Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

      Names: Ormiston, Meghan J., author.

      Title: NOW classrooms, grades 6-8 : lessons for enhancing teaching and learning through technology / Authors: Meg Ormiston, Lauren Slanker, Jennifer Lehotsky, Megan K. Flaherty, Janice Conboy, and Whitney Cavanagh.

      Description: Bloomington, IN : Solution Tree Press, [2018] | Series: NOW classrooms. | Includes bibliographical references and index.

      Identifiers: LCCN 2017023981 | ISBN 9781945349423 (perfect bound)

      Subjects: LCSH: Middle school education--Computer-assisted instruction. | Educational technology--Study and teaching (Middle school) | School improvement programs.

      Classification: LCC LB1028.5 .O692 2018 | DDC 371.33--dc23 LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2017023981

       Solution Tree

      Jeffrey C. Jones, CEO

      Edmund M. Ackerman, President

       Solution Tree Press

      President and Publisher: Douglas M. Rife

      Editorial Director: Sarah Payne-Mills

      Art Director: Rian Anderson

      Managing Production Editor: Caroline Cascio

      Senior Production Editor: Todd Brakke

      Senior Editor: Amy Rubenstein

      Copy Editor: Jessi Finn

      Proofreader: Kendra Slayton

      Cover Designer: Rian Anderson

      Editorial Assistants: Jessi Finn and Kendra Slayton

      To all the passionate educators everywhere who have inspired me on this journey to change the world of education.

      —MEG ORMISTON

      To my significant other, Tikhon, whose own passion inspires mine; and to my mom, Vicki, who worked tirelessly to give me every opportunity possible to achieve my dreams.

      —LAUREN SLANKER

      To my mom, Colleen, who gave me the strength to become the strong person I am; to my husband, Bill, for supporting me at every turn; and to my two children, Gwen and Will, to show that determination makes your dreams come true.

      —JENNIFER LEHOTSKY

      To my mother, Emalee, who has always pushed me to reach for new challenges; and to my father, Joseph, who has always supported me in everything that I do; and to all the amazing colleagues, teachers, and students I have met on my professional journey.

      —MEGAN K. FLAHERTY

      To my wonderful husband, Eric, and my amazing son, Tyler, for all their love and support; and to my parents, Magin and Helen, for always believing in me and teaching me to follow my dreams. I would not be the person I am today without your love and guidance.

      —JANICE CONBOY

      To my best friend and husband, Connor, for always making me laugh and standing by my side; to my parents, Keith and Hope, for loving me unconditionally and giving me a life I could only dream of; and to my beautiful daughter, Reagan, who has truly taught me the meaning of the word agape.

      —WHITNEY CAVANAGH

       Acknowledgments

      Thank you to all teachers everywhere! I am proud to say I am a teacher, and I believe it is one of the most important professions in the world. Specifically, I want to thank the collaborative writing team that coauthored this series of five books. I have never worked with a more dedicated, fun-loving, collaborative team of lifelong learners. Thanks to the Otus team for your support and to my family for putting up with our writing marathons. I give my deepest thanks to Douglas Rife and the entire team at Solution Tree for helping all of us craft this dream into a reality. Wow!

      —Meg Ormiston

      Thank you to the wonderful women I worked with on this book. You have all inspired me, and I have learned so much from you. I’d also like to thank my district, Berwyn South School District 100, for allowing teachers to blossom and try new things. Finally, I’d like to thank two of the most influential teachers and people in my life: Annie Forest and Anna Van Asselt. You pushed my thinking every day and made me realize that good teachers always learn and challenge themselves.

      —Lauren Slanker

      Thank you to our writing team for working so well together. It has been a pleasure to collaborate and learn with you. Special thanks to the staff and students of Berwyn South School District 100, specifically Jim Calabrese, Jordan Garrett, and Shannon Osheroff, for supporting me and giving me opportunities to spread my influence. Finally, thanks to my family for supporting me to make this opportunity possible.

      —Jennifer Lehotsky

      Thank you to Meg Ormiston for inviting me to join the wonderful group of educators working on this project. Thank you, writing team, for inspiring and teaching me so much. A big thanks to Maercker District 60 for encouraging me to take on new challenges and think outside the box. To my family and partner, Steve Handoyo, thank you for encouraging me to go for my dreams and standing by my side.

      —Megan K. Flaherty

      Thank you to our amazing writing team; I have learned so much with you. Thank you to my Indian Trail family; I feel so blessed to have you all in my life. I would like to thank Mrs. McCarthy, who inspired me to become a teacher. I would also like to extend my gratitude to Taffy Sanger for her contributions to this book. I give special thanks to my family for supporting me through this journey.

      —Janice Conboy

      Thank you to our hardworking and creative writing team. Each