22
Jul
2016
Organized Binder and Noncognitive Skills
This article by David Brooks in the New York Times highlights Paul Tough's emphasis on the importance of noncognitive skills. In his latest book, Tough asks, "how, concretely, can we improve students’ noncognitive skills." From my years of experience in the classroom I am convinced that in order for students to master noncognitive skills they require daily exposure... Read More
19
Jul
2016
Family Income and Noncognitive Skills
Research clearly indicates that noncognitive skills increase student achievement. New research draws a connection between family income and noncognitive skills. As educators and parents if we are to contribute to a democratic society we need to give all students daily exposure to these skills, regardless of socioeconomic status!
14
Jul
2016
Great Feedback From Philadelphia
In May we were invited to present Organized Binder to educators at the Teacher Symposium for the School District of Philadelphia. The sessions went well, 100% of attendees surveyed plan to use the system in their classroom, of over 96% said the session was an effective use of their time. Thanks to all the educators who... Read More
15
Jun
2016
A Middle School Teacher’s One-Liner(s)
This email from an Organized Binder middle school teacher in Southern California made me chuckle. For our May 2016 Newsletter we asked indie Organized Binder teachers to send us a one-liner about the impact the system is having on their pedagogy and/or classroom. The first line of her response read, "I will have to pull... Read More
15
Jun
2016
Sacramento City College Pilot
A small group of professors at Sacramento City College implemented Organized Binder, here is what their students had to say: Over 85% of students surveyed said the system helps them know what the class is doing each, whether or not there is homework, and when larger or important assignments are due. 67% of students report that... Read More
15
Jun
2016
Organized Binder Helps Student Succeed in College
A Visit From A Student One of my former (and favorite) students is getting ready to graduate from college. She recently stopped by for a visit. I asked her how Organized Binder helped her achieve: Hi Mr. Weathers, Organized Binder was a perfect system to help me keep my schoolwork organized. All the materials I needed for... Read More
12
May
2016
Teacher One-Liners
We asked Organized Binder teachers who teach at schools that have not adopted the system (aka they are the only educators on campus using the system) to send us a one-liner about the impact Organized Binder has had this school year. Here are a few of their responses: "Organized Binder solves the problem of the... Read More
12
May
2016
May 2016 Tip of the Month: “Oh, that is what you mean!”
May 2016: "Oh, that is what you mean!" Whenever I get the privilege of speaking to a group of educators I always make a point to ask one simple question, “What are teachers doing from within the classroom that most directly impacts student learning and achievement?” The responses always vary but one classroom strategy is always... Read More
11
Apr
2016
Organized Binder Helps CPM Mathematics
A High School Principal Visits a Math Class: "I was in Nicole’s math class watching her lead her Algebra 1 students through a complicated (to me) process involving graphing calculators. What struck me was how well the CPM model of group work and the student talk that accompanies it worked with Organized Binder. When I... Read More
11
Apr
2016
April 2016 Tip of the Month: Subjects Not Objects
April 2016: Subjects Not Objects All too often throughout the school day education is going on around students instead of with students. One report notes students spend just minutes of the school day engaged in Academic Learning Time. If we have a starting routine students can predict and be successful in, then we draw them into their... Read More