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A conversation with Dr. Brad Johnson on episode #65 of the 10-Minute Teacher From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis Follow @coolcatteacher on Twitter Today Dr. Brad Johnson @drbradjohnson talks about the mistakes schools make that hurt their standardized test scores. You might be surprised that sometimes the things schools do may have the opposite impact of what they intend. Consider this feedback as you prepare to administer testing this spring. Listen Now Listen on iTunes Stream by clicking here . Download this episode to listen offline by right-clicking here and choosing “Save As.” Click the button for iTunes or Stitcher to subscribe to this show       In today’s show, Brad discusses standardized testing mistakes schools make. He will share: Mistakes we make in routines How keeping kids “quiet” and limiting activities may be a mistake The importance of resource classes Important things for administrators to consider Perspective on test...

A conversation with Mark Barnes on episode 64 of the 10-minute Teacher Podcast From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis Follow @coolcatteacher on Twitter Today Mark Barnes @markbarnes19 discusses a popular method of problem solving: Hack Learning. Instead of a 5 year plan, this model helps educators improve on a daily and more short term basis. He gives examples of how educators are hacking (and improving) meetings and more. Let’s Hack Learning! Listen Now Listen on iTunes Stream by clicking here . View the transcript Click the button for iTunes or Stitcher to subscribe to this show       In today’s show, Mark shares how we can hack learning by: Understanding the model of hacking learning Giving us examples including cloud meetings The problems with hacking learning (when people don’t want to change) How to solve problems not marinate in them An exciting perspective on change I hope you enjoy this episode with Mark! Want to hear another e...

A conversation with David Raymond of the Virginia Cyber Range on the 10-Minute Teacher #63 From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis Follow @coolcatteacher on Twitter Today David Raymond @ dnomyard  is part of equipping Virginia high school students to defend themselves from cyber attacks. With knowledge in digital forensics and current technology, the Virginia Cyber Range is working to lead the world in educating its students on cyber security. Learn how in this wide-ranging conversation about modern security. This episode is sponsored by Bloomz , my favorite tool for parent communication. They are sponsoring April’s free webinar, 5 Habits to Start Now to Thrive in the Fall . You don’t have to give up your summer to prepare. Learn what I do now to make the fall even more wonderful! Register now for the free webinar Listen Now Listen on iTunes Stream by clicking here . View the transcript Click the button for iTunes or Stitcher to subscribe to this show ...

A conversation with Jennifer Cronk on episode #62 of the 10-Minute Teacher From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis Follow @coolcatteacher on Twitter Today Jennifer Cronk @jenniferacronk helps us empower those with special needs. She shares her treasure chest of favorite edech tools for those with special needs. This show is a must-listen for special needs teachers. Listen Now Listen on iTunes Stream by clicking here . Download this episode to listen offline by right-clicking here and choosing “Save As.” Click the button for iTunes or Stitcher to subscribe to this show     In today’s show, we’ll discuss special needs edtech with Jennifer Cronk and: Why speech recognition empowers students How to help students guide their eyes in online reading Accessibility tools Why we should help students select tools and empower their own learning A full edtech treasure chest for special needs students I hope you enjoy this episode with Jennifer! Want to he...

A conversation with Joan Flaherty on episode 61 of the 10-Minute Teacher Podcast From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis Follow @coolcatteacher on Twitter “Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life” Mary Oliver. Today’s guest, Joan Flaherty, author of Rest and An Approach to Rejuvenating our Teaching and Ourselves , talks about how we can combat emotional fatigue. Teacher, you have one wild and precious life. Our students do too. We need to use it well. Listen Now Listen on iTunes Stream by clicking here . View the transcript Click the button for iTunes or Stitcher to subscribe to this show     In today’s show, Joan and I will discuss combatting emotional fatigue and: How we should center ourselves in the classroom Some counterintuitive thoughts on our relationships with students Focusing on learning from everything Advice for teachers who are burning out Encouragement for teachers I hope you enjoy this e...

A global search in education blog post From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis Follow @coolcatteacher on Twitter Twenty percent time from Google. Or a genius hour. Or passion projects. Or compassion based engineering. I’ve written about these before. First, I’ll define the terminology. Second, I’ll give you an example from my classroom happening right now. Finally, I’ll take you through nine of the components that help teachers have a successful 20% time in their school.  I hope this gives you an overview of how students can make choices and pursue their passions in school. Some definitions: 20% Time Based on the Google 20% time, students take 20% of their time in a class to pursue a personal interest project. This can be done in consecutive days or one day a week. Genius Hour Often schools who have arts, STEM or other enrichment choose to take one enrichment period and have a “genius hour” where students explore their talents to make and create. Passion Project...

A conversation with Rob Donatelli on episode 60 of the 10-minute Teacher Podcast From the Cool Cat Teacher Blog by Vicki Davis Follow @coolcatteacher on Twitter Want to help students learn and be more refreshed? Students need breaks too. That is why brain breaks are becoming so popular. Teacher Rob Donatelli @DTown_MrD talks about the brain breaks phenomenon. Then, Rob gives teachers five ideas he uses in his classroom for brain breaks. Take a brain break today! This episode is sponsored by Bloomz , my favorite tool for parent communication. They are sponsoring April’s free webinar, 5 Habits to Start Now to Thrive in the Fall . You don’t have to give up your summer to prepare. Learn what I do now to make the fall even more wonderful! Register now for the free webinar Listen Now Listen on iTunes Stream by clicking here . Download this episode to listen offline by right-clicking here and choosing “Save As.” Click the button for iTunes or Stitcher to subscribe t...