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Instigator of Thought
October 2012

In This Issue

From the Blog
Letter from Our Executive Director
Philanthropy Spotlight
Inspired Teaching in Action
Demonstration School

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From the Blog

Have you read our recently-launched blog? Our goal is create a go-to space for examples
of and discussions about what constitutes good teaching and learning.

Here's a roundup of some recent posts:

Creating college and career-ready students [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001wCoykCaCoIpvFpHjqMOvCKWiMXi4P2dlfjodTrCXKn9ArdU91VeymZ2GOj4UUbKnJbmZlNAvE7a0L7_pktzJZys8C7iLFSFBNzXiZ0aYH0R6bJoj5osI_Nxry71WwgtOtkvm-Rh8bZt2LxAPlIcwo7g231FPSyz71MyRprqndnv5WykkUOQNNBF6sLvvk4M9pUS8UbC6MOIb8MGp3aIm3sMQKvUt8VVF]

All Kids I've Ever Met Are Geniuses [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001wCoykCaCoIryX8qP8jdCj-g_YeCFZ7A2mO7XukszRd61NwAd_xeayHVeKl6T5khdrPtWo0AKPokczeCwOcUWxgyW3w8XfMtRlRzNfLIGgVYIVRRLNPMGIQJpDl7ZSJI-9n3wjB9wCNxbVZBJm7WgJHl4aW6uRPeo9OC3yUSiJ_DtlLHPV7L4JHUI4mZ6Ny1Eh0ysnTw2c28=]

Why I No Longer Say, 'Good Job!' [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001wCoykCaCoIqKOWIi_2-MI75uk0aUx7uM71DSfA_DuxmIinPgcx-i6rK4DxiIjU42a9RsvX82gS4ckNf46fDHpX66kJ42p3vUTMU3eFk1v1PVA4cnfBSPG-Q4xqCL325tBnbhjxxRvGwDRFUTg9XC4hvi0k0FNdMpVg7vAWyNwztthfkOtyIV6AaWK7bw-WLqLHkPkavbxZQ=]

I Am an Inspired Teacher! [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001wCoykCaCoIrGeKSVZXEaq6zDXeQhKjvht5AawSMhlzqp9WvJBjwcCHOHb1kiYK-7396Znix-btBP51CcsM1jI15Inw8BO3PmCRJsgIuzXiAn_SWnJ-IkYsmVhR5EhLpJxtc35F65mo5tQmZfrm78mU36Us8sa9RfQblwjdFQgWzTTG5R2xzJcrCWS46wzpYprg9EfghEUqNMrryM4kTRug==]

A Pitch for Competency-Based Ed [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001wCoykCaCoIq9GYxex1Vktw6_61hT5kDqN0sjVm4vpH9OLpaNxCKSddSP2CiCE18p4uE63KHSSlYSbCNI6uwyt32RkPIeGvbSIrrFF9kdzGPt3JmpC-GeiJgmxGG43GPYjrYiSvUj-YoJH_ODzimbt7bvgPQj1y21mPzwi4Ph7-36V78_0U6r9KNqI1MnAI4ziiJncCdbhVI=]

Reflections on Effective Teaching From Our Yoga Mats [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001wCoykCaCoIoWgo5qbRDE17QX8Zx4XZ3BV3KTQdvb3oWwO-FqwuXMdxoHSnLcb5ZL9ThLhNqMEl3nWhVVo5jfRFUuNUpoazHj0-OiEriMHJ5hjPfi9CMAv-AZIMaLgHFb4Siz5dbyuxfC4zzEmBbqbYSXI9P8HgvBMF5cDQUtnJRrbBhnPoj67t96aXRQIi6x7V3L_1mpNywcTucO7dZbgzAvATOVUhNe]
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Donate Now

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Center for Inspired Teaching is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is committed
to building a better school experience for children by transforming the role of
the teacher from information provider to Instigator of Thought.
Like us on Facebook [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001wCoykCaCoIpjQOt80og_d0kzsIU4Jcpqdx-2Tmga4wl2OVptlRce0Zysu8au0aICUwMoEsDMueKCyBFDJuhMUfrnRD-5qWSriNNDGAjiCjc5bHl2OgTeg5FzJ1WUT-179mjanSQyPhs=]
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Letter from Aleta Margolis, Executive Director

