Freedom of Information Day takes place on March 16th- James Madison‘s birthday. It is commemorated on this day because Madison was a staunch proponent of a free press and flow of information to the public. The Freedom of Information Act was first enacted in 1966 and updated 50 years later in 2016 after a lengthy … read more »
A letter from Sherlock to Watson My dear Watson, In a world overflowing with information, the ability to distinguish truth from deception is a skill as critical as any detective’s keen eye. This is why I find the study of ‘media literacy’ so intriguing—it is, in many ways, the modern art of deduction. I was … read more »
My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together. – Desmond Tutu, South African Theologian and Human Activist In December, we celebrate Universal Human Rights Month, which honors the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), an international document adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on December 10, … read more »
This week is Choose Privacy Week , an event sponsored by the American Library Association. While privacy has been part of our recent national discussion, privacy issues are nothing new to K-12 public education, which must follow at least three privacy rules and laws. These include the 1974 Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a … read more »
These questions form the powerful See, Think, Wonder thinking routine developed by researchers at Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Project Zero. This routine and many others available through Project Zero’s Thinking Routine Toolbox (reviewed here) offer excellent frameworks to enhance student understanding of the complex economic, social, political, and moral considerations of the American Civil … read more »
On June 19, 1895, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, with life-changing news: the Civil War had ended two years prior, and all enslaved individuals were now free. Despite the belated announcement, the city erupted in joyous celebrations filled with prayers, feasting, and lively singing and dancing. June 19 is an annual commemoration within the … read more »
As December approaches, educators worldwide will work to share an understanding of the values of justice, equality, and human dignity with their students. Universal Human Rights Month, observed each December, is a powerful reminder of the fundamental rights and freedoms to which every individual should be entitled. It’s an excellent occasion for teachers to introduce … read more »
The bald eagle is a magnificent creature that holds a special place in American history and culture; this symbol of freedom and strength has made a remarkable recovery from the brink of extinction and is now thriving in many parts of the United States. In recognition of this symbol of freedom, June 20th is recognized … read more »
“Men, their rights, and nothing more; women, their rights, and nothing less.” Susan B. Anthony In the late 1700s, the United States introduced the right to vote—but only to white male landowners. The article “Voting Rights: A Short History” provides a general overview of changes in voting rights over the decades and centuries since that … read more »
“Storytelling is the Oldest Form of Education” Terry Tempest Williams How do you incorporate digital storytelling into your classroom? This article written by Anna Warfield discusses the 6 Reasons You Should Be Doing Digital Storytelling With Your Students. The author discusses the benefits of digital storytelling, including integrating technology with the writing process, critical thinking skills … read more »