Words sorts require learners to recognize similar features of words based on sounds, spelling patterns, meanings, or concepts. Word sorts are more effective when they connect with text or readings assigned to learners. It is a fun and engaging way to help them process information and make it “sticky” because…

Last time, I shared the background on Lexiles. This month’s blog includes resources that foster conversations with students about careers, Lexile levels, and how society creates a hierarchy based on job titles. When helping students choose careers, Lexiles may be a valuable resource to help them develop goals and strive…

Part I: Lexiles are Leveling During a professional learning session, I had an epiphany regarding how society views certain professions. In the past, when we explore different careers and the Lexiles (reading levels) required, there would be in shock in the room once a participant discovered the required Lexile for an…

While people may have mixed views about Iylana Vanzant and her healing tactics, she conducted an interview on The Breakfast Club that lit up my soul!! As we say in the Black community, “oh, I felt that”. Faith undergirded each lived experiences she shared with the world in May of…

Two years ago, I had a conversation with a former colleague and we discussed various topics in K-12 education. When the topic of education reform entered the dialogue (i.e. charter schools, school choice, vouchers, and alternative certifications), she stated that while she understood people expressing their concerns and speaking out,…

As we know, goal-setting is a common practice for many successful adults. From countless articles on Linkedin to a plethora of goal-setting templates for the future-centric professional, the benefits of this practice are all around us.  As most K-12 students transition from first to the second semester, I want to…

Life is a journey that requires one to step back and reflect from time-to-time. I have been in a reflective mode for at least a month and would like to share the initial phase of my journey with you. My dissertation was published in 2014 and focused on the lived…

Microaggressions have been studied extensively throughout the years and numerous studies continue to reveal the harmful impact on students. The goal of this blog is to further explore microaggressions and to shift mindsets. When our beliefs change, our practices will surely follow. Teachers can leverage their power to be the…

Throughout my journey as an educator, I have witnessed a series of interesting events, conversations, and interactions within the K-12 space. Over the last few years, I have diligently captured these realities with the hope to illustrate how beliefs impact actions and use this as a platform for change. For…