How might I help my students engage in rigorous learning and critical thinking in a blended environment?

• Return to processes for re-identifying crucial key learning that can accelerate student growth by interleaving current grade level standards and any standards that may need additional support from the previous year.

• Utilize scaffolding to support real-time supports for missed content and skills (EL Education's MEETING STUDENTS’ NEEDS THROUGH SCAFFOLDING and TNTP's Scaffolding Strategies)

• Ensure rigor is equivalent to time-based learning by using A Guide for Using Webb’s Depth of Knowledge with Common Core Standards (leveled products, activities, and questions by Karin Hess; see also the Hess Cognitive Rigor Matrices)

• Design learning with Specially Designed Instruction (SDI) and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) tenets (CBE: All Means All and Learner-centered MTSS and TNTP’s EL guidance; UDL-Aligned Strategies)

• Critical Thinking and Creativity learning progressions (setting goals, gathering data, monitoring progress, metacognition)

• Utilize structures that promote critical thinking (World’s Largest Lesson, Challenge-based Learning sample challenges, PBLWorks, C3 Teachers Inquiries: College, Career, & Civic Life, etc.)

  • • PBLWorks Webinar Series: How to Facilitate PBL Online with Students

• Incorporate systems thinking tools from Waters Center for Systems Thinking or Langford Learning Tool Time for Education

• Utilize Curriculum Associates Student Discourse Cards and 100 Questions that Promote Classroom Discourse (can be used outside of math in a more content-agnostic manner)