Jokes You Can Use:

1. What time of day was Adam born? A little before Eve.

Why was Adam a famous runner? He was first in the human race.

2. On our way home from visiting family we stopped at a Culver’s to grab some breakfast. Sitting in the booth across the way was Santa. He had ordered the Eggs Benedict and when the nice Culver’s chap brought out his order he set down a hubcap in front of the jolly old elf. As he passed me I stopped him and asked about the hubcap. He said, “Oh, well, there’s no plate like chrome for the Hollondaise …”

On Our Mind:

Holidays.

Eileen Award:

Luke Rakoczy

Craig Cadman

Michael Palmer

Lynda Gonzalez-Napier

Advisory:

Middle School Science Minute

by Dave Bydlowski (k12science or [email protected])

This one is about using Gummi Bears in the Science Classroom.

From the Twitterverse:

Don’t forget to join the conversation on MiddleTalk and Twitter at #midleved this Friday at 8:00 pm EST.

News:

TED Presentation: On-line Charters

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4L_wfX3MzRE

Can We Really Learn Online? Response to NYTimes on Wall Street's Digital Learning Enterprises

http://hastac.org/blogs/cathy-davidson/2011/12/13/can-we-really-learn-online-response-nytimes-wall-streets-digital-lea

Resources:

Snag Films National Geographic Channel:

*Thanks to Richard Byrne at Free Tech for Teachers - http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2011/12/watch-75-full-length-national.html

http://www.snagfilms.com/films/browse/category/national_geographic

Web Spotlight:

Overcoming the Divide Between Curriculum and Technology Leaders

The digital revolution is changing how many U.S. school districts create ­engaging learning environments, with collaboration between the ­curriculum and technology ­departments slowly becoming the norm rather than the exception. By ­developing a common language around how students learn best, these leaders are fostering a shared vision for effective 21st century learning.

Unfortunately, there remains a striking gap between this vision and the day-to-day strategic work these leaders are doing.

http://www.edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2011/12/overcoming-divide-between-curriculum-and-technology-leaders

iPad App listing by Dan Callahan on Pinterest

iPad apps categorized by subject.

http://pinterest.com/dancallahan/

Try these 10th-grade quizzes created from Florida’s standardized test

We decided to do this because of the enormous popularity of a guest post I published last week by educator Marion Brady about a school board member in Florida who decided to take the state standardized test.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/post/try-these-10th-grade-quizzes-created-from-floridas-standardized-test/2011/12/13/gIQABBR6rO_blog.html?wprss=answer-sheet

A superintendent calls school reformers’ bluff

By John Kuhn

As a public school administrator, I have been a steadfast critic of the legacy of No Child Left Behind. But I’ve recently figured out a way that school reformers can get me on their side. It’s very simple.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/post/a-superintendent-calls-school-reformers-bluff/2011/12/11/gIQABKBXoO_blog.html?wprss=answer-sheet

Phishing Quiz

Ever wonder how good you are at telling the difference between a legitimate website and one that's a phishing attempt? Take this quiz to find out.

http://www.opendns.com/phishing-quiz/

Strategies:

An Interactive Strategy for Reading Assignments in All Content Areas

http://www.amle.org/Publications/MiddleLeveliNSIDER/Articles/ReadingAssignments/tabid/2532/Default.aspx

AMLE 2011:

Classroom Management & Student Motivation "The Keys to Raising Student Achievement"

Events & Happenings:

Calendar of Events: