Dr. Roberto Pamas, Director of ACCESS Academy, oversees the direction and execution of George Mason University’s bold experiment in reimagining high school. With three decades of experience in Fairfax County Public Schools as an educator and administrator, he brings a deep understanding of both classroom realities and systemic challenges to his work at the Academy.
Reading an informative book is a gateway to learning—one that can provide children with a wealth of knowledge about the world around them and expose them to new ideas. When children read books about topics that capture their interest, words on the page can come alive in meaningful and exciting ways that can foster a love of reading lasting a lifetime.
It is that time of year when the post-season baseball playoffs are getting into full swing. And for people watching the games at home, the graphics box on their television screens tracking the location and speed of every pitch that crosses home plate contributes to the drama of the game—especially if it is a close game.
Imagine a scenario where a teacher in a K-12 classroom is presenting a lesson in math. Rather than looking upon a classroom filled with excited and engaged learners, the teacher instead sees the disappointing blank stares of students who appear to have “checked out.” The minds of these students are somewhere else.
In today’s divisive political environment, building community support has become more important than ever. It can serve as a vital lifeline for marginalized populations whose members are often the most vulnerable in society.
Having a sense of belonging is a universal need among all individuals. And one of the places where this is most important is in the K-12 classroom. An inclusive classroom is one where all students feel valued and supported and where the unique abilities of each student are not only recognized but celebrated.
When people think of how curriculum is taught in K-12 schools, what often comes to mind is teacher-led instruction, a practice where the educator stands at the front of the class presenting content to students through lectures, demonstrations, or readings. In teacher-led instruction, the educator’s job is to provide knowledge and facts to students, and the students’ job is to absorb that information.
It used to be that if you wanted an update on your overall health, you would have to visit your doctor’s office where medical professionals would check your vital signs. Now, you no longer need to make that trip to see your doctor. Instead, you can get a baseline snapshot of your health just by using a wearable technology device that collects this type of data in real-time.
Anyone who is a diehard sports fan has undoubtedly experienced the anxiety and drama of watching their favorite team in the closing moments of a nail-biter game where the outcome is about to be decided by one final play. The coach uses the team’s last time-out to make strategic adjustments and player substitutions. The game is on the line as the referee calls for play to resume.
For some people, early childhood memories of school included the image of a classroom with the teacher standing in front of a large chalkboard that faced a row of desks. On it the teacher would write down lessons and assignments that students needed to learn. While chalkboards can still be found in some American classrooms, advancements in technology over the years have given rise to digital devices like smartboards.
