Articles and insights From Jeffrey Benson
Filter posts by clicking on the categories below.
Personalized Learning
Our factory model of schooling obscures the fact that all learning is personal. We’ve been forcing too many children at the same time to be presented with the same stimulation in hopes they develop the same understanding.
Book Review: “The Quest for Meaningful Special Education” by Amy Ballin
Let me begin with unequivocal praise: Amy Ballin’s , “The Quest for Meaningful Special Education” (Rowman and Littlefield, 2017) is well written, robustly researched, as often heart-warming as it is heart-wrenching, and laser focused on equity and excellence in our schools—equity and excellence for all students.
Looking Backward and Forward from 100 Repetitions
It’s been years since the publication of “100 Repetitions”—and the need to understand this crucial understanding of how kids learn has never been more necessary.
Small (But Important) Steps to Integrating SEL into Lessons
Social emotional skills (SEL) is not a separate curriculum. Here’s a quick overview of integrating SEL into daily lesson plans—and improving student learning.
When to stop hanging In
Challenging Students, Change Team, Inclusion, Leadership, SEL
After years of helping schools hang in with challenging students, it was time to clarify when to stop hanging in.
I was lucky and determined to keep teaching as a school leader and instructional coach
Many instructional leaders I work with—superintendents, assistant superintendents, curriculum coordinators, principals, assistant principals, instructional coaches—forget how hard it is to teach, even as the system demands more of their teachers. Simply put, distance creates distance.
The overabundance of rules in middle and high schools creates conflict
Change Team, Inclusion, Leadership, Whole Teen
Too much restriction can tamper teens’ individuality and resolve, as well as destroy school staff relationships. Here’s how to pare them down.
When Teacher Self-Care Is Not Enough
We need better structures to sustain teachers who work with students with mental illnesses.
The Power of Positive Regard
Challenging Students, Change Team, Inclusion, Leadership, SEL
Originally titled “Praising and Loving Students,’ this ASCD on-line article asks all of us to recognize and support every student as a member of the community for doing no more than crossing the threshold into the school and the classroom
What does “personalized learning” mean, & what can it look like in the classroom?
Challenging Students, Inclusion, Leadership, SEL
Learning is an accomplishment of attention and effort that can take place in an auditorium filled with 2,000 people, or at a corner table in a library. It takes place with a teacher, or a coach, or with peers, or when you are alone. Learning is always a personal experience for the learner.
How Not To Be A Mountain Troll
Challenging Students, Inclusion, Leadership, SEL
For many troubled students, adults have represented danger and uncertainty. Let’s change that.
That’s Not Mainstreaming!
Challenging Students, Change Team, Inclusion, Leadership, SEL
I am old enough to have been there at the beginning of special education, and fortunately, I completely missed the euphemism of “special.”
No Student is Unreachable
Challenging Students, Change Team, Inclusion, Leadership, SEL
A framework for finding traction with students who may only seem to be totally shut down
A Process for Responding to Your Most Challenging Students
Challenging Students, Change Team, Inclusion, Leadership, SEL
How teams of teachers can work together to identify strengths and share strategies
Finding Common Ground
Change Team, Inclusion, Leadership
All students benefit when regular education teachers and special educators work together.
Four Frames For Principals
I summarize four approaches that principals can take to manage their work and build community
Creating Our Most Compliant Generation of Workers Yet
Inclusion, Leadership, Satire, SEL
A satirical look at how schools could function if we just wished our teachers and students would do what they were told to do, This is an edited version “Schools that Work and Work Don’t Work”: found on my blog
How To Be A More Interesting Teacher
Challenging Students, Inclusion, SEL, Whole Teen
It is not a version of grit to passively accept boredom. It is not a version of grit to be passive. For teachers or for students: it’s a version of submission.
Keep It Simple: Do These 4 Things Every Time You Teach
Challenging Students, Inclusion, SEL
The nuts-and-bolts of giving directions so that students are most likely to find their entry into the task
100 Repetitions
Challenging Students, Inclusion, Leadership, SEL
Teachers of troubled students need to know that the road to success is paved with many useful failures.
