Professional+Development

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 * Professional Development Reading**


 * [|The Case For and Against Homework]**

Robert Marzano and Debra Pickering, argue that teachers not entirely abandon the assignment of homework but should, rather, "improve its instructional quality" and design. When homework assignments are made by teachers Marzano and Pickering argue that those assignments should meet the following criteria
 * Homework is purposeful
 * Homework is designed to maximize the students actually finishing it
 * Parents should be involved in appropriate ways
 * Homework should be monitored to be appropriate to students' ages and abilities


 * [|Electronic Portfolios and Dimensions of Learning]**

Using Robert Marzano's //Dimensions of Learning// as a model, Frederick Conway develops an argument for the use of electronic portfolios as an efficient and beneficial way for students to create, store, and document information and products.

__**English**__


 * [|Technology Integration for the Secondary English Classroom]**

This article is particularly useful in that it explores both the advantages and disadvantages of the use of technology in the Secondary English classroom. Also, of particular note, it discusses the controversy that has developed around the argument that technology has a detrimental affect on literacy. While it does explore both sides of the issue, it clearly advocates for the increased use of technology in the classroom as a positive force.

__**History / Social Studies**__


 * [|History's Fractured Mirror]**

Peter Seixas explores the differences between myth, heritage, and historical thinking.


 * Professional Development Links

[|ASCD]** ASCD is a membership organization that develops programs, products, and services essential to the way educators learn, teach, and lead.


 * [|Classroom 2.0]** A social network for those interested in Web 2.0 and collaborative technologies in education.


 * [|Apple Learning Exchange]**