are African American boys. If we […]

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“Why Should We Do That?”  The Impact of Trust on Buy-In in Schools

“Why Should We Do That?” The Impact of Trust on Buy-In in Schools

Cited Academic Research, Featured Articles, The Edge of Education March 8, 2016 at 6:21 pm Comments are Disabled

by: James McGuire “Why should we do that?”  “What a waste of time.” These are frequently heard phrases in a school.  A secret that teachers […]

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High/Low Books to Engage Reluctant Readers from 4th Grade Through High School

High/Low Books to Engage Reluctant Readers from 4th Grade Through High School

By Rita Platt If we want reluctant readers to read we have to give them books they want to read. That means helping them find […]

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Out of the Peaceable Kingdom: The Three Roles of the ESL Teacher

Out of the Peaceable Kingdom: The Three Roles of the ESL Teacher

The Edge of Education, The Shift, The Toolbox January 18, 2015 at 6:32 pm 1 comment

By John Wolfe and Rita Platt Not too many years ago, the ESL classroom was a space apart. It often served as a warm refuge […]

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Zealous Supporters and Detractors of the Common Core State Standards are Both Wrong

Zealous Supporters and Detractors of the Common Core State Standards are Both Wrong

By John Wolfe and Rita Platt A new poll has come out that suggests the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) are losing teacher support. That […]

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Put success on autopilot by building momentum

Put success on autopilot by building momentum

The Edge of Education October 8, 2013 at 10:30 pm Comments are Disabled

My oldest daughter is playing high school volleyball these days.  While talking about her experiences on the court, I’m struck by how much she attributes […]

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Why this habit will tip the scales in your favor this school year

Why this habit will tip the scales in your favor this school year

The Edge of Education September 25, 2013 at 3:12 pm 2 comments

“Habits are where our lives and careers and bodies are made.” — Seth Godin. According to research done at Duke University, more than 40 percent […]

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Is “College and Career Ready” a case of the Emperor’s New Clothes?

Is “College and Career Ready” a case of the Emperor’s New Clothes?

The Edge of Education September 22, 2013 at 1:33 pm 3 comments

By Rita Platt and John Wolfe These days it is almost impossible to escape the phrase “college and career ready.”   It is the new battle […]

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Why Sherlock Holmes was wrong, and what you should do about it

Why Sherlock Holmes was wrong, and what you should do about it

The Edge of Education July 3, 2013 at 9:39 am Comments are Disabled

In the story, “A Study in Scarlet,” while introducing one of the most famous fictional characters of all time, Arthur Conan Doyle wrote (and Sherlock […]

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