Personalized Learning
Our factory model of schooling obscures the fact that all learning is personal. We’ve been forcing too many children at the same time to be presented with the same stimulation in hopes they develop the same understanding.
Book Review: “The Quest for Meaningful Special Education” by Amy Ballin
Let me begin with unequivocal praise: Amy Ballin’s , “The Quest for Meaningful Special Education” (Rowman and Littlefield, 2017) is well written, robustly researched, as often heart-warming as it is heart-wrenching, and laser focused on equity and excellence in our schools—equity and excellence for all students.
Looking Backward and Forward from 100 Repetitions
It’s been years since the publication of “100 Repetitions”—and the need to understand this crucial understanding of how kids learn has never been more necessary.
Small (But Important) Steps to Integrating SEL into Lessons
Social emotional skills (SEL) is not a separate curriculum. Here’s a quick overview of integrating SEL into daily lesson plans—and improving student learning.
When to stop hanging In
Challenging Students, Change Team, Inclusion, Leadership, SEL
After years of helping schools hang in with challenging students, it was time to clarify when to stop hanging in.
I was lucky and determined to keep teaching as a school leader and instructional coach
Many instructional leaders I work with—superintendents, assistant superintendents, curriculum coordinators, principals, assistant principals, instructional coaches—forget how hard it is to teach, even as the system demands more of their teachers. Simply put, distance creates distance.
The overabundance of rules in middle and high schools creates conflict
Change Team, Inclusion, Leadership, Whole Teen
Too much restriction can tamper teens’ individuality and resolve, as well as destroy school staff relationships. Here’s how to pare them down.
When Teacher Self-Care Is Not Enough
We need better structures to sustain teachers who work with students with mental illnesses.
The Power of Positive Regard
Challenging Students, Change Team, Inclusion, Leadership, SEL
Originally titled “Praising and Loving Students,’ this ASCD on-line article asks all of us to recognize and support every student as a member of the community for doing no more than crossing the threshold into the school and the classroom
What does “personalized learning” mean, & what can it look like in the classroom?
Challenging Students, Inclusion, Leadership, SEL
Learning is an accomplishment of attention and effort that can take place in an auditorium filled with 2,000 people, or at a corner table in a library. It takes place with a teacher, or a coach, or with peers, or when you are alone. Learning is always a personal experience for the learner.
How Not To Be A Mountain Troll
Challenging Students, Inclusion, Leadership, SEL
For many troubled students, adults have represented danger and uncertainty. Let’s change that.
That’s Not Mainstreaming!
Challenging Students, Change Team, Inclusion, Leadership, SEL
I am old enough to have been there at the beginning of special education, and fortunately, I completely missed the euphemism of “special.”
No Student is Unreachable
Challenging Students, Change Team, Inclusion, Leadership, SEL
A framework for finding traction with students who may only seem to be totally shut down
A Process for Responding to Your Most Challenging Students
Challenging Students, Change Team, Inclusion, Leadership, SEL
How teams of teachers can work together to identify strengths and share strategies
Finding Common Ground
Change Team, Inclusion, Leadership
All students benefit when regular education teachers and special educators work together.
Four Frames For Principals
I summarize four approaches that principals can take to manage their work and build community
Creating Our Most Compliant Generation of Workers Yet
Inclusion, Leadership, Satire, SEL
A satirical look at how schools could function if we just wished our teachers and students would do what they were told to do, This is an edited version “Schools that Work and Work Don’t Work”: found on my blog
How To Be A More Interesting Teacher
Challenging Students, Inclusion, SEL, Whole Teen
It is not a version of grit to passively accept boredom. It is not a version of grit to be passive. For teachers or for students: it’s a version of submission.
Keep It Simple: Do These 4 Things Every Time You Teach
Challenging Students, Inclusion, SEL
The nuts-and-bolts of giving directions so that students are most likely to find their entry into the task
100 Repetitions
Challenging Students, Inclusion, Leadership, SEL
Teachers of troubled students need to know that the road to success is paved with many useful failures.
Connect with Jeffrey Benson
Want to learn more about how Jeffrey can support your school or organization? Schedule at time to meet with Jeffrey to learn more about customized workshops and other services.