#Mr sketch markers how to

Instead of designing and creating and problem-solving, they spent hours in isolation doing leveled multiple-choice tests.ДЄs I work with pre-service teachers, I continue to see this trend. Meanwhile, many of the ELL and Special Education students used an adaptive learning program that delivered digital worksheets for a reading intervention program. They used their devices to connect to authors via Skype and experts through email. In our district, it was more common for gifted students to use technology for project-based learning and inquiry-based learning. They had access to authentic PBL.ДЄnd yet, this initiative was not the norm. Our ELL students and our exceptional learners had genuine voice and choice in their learning.

This 21st Century Learning initiative was a hub in an unlikely space with an unlikely group of students. Soon, another colleague Jen led the way with special education, showing how we could blend universal design with things like student blogging and podcasting. ELL students deserved access to the same student-centered projects that gifted students were already doing. Meanwhile, Javier and Sarah led the initiative to redesign a rote-based, skills-based ELL summer school into a creativity-infused summer STEM camp centered on project-based learning.

#Mr sketch markers how to

We focused our professional development on how to integrate language acquisition strategies into project-based learning, writerвЂ™s workshops, inquiry-based learning, and other student-centered approaches. This initiative was only available for teachers who taught the ELL classes. Teachers had to apply to be a part of this program.Д«ut this wasnвЂ™t a gifted cluster or an initiative for honorвЂ™s classes. Teachers would be part of six-person teams where they would attend professional development, receive state-of-the-art technology, and have a learning coach who would help them implement student-centered learning. Years ago, my friend Chad (who tragically passed away from cancer last year) started the 21st Century Classroom initiative in our district.