Tom Waters

We don't really use business cards as educators. The people we run into on a daily basis usually work with us. The "resume" is used as just one piece in online applications, but after submitting who really sees it? What gatekeepers or computer programs limit the reach of the resume? Is the resume dead? No. But it has changed. A blog is the new resume for educators . A LinkedIn page is great, but some educators underestimate its value. ( Have we connected? ) A Twitter profile is great for connections and discussions. But a blog, which is free and easy to set up ( WordPress.com ), is the standard for educator resumes. A blog makes it easy for a school leader or for district personnel to see if you are a good fit. It allows you to share your learning and work ( here's where I share mine ). It also displays your ability to communicate and provide valuable resources to the education profession. I recently toured a few blogs and found valuable insights an...

Are the current shifts in grading practices worth it? Think about all the time, effort, and resources used to shift from a 100-point grading scale to a 5-point scale. Is it actually worth it? Is there, or will there be, an actual return on the investment? The costs are high. The investments are weighty. Is standards-based grading worth it? Here's a serious look at the what, the why, and the cost of standards-based grading. The Costs of Standards-Based Grading If you've experienced a district who changed to "standards-based" grading and reporting, you've undoubtedly experienced some of the costs. Here are a few: Leadership training including principals, curriculum teams, and board of trustees. Teacher training. Public information meetings. Parent-teacher meetings. Changes in grading software. Changes in classroom grading and assessment practices. Misunderstandings by students. Another "new" way with an array of misconceptions. Oppo...