EduBlog Archives - Page 5 of 8

Back-to-School Tips for Superintendents (Part 1)

School is in session across the country and that means communities are coming together for the 2019-2020 academic year. Your principals, teachers and staff have already welcomed students back into the classroom. Students are reconnecting with one another and anticipating many new and exciting lessons and experiences. As superintendent, your presence is critical for establishing and maintaining the enthusiasm and momentum for the months to come. Through our close relationships with the superintendents from the districts we support – over 500 from coast to coast – we’ve gained insight into the everyday trials and triumphs that back-to-school season can bring. [...]

2019-08-12T11:00:55-04:00August 12th, 2019|

When your child’s education calls for a holistic approach

All students have dynamic needs, but when traditional education isn’t working for your child, it may be time to consider alternatives. Often educators look to add academic or behavioral interventions but fail to program strategies that support students’ holistic needs. When educators take a holistic approach that utilizes an individualized, multifaceted program, students can excel beyond expectations. When a student enters a Catapult Learning program, we find it imperative to get to know the student and parents/guardians and obtain a deep understand of the student’s educational history. This information allows us to customize assessments which will equip us [...]

2019-04-22T13:16:17-04:00April 22nd, 2019|

Year-End Solutions to Support Students and Build Instructor Capacity

Year-End Solutions to Support Students and Build Instructor Capacity According to recent ESSA guidelines, “funds must be obligated for the fiscal year in which they were allocated.” At Catapult Learning, we’re here to help ensure you get the most from your funding. Allocate your school’s year-end funds on turnkey solutions to build teacher capacity and encourage continued academic learning. From motivating instructional programs to customized professional learning, our services are systematically designed to get you the results you need – yet flexible enough to match the format you’re interested in. Student Learning Bags (Take-Home Resources) Lending Libraries High-Impact Coaching (for Teachers [...]

2020-04-16T17:40:36-04:00March 24th, 2019|

National Pi Day Classroom Activity Incorporating STEM and the Engineering Design Process

Pi Day is celebrated each year on March 14 (3/14) as a fun way to commemorate pi (π). March 14th is also Albert Einstein’s birthday. The date represents the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter — the number that begins with 3.14. The holiday’s official website describes pi as an “irrational and transcendental number” whose decimals “continue infinitely without repetition or pattern.” In 2009, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution designating March 14 as “National Pi Day” to encourage schools to observe the day with age- and grade-appropriate activities that teach students about pi in a [...]

2019-03-14T17:45:32-04:00March 14th, 2019|

The Importance of Empathy in Our Work with Students with Special Needs

A debate currently rages about the nature of autism. Within this debate are two important questions: Is autism a disorder to be treated? Or should society be treated to fit the needs of everyone? Like other writers who try to avoid falling into the pit of political despair, this blog will serve only to say what Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson would say—“It doesn’t matter!” for our day-to-day activities. I know what you’re thinking—“What a crock!” “Take a stance!” “Stir the pot!”—but my goal is not to figure out everything there is to know about people with autism, whether you see it [...]

2019-03-01T21:38:09-05:00February 1st, 2019|

When Your Child’s Behavior Becomes Extreme

When children refuse to clean up their toys or eat their vegetables, most parents know how to best handle the situation. But what if a child’s reaction to appropriate consequences is extreme, escalating to physical aggression and even property damage and making the home unsafe? This type of conduct could be the sign of emotional/behavioral issues that need to be addressed for the best interest of the child, parents and other members of the family. When children act out in these ways, it can be very disconcerting for everyone involved. Parents often take on blame and can feel too ashamed [...]

2019-03-01T21:31:42-05:00January 19th, 2019|

3 Tips for Effective STEM Instruction

STEM is an engaging, hands-on learning experience driven by inquiry-based learning. Students develop their skills in collaboration, problem solving, and critical thinking to tackle challenges and objectives. With growing career opportunities in STEM-related fields, and the applicability of those 21st Century skills across academic and career disciplines, there is increased attention placed on STEM instruction. Catapult Learning offers supplemental STEM programs and professional learning to support the implementation of effective STEM instructional practices and curriculum. We asked one of our coaches, Jodon Orimaco, to share a few tips he offers to the schools and districts he supports. 1. Organize [...]

2018-11-08T06:50:21-05:00November 8th, 2018|

How to Foster a Growth Mindset in the Classroom

Teaching isn’t simply about getting students ready for tests. As educators, we know our work goes way beyond that to prepare them for a successful life. In every classroom, teachers have the power and platform to become positive influences, even role models and mentors – especially for students who lack these examples elsewhere. Fostering a growth mindset is key to creating a healthy learning environment where students flourish academically, behaviorally and socially. It also helps them develop an understanding of how to think about and evaluate success. Here are three tips on how to promote this type of thinking in [...]

2018-11-05T14:19:27-05:00November 5th, 2018|

Strategies for Developing Core Values at Your School

Every school has its own culture that expresses shared values and expectations for students, faculty and staff. As the principal, you to set a positive example for others as they contribute to a productive learning and teaching environment. Core values help communicate your school’s story – its mission, standards and desired outcomes. Establishing those ideals provides the foundation for building the type of atmosphere you want to foster. These standards also offer a way of thinking about which educational philosophies or initiatives your school supports. Well-established core values can help strengthen a school community. However, determining what those should be [...]

2020-12-22T12:31:08-05:00October 24th, 2018|

Create a Culturally Responsive Classroom (Monthly Steps)

In May 2018 I wrote about Culturally Responsive Teaching. To be a culturally responsive teachers we ourselves must be culturally competent. According to The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, “cultural competence means to be respectful and responsive to the health beliefs and practices—and cultural and linguistic needs—of diverse population groups. Developing cultural competence is also an evolving, dynamic process that takes time and occurs along a continuum.” What is a Culturally Responsive Teacher? Let’s start this school year by reidentifying the definition and importance of being a culturally responsive teacher. The Diversity Toolkit: Cultural Competence for Educatorssays, “Cultural competence is the ability to successfully teach students who [...]

2018-10-03T14:17:38-04:00October 3rd, 2018|