In this timely and thoughtful call to action, author and educator Starr Sackstein examines the critical intersection between assessment and social and emotional learning (SEL), particularly as it affects students of color and other marginalized groups. The book addresses the five SEL competencies identified by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL)-self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making-and explains how teaching students to develop their abilities in these areas can help them improve their learning and assessment experiences.Sackstein also raises important considerations for educators, urging them to * Examine their implicit biases to improve their relationships with students. * Deepen their understanding of the impact of grades and assessments on students' self-image and their ability to reach their full potential as learners. * Develop personalized assessment systems that ensure an accurate, fair, and equitable portrayal of what students know and can do. In addition to presenting the relevant research, Sackstein draws from personal experience and the reflections of students, teachers, and administrators to present a compelling case for approaching assessment through the SEL lens. Educators at all levels who have witnessed the devasting effects that testing can have on students' beliefs in themselves as learners will find Assessing with Respect to be an invaluable guide to ensuring better outcomes-and better emotional health-for all students.

In Peer Feedback in the Classroom, National Board Certified Teacher Starr Sackstein explores the powerful role peer feedback can play in learning and teaching. Peer feedback gives students control over their learning, increases their engagement and self-awareness as learners, and frees up the teacher to provide targeted support where it's needed. Drawing from the author's successful classroom practices, this compelling book will help you: Gain a deeper understanding of what meaningful feedback looks like and how it can be used as a tool for learning. Establish a respectful, student-led learning environment that supports risk taking and honest sharing. Teach students to be adept peer strategists who can pinpoint areas of needed growth and move forward with specific strategies for improvement. Develop cooperative student expert groups to help sustain effective peer feedback throughout the year. Use technology to enhance collaboration, streamline the learning and revision process, and strengthen students' digital citizenship skills. The book also includes extended reflections that express, in students' and teachers' own words, the approach's powerful effect on their practice. Invite students to be your partners in learning, and enrich your collective classroom experience.

Teaching and learning cannot happen without questions. Inquiry is the offspring of curiosity and creativity. Questions are incredibly powerful tools that open the world up. In the age of Google, the way we teach needs to change and students need to be reconnected with their early childhood curiosity. Let's put that control back into kids' hands by teaching them to question better. The Power of Questioning will help you to make students partners in their own learning.

Teaching and learning cannot happen without questions. Inquiry is the offspring of curiosity and creativity. Questions are incredibly powerful tools that open the world up. In the age of Google, the way we teach needs to change and students need to be reconnected with their early childhood curiosity. Let's put that control back into kids' hands by teaching them to question better. The Power of Questioning will help you to make students partners in their own learning.

This book is the go-to guide for helping educators establish an online presence through blogging. Through sample blog posts, examples, and engaging dialogue, leaders and teachers will learn to: Use a blog for reflection and growth in their professional learning Deal with the technical side of setting up a blog Get started with writing prompts and ideas Develop best practices for digital citizenship and online safety

In this essential guide, Starr Sackstein-a National Board Certified Teacher-explains how teachers can use reflection to help students decipher their own learning needs and engage in deep, thought-provoking discourse about progress. She explains how to help students set actionable learning goals, teach students to reflect on and chart their learning progress, and use student reflections and self-assessment to develop targeted learning plans and determine student mastery. Filled with practical tips, innovative ideas, and sample reflections from real students, this book shows you how to incorporate self-assessment and reflection in ways that encourage students to grow into mindful, receptive learners, ready to explore a fast-changing world.

Mishaps that resulted in tears and a constant questioning of my choice to switch careers are the short story of my earliest teaching memories. Fortunately, looking back, I can laugh at the many foibles of that experience - It's with love that I invite you new or older teaching professionals to embrace this miraculous journey. This book will help ease the growing pains of being a teacher offering professional reflection and connection. You are not alone!