Education trends come and go (some not soon enough!), but the recent buzz around
"non-cognitive skills"--and the important role schools play in helping children
develop them--is one conversation worth expanding into new education policies and
practices. We can thank Paul Tough and his new book [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001wCoykCaCoIo5yk7e3CPiogQ8RjRUgxwmOhSWeaZ-Ammesej7ezt6-Rw2Z3rQEdlj1IPJxG4US1F5P-3tEq5xUs_nJ1zTnTE7c_M3_nDEVZFTeCmGtohfjv5gZmhOYmhZJ8rHCaU4ZidzzEM1YFSOVpu2qbJyf2pO],
How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character, for generating
increased focus on the factors that impact a student's future success in life.

Inspired Teaching Director of Teaching and Learning, Jenna Fournel, used Tough's
new book as the subject of a recent blog post [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001wCoykCaCoIrjaiKgwqaKg2HJ1l_hrRI7TodmgL6xCUsCUbwitT4Mvfgj-wAyG8WH5xyK4XPq1jka9GWHCPLBouOnl8gVL331eaWy-EHXUrsOAsdmUxMeurp8Rzcomc8sTg1XlT0fPqKvEn_8IRv1caF3zhGJqraBepk_TLrFXdpJEuglBUvBh4Dw3H_iMQxoMFI3Sau3TY1LRsJokQwPV4ErIRpkJ-ni].
At Inspired Teaching, our work in developing the "full potential" of students goes
beyond developing their intellectual abilities. We're focused on helping teachers
develop students who are well prepared for success in the classroom today and in
college and careers tomorrow. "There's a reason we focus on 4 I's [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001wCoykCaCoIq4pbKL2OhRWlj5FmjVH4HoYwl3Fo-VWmDla_SJ3AQcmbIXIqt7aVMO6hMQC3uARnYnl70qutFCu9GsKQlLOuak0aUrL3R6mxnhREkyV6iulTUhaJMfN840l0tqFM9m8jRXQs1SPplGfCInZ_O3GFgoNaxI3Xm8mKdA6kGjIawlXrGZTt0RYIyT9CW0WwBiliN3nag-G79kpg==]
(Intellect, Inquiry, Imagination, and Integrity) instead of 1," Jenna said. Be
sure to read her post. Great things happen in student-directed classrooms where
the 4 I's are at work!

What are your ideas for making classrooms places where students are engaged in challenging,
important work instead of places where they are bored, stressed out, or expected
to be compliant?

All the best,

Aleta Margolis

Executive Director

Center for Inspired Teaching
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Philanthropy Spotlight

Inspired Teaching is fortunate to work with corporations like IBM [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001wCoykCaCoIqJH_u954vrvfx5Af7iFnQJPoXIJPUenZVVZ73XtYpi8VoMVTLWNS916u8oDcqOfbcBPbZvPbSWRoDknUX_Hwc3AdIseRusne4=]
that understand the importance of school-community relationships.

Throughout its 100-year history, IBM has taken a thoughtful, comprehensive approach
to corporate responsibility that aligns with its values and maximizes the impact
it can make as a global enterprise. IBM focuses on specific societal issues, exploring
ways to improve and protect the environment, spurring community and economic development,
and improving education.

Preparing the next generation of innovators requires great teachers with the skills
and knowledge to educate, inspire, and motivate students. The challenge is providing
teachers with the resources they need to strengthen their instruction and better
prepare students for the jobs of the 21st century, many of which will increasingly
be in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields.

Inspired Teaching appreciates IBM's recognition that we provide "cutting edge, extraordinary
professional development for teachers" and an "exemplary education for students
at the Inspired Teaching Demonstration School." The company supports our work through
technology and service grants.

More information on IBM's work in providing quality pre-K educational experiences,
improving literacy at the elementary level, raising the quality of middle school
STEM education, providing students with innovative opportunities to achieve postsecondary
credentials that can secure them real careers, and equipping teachers with effective
professional development tools and resources that will improve their instruction,
can be found at www.ibm.com/ibm/responsibility.

