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Yes, National Tests Are Useful--But Not in "Reading"
The tests prop up an education regime that tries to test and teach reading comprehension in isolation from content--which can't be done.
Natalie Wexler
Jun 4
8
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Yes, National Tests Are Useful--But Not in "Reading"
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Here's What States Can Do to Truly Boost Student Literacy
Some states are incentivizing schools to teach systematic phonics AND build kids' academic knowledge and vocabulary.
Natalie Wexler
May 29
11
3
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Here's What States Can Do to Truly Boost Student Literacy
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Do We Want More Charter Schools--Or Better Ones?
Proposed changes to a federal grant program could be tweaked to encourage innovations backed by cognitive science
Natalie Wexler
May 22
5
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Do We Want More Charter Schools--Or Better Ones?
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Covid-Era Babies Are "Talking" Less, Signaling Future Reading Challenges
Schools will need to adopt a new approach to literacy instruction to get students back on track.
Natalie Wexler
May 15
4
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Covid-Era Babies Are "Talking" Less, Signaling Future Reading Challenges
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Let's Not Make Phonics Political--Again
A recent New York Times article threatens to revive the unfounded claim that teaching kids to sound out words is a right-wing plot
Natalie Wexler
Apr 17
8
1
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Let's Not Make Phonics Political--Again
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'What Works' in Reading Comprehension--And What Doesn't
The divide between reading researchers and cognitive scientists has led to a lot of unnecessary complexity--and student failure
Natalie Wexler
Apr 14
12
4
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'What Works' in Reading Comprehension--And What Doesn't
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Why High School 'Rigor' Is Often Just a Facade
Even though many students arrive unprepared to do high school-level work, educators are under pressure to keep up appearances
Natalie Wexler
Apr 6
5
2
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Why High School 'Rigor' Is Often Just a Facade
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No, Anti-CRT Laws Don't Actually Outlaw Lessons That Might Make Students Feel Uncomfortable
A widespread misconception makes the effect of these laws even more "chilling" than it needs to be
Natalie Wexler
Mar 28
7
3
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No, Anti-CRT Laws Don't Actually Outlaw Lessons That Might Make Students Feel Uncomfortable
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We Need 'Curriculum Transparency,' But Not the Kind Some State Bills Would Require
Politicizing the issue will only make it even harder to find out what schools are teaching
Natalie Wexler
Mar 21
3
1
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We Need 'Curriculum Transparency,' But Not the Kind Some State Bills Would Require
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4 Ideas on How to Teach in a Time of Curriculum Battles
Even in states with anti-"Critical Race Theory" laws, it's still possible--and necessary--to broach difficult subjects.
Natalie Wexler
Mar 1
3
1
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4 Ideas on How to Teach in a Time of Curriculum Battles
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Beyond "Maus": How Tennessee's Schools Are Changing for the Better
Virtually every district in the state has switched to the kind of literacy curriculum that can enable all kids to achieve their full potential.
Natalie Wexler
Feb 20
3
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Beyond "Maus": How Tennessee's Schools Are Changing for the Better
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Want Kids to Learn History? Ask These 4 Questions
Several initiatives aim to improve history education, but only one provides teachers with an overarching framework.
Natalie Wexler
Feb 7
8
1
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Want Kids to Learn History? Ask These 4 Questions
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