Jonathan Kozol at PLATO Conference

May 4 2015

The University of Washington is hosting the 2015 Philosophy Learning and Teaching Organization (PLATO) conference June 29-30 in Mary Gates Hall. The event will feature hands-on workshops about introducing philosophical inquiry in elementary, middle and high school classrooms, as well as presentations on topics such as creating classroom communities, building school philosophy programs, developing a culturally responsive pedagogy for philosophy programs, and much more.

Research presentations: social-emotional learning, navigating special education and more

phd presentation
Apr 30 2015

Eighteen of the University of Washington College of Education's doctoral students will discuss their research projects on May 8, with topics including teacher preparation, meeting the needs of students with emotional and behavioral issues, and how refugee parents navigate the special education system.

The Research and Inquiry Presentations, a major milestone in each Ph.D. candidate's studies at the College of Education, will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Miller Hall Room 212 and noon to 2 p.m. in Room 411. Presentations are open to the public.

AERA Highlight: Alberta offers insight into teacher preparation, educational equity

Students talking around a globe
Apr 28 2015

Educational leaders and policymakers in the United States can learn a great deal by looking northward to Canada says Ken Zeichner of the University of Washington College of Education.

"Schools in Alberta are performing well not only on academic achievement, but also on measures of equity," said Zeichner, Boeing Professor of Teacher Education at UW. "Unlike here in the U.S., there's not a high level of criticism of teachers and teacher education. Teachers are valued for their professional acumen."

Research shows brain differences in children with dyslexia and dysgraphia

Center on Human Development and Disability
Apr 28 2015

University of Washington research shows that using a single category of learning disability to qualify students with written language challenges for special education services is not scientifically supported. Some students only have writing disabilities, but some have both reading and writing disabilities.

AERA Highlight: Advancing ambitious science teaching for EL students

Jessica Thompson
Apr 23 2015

In Washington's Highline School District, as many as 25 languages can be spoken in a single classroom. That presents a serious challenge to educators who want to provide English learners with rigorous, grade-level appropriate curriculum.

AERA Highlight: Engaging communities in teacher preparation

community panel
Apr 22 2015

All too often in teacher preparation programs, families and communities are portrayed as obstacles to teachers' work, says Ken Zeichner of the University of Washington College of Education.

"We're parachuting teachers into schools and communities to try and save students," said Zeichner, Boeing Professor of Teacher Education at UW. "Most universities have neglected their communities and the deep knowledge that parents and other community members can offer as we prepare the teachers of their children."

AERA Highlight: Redesigning AP Government

Apr 19 2015

While Advanced Placement is looked at by many as the main brand of rigorous coursework in the United States, it has come under scrutiny for lagging research on how students learn and what counts as learning.

Researchers from the University of Washington College of Education presented their work retooling the AP Government course to take a project-based approach to learning during an April 18 session at the American Educational Research Association's annual meeting.

AERA Highlight: Engaging families as drivers of educational equity

Ann Ishimaru
Apr 17 2015

Debates about educational equity often overlook or disregard the voices of the families and communities most impacted by educational disparities. During an April 16 session at the American Educational Research Association's annual meeting, Professor Ann Ishimaru of the University of Washington's College of Education discussed an ongoing UW project that aims to change this reality by tapping the knowledge and experience of parents.

Brigitte Tennis '82 named to National Teacher Hall of Fame

Brigitte Tennis
Apr 16 2015

Brigitte Tennis, a teacher at Stella Schola Middle School in Redmond and 1982 graduate of the University of Washington College of Education, will be one of five educators in the United States to be inducted in the National Teacher Hall of Fame for 2015.

Tennis is the first Washington state teacher in more than two decades to receive the honor. The opportunity will allow her to meet President Obama and offer advice to his administration on education policy.

UW Danforth graduate wins Principal of the Year award

Anissa Bereano
Apr 2 2015

Highland Middle School Principal Anissa Bereano, a 2004 graduate of the University of Washington's Danforth Educational Leadership Program, has been named 2015 Washington State Middle Level Principal of the Year.