Learn more about the institutional funders [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001wCoykCaCoIpTTgtdPU2nLhtN2Y9uKhdrn-9huRXaNZYObKNB5KR02hToPrkmf1Y5Rp78XlizHCnklAgZ0r5gmaADDUaVcJ_0rF8CFq-pibRfMBWNF0qq-STpYLzIAcds-88BVhHfxEKGUq4XbwTKmIUgkrLj2ktM]
that support our work to improve teaching and learning outcomes, especially for
students in urban public schools. Please visit our website [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001wCoykCaCoIpFYy4-_7psm3fNM82FQSKWDstKBcsGDnqDtNWOmneKo5JfvigBj60exon7c8aDkfaDx4ukr_LTM--vy1zfAzDCB04x1nYF7izJn8pY7Vsj7SIq2oU9XEPUfx-yJF_toIM=]
to learn more.
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Inspired Teaching in Action

New Partnership with CAST

Center for Inspired Teaching has teamed up with Center for Applied Special Technology
(CAST [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001wCoykCaCoIonQLTb8AScUSsLLEuw7VkBFDBcb8pcRvqNLjJcrpLEhoZl1aI3KdhCgo0q-3vQBy4DkA-OfU-yIk0hYTFQjmu2AEJll_dTAHs=]),
an organization that works to expand learning opportunities for all individuals,
especially those with disabilities, through Universal Design for Learning (UDL
[http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001wCoykCaCoIo0lW8_qgKJebOSBWo56-iYETFR1pxdHf7OzC73Kp5jiFREJKlkapFTw0GFqk8qOexDElh50FMDWMHfLQOT09eVAB6UnENFo_KISkv2rPtIrByqQ-2IybjP]),
a set of principles for curriculum development "that give all individuals equal
opportunities to learn." CAST's work, which is based in brain research, provides
educators with a framework for planning lessons that are accessible to all learners.

We're helping CAST share its framework and simultaneously get more teachers to become
Inspired Teachers [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001wCoykCaCoIoFb3qjV9_U7G7HR92sphPzCidCg6S48riRV_Vc7iX_BX6IznObVYlwWrd_YAiPZc_lRxXhk44uVuMlkt31x-w0Dn7ADr0sXIsXNyBvWB2lYRt4pNRMwMbK6CfVbkl3TQZr27LPpNw4tk_3t_mzEz5jScT9t1HsT4s=]--because
our approaches augment each other. Currently we're partnering to provide training
at two middle schools in Cecil County, MD as well as co-creating a guide for UDL
facilitators on strategies and structures for professional development. We're learning
a lot from each others' model and looking for ways to continue working together.

Leading DCPS Professional Development

Inspired Teaching trainers, in partnership with teachers from our BLISS [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001wCoykCaCoIom9MxCtIdqEHKf_CNEj3cMwaf7I6-9TPbVd_CVEnYqlTQhZ6jN795EzjR680Fss7UTOFZX1YEFPbnZLX2QykV6PkNNm1NP98gNhU-tBhMAsbOr1IMiowkRVT53TBPTnPY1-eK8uEChsgdKHx1_C-Nrzjzo-slGX38=]
(Building Literacy in the Social Studies) program, will lead professional development
for DC Public School (DCPS) middle school social studies teachers on Oct. 19. This
interactive training, which is mapped to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS),
will allow teachers to share effective teaching and learning strategies with each
other while they practice using classroom tools first hand.

BLISS is a three-year program we are running with DCPS. Now in its second year,
BLISS is designed to train all DCPS middle school social studies teacher in the
CCSS for literacy. The program will result in teacher-created middle school social
studies curriculum that is aligned with the CCSS. Roll-out of this curriculum, and
the associated Common Core training, is being done through a thoughtfully designed
teacher leader component.

This month we're focusing on literacy strategies that are backed by solid research
on how the brain works. The more science teaches us about how our minds function--the
more teachers can adapt their practice to reflect this newfound knowledge. Many
of us were taught, for example, to memorize the definitions of long lists of vocabulary
each week--demonstrating our mastery of the task with a multiple choice test on
Fridays. We now understand that the brain is best able to learn and remember between
5-8 new words a week, and that memorization of definitions is perhaps the worst
and "least sticky" way to learn a word.

A more effective literacy strategy is for students to derive the definition after
reading a word that's used in a variety of examples; practice using the word in
dialog; and create illustrations to make a mental map connecting visuals with the
term. Wherever possible, physical movement should also be linked to the word, further
building neural networks. When students spend a week learning a handful of words
in all these different ways, the words are more likely to "stick."

