by Kevin D. Washburn, Ed.D. | May 15, 2018 | Curriculum & Instruction, Learning Mindset, Teaching, The Spectrum
Research shows that four strategies spark curiosity and fuel motivation: big ideas, meaningful student choice, increased cognitive demand, and scaffolding. Here’s how Foundations & Frameworks (a K-6 instructional reading program) naturally embeds all four...
by Kevin D. Washburn, Ed.D. | Apr 19, 2018 | Curriculum & Instruction, Learning Mindset, Teaching, The Spectrum
I was recently reminded that power tools can make all the difference. The play cottage Nona and Pop gave our daughter sat in the garage awaiting construction. You see, my husband and I clearly recall a previous play-kitchen construction project that took three times...
by Kevin D. Washburn, Ed.D. | Jan 15, 2016 | Curriculum & Instruction, Educational Leadership, Professional Development, The Spectrum
Curriculum review, a process often referred to as “vertical alignment,” involves a thorough examination of topics and skills being taught. It is both a discovery and school improvement process with each discipline, such as science or language arts, being reviewed from...
by Kevin D. Washburn, Ed.D. | Dec 10, 2014 | Curriculum & Instruction, Educational Leadership, Learning Mindset, School Culture, Teaching, The Spectrum
The story of “The Little Engine That Could” illustrates the ideas of belief, effort, achievement, and confidence. If we connect these ideas, we notice the following relationships: belief influences effort; effort influences achievement; achievement influences...