Educators in K-12 school systems are increasingly acknowledging the importance of serving the "whole person" as an essential foundation for achieving equitable outcomes. The guide is based on the idea that equitable outcomes are more likely to result when whole-person initiatives are implemented in an aligned and coherent way. If…

As we move into a "new normal" where digital and virtual models are playing a larger role in the delivery of instruction and student supports, it's increasingly important for us to deliver holistic, resilient, equitable, and student-centric systems. This requires transitioning to an adaptive culture that focuses on long-term…

Take the next step in reflective practice! Operationalize reflective practice and overcome the "reflection bubble" with an approach designed for the field of TESOL. Learn how teachers, teacher educators, supervisors, administrators, and other stakeholders can implement reflective practice. Expanding upon the original aspects of…

For students to learn, they must be present and engaged in school. As a result, absenteeism is a concern for all schools. Poor attendance is associated with a host of negative short- and long-term outcomes, such as academic failure, disengagement, leaving school, and problem behaviors in school and community. Despite the challenges, evidence…

In the current context, barriers to student attendance and engagement have only increased. Schools and districts are encouraged to emphasize a supportive multi-tiered model for supporting student and staff engagement and attendance rather than punitive attendance or truancy policies. Leadership teams will need to be aware of and adjust policy and…

There is an extensive history of educating English language learners (ELLs) and new arrivals to this country with inconsistent and controversial approaches. The question of how best to teach language and content for ELLs and new immigrants remains largely unresolved in our school practices and state policies. There are contrasting perspectives on…

Many educators agree that we already know how to foster student success, so what is keeping common sense from becoming common practice? The author provides step-by-step guidance for overcoming the barriers to adopting the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and achieving equity and excellence for all students. As an experienced teacher and…

A holistic approach can direct the synthesis process so that the "big picture" is experienced by gifted students and meaningful integration of previously analyzed components can be accomplished. Holistic synthesis provides an alternative to traditional instruction, supplying the stepping stone to more effective problem solving in the social…

Presents an integrated generalized model of education, called Holistic Education, which the author feels is equally relevant to all adult educators regardless of their area of specialization. The author describes those characteristics which distinguish the Holistic Education model from other approaches. (CT)

Discusses the advantages of an interdisciplinary curriculum, especially in elementary school. Implementing interdisciplinary curriculum units helps children acquire targeted concepts and skills of various disciplines more effectively. Existing curriculum, current events, and student concerns are the places to find interdisciplinary unit ideas. (SM)

Discussion of the use of theme cycles in the teaching of students with hearing impairments first compares holistic theme cycles with traditional, reductionist theme units. The development of theme cycle components and issues is then related to locating needed materials, assisting hearing-impaired students in accessing information, managing data,…

Explanations for problems in mathematics are offered, and examples that may lead to a better understanding of problems in mathematics are discussed. Examples include the developmental, dyscalculia, dyspedagogia, behaviorist, medical, psychoanalytic, cultural, curricular, social, transactional, moral, and eclectic models. A case study exemplifies…

Improvisational gaming is a technique involving the use of theater and drama in the teaching of other subjects. The student uses intuition, sense-memory, and imagination in a holistic approach to learning which teaches social skills while it teaches subject matter. Everyone can act and improvise; getting everyone involved is seldom a problem as…

Four principles are presented for teaching children, across age and grade levels, to write and enjoy writing: interrelating literature and writing, teaching writing as an intellectual rather than a mechanical process, emphasizing process over product, and teaching writing as a holistic process rather than a set of isolated skills. (PB)

This article presents strategies, including communicative reading strategies, to facilitate holistic language learning in young children with language and learning disorders. Strategies include pairing oral and written language and using preparatory sets, semantic maps, flowcharts, and theme building. An example of narrative discourse demonstrates…