The document discusses several hot topics in education that were discussed last year, including STEM education, single gender schools, flipped classrooms, students with gay parents, blended learning, teacher evaluation, student assessment, extended school year, digital textbooks, and online K12 courses. It provides an overview of each topic, outlining both sides of key debates around innovative approaches and controversial issues.

1. Dr. Patricia Fioriello DRPFConsults.com

2. STEM Education
 There has been an emphasis on STEM education this past year which stands for
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
 As these fields continue to expand in the workforce education has made
strides to keep up with the growing demand for well-educated workers.
 Robotics education is one particularly popular component of STEM education.
 It involves organizations partnering with schools to teach students about the
fascinating field of robotics.

3. Single Gender Schools
 One of the more controversial hot topics in education last year was single
gender schools.
 Many argue that teachers are able to teach lessons and implement curriculum
in an all-girls or all-boys classroom that is impossible in a co-ed situation.
 Proponents argue that it is less distracting to have same sex classrooms.
 Opponents believe that it is a detriment to social growth and does not
adequately prepare students for real world experiences.

4. Flipped Classrooms
 Flipped classrooms are an innovative new way to learn but they also may create
an environment in which some students thrive while others struggle.
 In a regular classroom, students learn about a topic from the teacher then
practice applying their knowledge with homework.
 In a flipped classroom, students learn about a topic on their own by watching
videos made by the teacher or conducting guided research then practice
applying their knowledge at school with the teacher.
 This is still fairly uncommon except at the secondary level.

5. Students with Gay Parents
 Another one of the gender related hot topics in education last year was
students with gay parents.
 Some studies of students with gay parents have shown that these students may
tend to struggle more in a social and emotional sense at school.
 Teachers, principals, and guidance counselors around the country have focused
on improving the educational experience of these students.
 In addition, many scholarships have been created specifically for students with
gay parents.

6. Blended Learning
 Blended learning entails mixing traditional classroom style learning with at
home computer work.
 It is sometimes referred to as a hybrid class and it is particularly popular
among adults with busy schedules so that some learning can be completed on
their own time.
 There is still some controversy, though, that the outcome is not as successful as
traditional methods.

7. Teacher Evaluation
 Teacher evaluation has been a hot topic for many years.
 Some districts continue to evaluate teachers based upon assessment results but
recently there has been a real push to evaluate teachers differently.
 Some school implement an evaluation form for students to fill out about their
teachers but others have even begun having more open forums and discussions
with their students.
 This is one topic that will not soon fade away.

8. Student Assessment
 It seems as though student assessment is one of the most debated hot topics in
education almost every year.
 Some argue that standardized testing is unfair and even biased while others
hold that it is necessary in order to assess students.
 The Follow the Child concept has picked up speed.It focuses not on a student
meeting age appropriate bench marks but a student making improvements
from the past year and meeting individualized bench marks.

9. Extended School Year
 The extended school year has been a requirement for special education
students or those with a disability since 2005.
 The concept of an extended school year to provide supplemental education
services has been expanded to include all students who require extra help.
 This is a new idea and has not picked up speed yet but many parents are
thrilled with the idea of having school open longer for their children to work on
their academic weaknesses.

10. Digital Textbooks
 One of the most up-to-date hot topics in education last year was the use of
digital textbooks.
 Proponents claim that not only can digital textbooks save schools and families
a lot of money but they are often interactive which allows for more involved
learning.
 Opponents, though, believe that it is vital to have students read from physical
textbooks and worry about kids today relying too heavily on technology.

11. Online K12 Courses
 Online secondary education courses have been around for many years but it
was not until recently that online K12 courses became popular.
 Many districts now offer an alternative to regular school for students who
struggle with social relationships, learn at a fast or slow pace, or live a long
distance from school.
 Parents appreciate this option but there is now a demand to blend online
learning with in class learning so students can benefit from both methods.

12. Visit http:DRPFConsults.com to read more about the latest hot topics in
education.