Nick and Marc discuss social-emotional learning (a.k.a. character education) and how it can create improved learning environments in schools.

"Methods Lab" - Vocabulary

• How can we improve students' vocabulary skills?
• Is a dictionary better than dictionary.com?

Listeners are welcome to ask a question, suggest a topic or share their thoughts: ask@stateofedpodcast.com

Subscribe to us on iTunes

Links related to this episode:

1. Overcoming Obstacles
2. NY Times: Teaching Social Skills

Nick and Marc welcome their first guest, Mary Craig, to the show. They discuss the ousting of Pearson, the Value Added Model and the incredible efforts of librarians and teachers in Charlottesville, Virginia to bring books to underprivileged children.

"Methods Lab" - Summer Assignments

• What does a quality assignment consist of?

Listeners are welcome to ask a question, suggest a topic or share their thoughts: ask@stateofedpodcast.com

Subscribe to us on iTunes

Links related to this episode:

1. Carole Burris’s Blog Post
2. Pearson Is Out in NYS
3. Link to the Books on Bikes program
4. Books on Bikes on Facebook
5. David Brooks’ column on attention span

Nick and Marc discuss personnel changes at the New York State DoE and debate whether or not cell phones should be permitted in class.

"Methods Lab" - Attire

• The case for and against school uniforms
• Should there be a dress code for professional educators?

Listeners are welcome to ask a question, suggest a topic or share their thoughts: ask@stateofedpodcast.com

Subscribe to us on iTunes

Links related to this episode:

1. NY Times article on Screen Addiction
2. The Science of “Inside Out”
3. School Uniform Debate