Corporation for National and Community Service Board Members Visit Inspired Teaching
Fellows

On September 18, the Inspired Teaching Demonstration School [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001wCoykCaCoIqLDyJvzEt9HIDWsHcPYfxbJwQWvyYXHTHwoCdxMZkmCLPvUbNaHfpQwVM910zeyHEjCmwkP_9oWGu8hTUkbUxQxu4tOXmXMrtbRtkF2h6mLH_2c5YmxafO3ljYp32WXf-ccNu-6fHtuLmL2Tasq0X8Ndpk_6s_Nszqcu69hiThBw==]
hosted the Corporation for National and Community Service Board of Directors [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001wCoykCaCoIpqlkJVTLZM-Jap6LNzzZzqqU2Z_eAtzkhMQu3LkECdesv-tqhixZ4zm0GS3ydOdJZ4FwsEfstXXzW-aPcWvI9nC9IUmWlYApnr71kTAScGXgts03UmOh7yyUhg0gLkf8kqMnHkFYUjbLqA_V6YrkycE2ScOMRgswElq-HPysGMkg==]
who toured the school and observed Fellows from our Inspired Teacher Certification
Program [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001wCoykCaCoIr6mlUydKSTOLCa1MdTe17gZyDYA1Z1LwWFXNyFIlTNpfhrIUuA5Bhj_JKLme2Jb1kI8eR06wpgCuf_EsBaaI00kWWA3qkqUZEWcT9PfuywK6niFXrcg3ZZbkbnEzbZWz_wc9sp-gcP0Ny0WqYNqaek40LAfZwe9ibn1ZUomwP1Itl0P1uoN8Q2]
teaching in their classrooms. Support for our certification program is provided
with AmeriCorps [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001wCoykCaCoIphASE6V7w1AAkVeyHlBeqGulhD69kRMv6hlZc90qNP-59BwHI-jgEMJiJ3AXA6aX4b3axPJgAVSvxgpgJ7cn8VNBfsdWkko6VLlyDaIV_zjw==]
funding, through ServeDC [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001wCoykCaCoIpnEhV3y467mKw6l_hQUqFdQ0lRlreKG8FWo-vJmi7RiEsiQ4SQuKA0yFBU-srcDCzwc2nVykTkEf2Th5YpsNO2LsHV_BBdxUc=],
which enables Fellows, in their first year of teaching, to be placed with a Lead
Teacher in each classroom.

The Inspired Teacher Certification Program will start accepting applications for
the 2013-2015 cohort in mid-December. Stay tuned for more information in our November
newsletter.
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Inspired Teaching Demonstration School

Students Showcase Wonder-Experiment-Learn Cycle

The Demonstration School's first Learning Showcase of the school year will occur
on Oct 18. The Learning Showcase is an opportunity for students and teachers to
present to the community the work they have created and the learning questions
they are exploring. It's a chance to see our 4I's [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001wCoykCaCoIq4pbKL2OhRWlj5FmjVH4HoYwl3Fo-VWmDla_SJ3AQcmbIXIqt7aVMO6hMQC3uARnYnl70qutFCu9GsKQlLOuak0aUrL3R6mxnhREkyV6iulTUhaJMfN840l0tqFM9m8jRXQs1SPplGfCInZ_O3GFgoNaxI3Xm8mKdA6kGjIawlXrGZTt0RYIyT9CW0WwBiliN3nag-G79kpg==]
in action, and to hear students talk about what it's like to attend the Demonstration
School [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001wCoykCaCoIqLDyJvzEt9HIDWsHcPYfxbJwQWvyYXHTHwoCdxMZkmCLPvUbNaHfpQwVM910zeyHEjCmwkP_9oWGu8hTUkbUxQxu4tOXmXMrtbRtkF2h6mLH_2c5YmxafO3ljYp32WXf-ccNu-6fHtuLmL2Tasq0X8Ndpk_6s_Nszqcu69hiThBw==]
and engage in the Wonder-Experiment-Learn cycle [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001wCoykCaCoIoHnXA69k64SHiLCT8vtM1Za0sND8wGnmy7ksXQKdqjcBVhRv6m2qBfMkLHWMXBxX8g5xWTtfnNXuABmsA9eYnpx58kDDKdf4Lsc_6RwoRyBuuWgIoI5ktzACgwYNJPcW_8oPe_7yL7bw==].

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