Rigor is creating an environment in which each student is expected to learn at high levels,
each student is supported so he or she can learn at high levels,
and each student demonstrates learning at high levels (Blackburn, 2008).

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Great Resource for STEM

Have you seen STEM magazine?  It's a wonderful resource and worth checking out!
Their mission?

Every teacher is a S.T.E.M. teacher.
"Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics....the foundation of industry and commerce in America.

S.T.E.M. Magazine is not a curriculum, but rather a resource of awareness that exists to provide clarity on the subject of how we already incorporate S.T.E.M. into every class, how to encourage the creative process and cultivate curiosity in both the teacher and student. In addition, S.T.E.M. Magazine strives to encourage educators about the urgent need for this inclusion in light of their responsibility to equip students fully for their careers.

Preparation for those careers begins this year in schools across the country. The responsibility and privilege for inspiring our children in that direction rests squarely on the shoulders of our educators.

Teaching is an incredibly challenging responsibility, therefore equipping and supporting our teachers in a variety of aspects is critical to teacher retention, motivation and attitude that directly effect student learning, inspiration and preparation for the careers ahead.

The future of American economics rests on the success of our S.T.E.M. education efforts in schools across the nation. The foundations laid in elementary and middle school are critical to interest levels, proficiency and test scores of high school students preparing to enter the work force.
Wayne Carley
Publisher



Thursday, July 31, 2014

Rigor in Your Classroom

A special thanks to MiddleWeb and Dr. Laura Von Staden for a great review of the new Rigor in Your Classroom:  A Toolkit for Teachers.  

Saturday, July 26, 2014

Using Riddles to Increase Rigor

I've always recommended using riddles to help students demonstrate understanding of vocabulary words or concepts.  Here's a blog post over at Cognitive Rigor that explains more.

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Summer Update

It's been a busy June and start to July.  Last month, I was in Phoenix (twice), Austin and Houston, TX, Richmond and Accomack VA, and Louisville, KY.  Lots of great time with teachers and leaders, working on rigor, motivation, and student engagement.  This week, I'm in Nashville at the National Association of Elementary School Principals' Conference, and then I return here next week for the Southern Regional Education Board's National Staff Development Conference.  If you'll be at either conference, be sure to track me down--you can always tweet me @BarbBlackburn!

Friday, June 6, 2014

Time for a Break


It's that time of year.  If you are on a traditional schedule, I'm sure you are winding down the year.  For me, this starts the busiest time of the year, as I'm doing professional development for many schools and districts.  That means I won't be blogging regularly.  I'll post when I can, and look for the regular three times a week when the school year starts again in August.  Have a great summer!  Barbara

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Professional Development Options

Are you looking for professional development for the 2014-2015 school year?  Check out my team and our options for keynotes, workshops, and technology-based PD.

Monday, June 2, 2014

What is Rigor?

Are you looking for a quick overview of my definition of rigor?  Check out the Beginner's Guide to Rigor.  It's short--just four pages and gives lots of examples.

Rigor is creating an environment in which each student is expected to learn at high levels, each student is supported so he or she can learn at high levels, and each student demonstrates learning at high levels.