September 20, 2021

Writing Time: Let's start a blog!

September 20, 2021/ Contributing Blogger

Journal Writing is an activity that is implemented very early in the Shurley English curriculum. Students are taught how to create a written journal to record their thoughts and feelings. Then, throughout the school year, they are encouraged to respond to specific prompts in their personal journals. (If you’re wondering about the benefits of journaling, please check out my previous blog, “The Value of Journal Writing (…and how to get started).”)

Today, I’d like for you to think beyond the written journal and consider developing a classroom wall blog. This type of activity affords you an opportunity to support your classroom instruction and teach your students how to become responsible writers.

September 13, 2021

Authentic Assessments: How Shurley English integrates real assessments

September 13, 2021/ Shurley English

So, what’s happening “testing-wise” in your school and in your classroom? Let’s continue the conversation about real or authentic assessments. (If you missed part one, click here.) In my opinion, it is vital to add these authentic assessments to your “testing bag-o-tricks.” Just look at some of the benefits:

September 03, 2021

FREE Language Arts Tools from Shurley English

September 03, 2021/ Shurley English

At Shurley English, we are committed to helping you and your students experience language arts success. Whether you use the Shurley English curriculum or not, we want your language arts experience to be the best that it can be. Today, we are excited to share several FREE resources to help you in your quest for excellence:

September 01, 2021

Authentic Assessments: Breaking the Paper Test Cycle

September 01, 2021/ Contributing Blogger

When you think of testing, do any of these statements come to mind?

“I want to see what my students have learned at the end of each chapter.”

“I want to make sure I’m teaching effective lessons.”

“My administrator says I have to have a certain number of scores in my grade book.”

“I’d like to see the strengths and weaknesses of each student so I can know how to differentiate my instruction.”

We’re all familiar with national standardized testing, the numerous true/false or multiple-choice tests a teacher gives throughout a school year, along with the benefits these assessments can provide. One school of thought says that assessments are a key component of learning because it helps students see how well they understand subject-specific material. Others say assessments can help motivate students. Still, testing often feels like a necessary evil that all teachers must do to show evidence that students have learned the content teachers worked so hard to teach.

I’d like you to consider looking at