Barbara R. Blackburn
Barbara has dedicated her life to improving motivation, instruction, and rigor for students and teachers alike. Ranked #4 in the Top 30 Global Gurus in Education, she has been a teacher, a professor, and a consultant. Currently author of 22 books, she is an international speaker, and she regularly works with schools and districts in the areas of rigor, assessment, differentiation, student motivation and engagement, and leadership.
Subjects: Education
Biography
Barbara has dedicated her life to raising the level of rigor and motivation for professional educators and students alike. What differentiates Barbara’s 22 books are her easily executable concrete examples based on decades of experience as a teacher, professor, and consultant. Barbara’s dedication to education was inspired in her early years by her parents, Bob and Rose. Her father’s doctorate and lifetime career as a professor taught her the importance of professional training. Her mother’s career as school secretary shaped Barbara’s appreciation of the effort all staff play in the education of every child.Ranked #4 of the Top 30 Global Gurus in Education, Barbara has taught early childhood, elementary, middle, and high school students and has served as an educational consultant for three publishing companies. She received her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Teaching from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. In 2006, she received the award for Outstanding Junior Professor at Winthrop University. She recently left her position at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte to write and speak full-time.
In addition to speaking at state and national conferences, she also regularly presents workshops for teachers and administrators in elementary, middle, and high schools. Her workshops are lively and engaging and filled with practical information.
Areas of Research / Professional Expertise
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Instructional Rigor, Rigorous Assessments, Differentiation and Rigor, Student Motivation and Engagement, School Leadership
Personal Interests
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Spending Time with Family, Writing, Reading, Watercolor Painting
Websites
Books
Articles
3 Principles for Engaging Students
Published: Aug 27, 2018 by UKEdMagazine
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn
Subjects:
Education
How you can engage student at a higher level.
Creating an Inviting Classroom Environment
Published: Aug 18, 2018 by Middleweb
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn
Subjects:
Education
Strategies and ideas for spicing up your classroom environment.
8 Characteristics of Effective Advocates
Published: Jul 31, 2018 by edCircuit
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn , Robert Blackburn, and Ron Williamson
Subjects:
Education
How can you advocate for your school?
Author of the Month; Rigor and Differentiation in the Classroom
Published: Jul 09, 2018 by Routledge
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn
Subjects:
Education
After being named Author of the Month, I responded to questions about my work and my inspiration.
3 Ways to Teach Students to Take Responsibility
Published: Jul 06, 2018 by edCircuit
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn
Subjects:
Education
Ideas for teaching students responsibility.
Assess Students Using Projects & Performance
Published: Jun 20, 2018 by Middleweb
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn
Subjects:
Education
Using project and performance-based learning
4 Creative Ways Writing Can Enhance Learning
Published: Jun 01, 2018 by EdCircuit
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn
Subjects:
Education
Excite students through writing!
8 Keys to Effective Homework
Published: May 10, 2018 by EdCircuit
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn
Subjects:
Education
A variety of strategies to improve homework.
7 Ways to Help Students Self Assess Effectively
Published: May 08, 2018 by Middleweb
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn
Subjects:
Education
Strategies for self-assessment.
Teacher-Focused Collaborative Professional Development
Published: May 02, 2018 by Association of California School Administrators
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn and Ron Williamson
Subjects:
Education
How can you provide teachers with collaborative opportunities that meet their needs?
Using Writing to Spark Learning in Math, Science, and Social Studies
Published: Apr 26, 2018 by ASCD Express
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn, Abbigail Armstrong, and Melissa Miles
Subjects:
Education
Using writing to enhance learning in math, science, and social studies classrooms.
Communicate Effectively with Your School Board
Published: Apr 18, 2018 by Middleweb
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn , Robert Blackburn, and Ron Williamson
Subjects:
Education
Tips for communicating with your school board.
7 Ways to Make Learning Fun
Published: Apr 06, 2018 by EdCircuit
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn
Subjects:
Education
In this article, we look at various strategies to excite students about learning.
8 Flexible Strategies for Formative Assessment
Published: Mar 13, 2018 by Middleweb
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn
Subjects:
Education
How can you effectively use formative assessment?
3 Ways to Encourage Shared Teacher Learning
Published: Feb 11, 2018 by Middleweb
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn and Ron Williamson
Subjects:
Education
How can we help teachers share their learning?
STEM/STEAM: Not Just for High School
Published: Jan 31, 2018 by EdCircuit
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn
Subjects:
Education
In this article we look at strategies for STEM and STEAM that work prior to high school.
8 Strategies to Quickly Assess Prior Knowledge
Published: Dec 31, 2017 by Middleweb
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn
Subjects:
Education
Strategies for assessing prior knowledge.
Support Students to Be Accountable for Learning
Published: Dec 13, 2017 by Middleweb
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn and Ron Williamson
Subjects:
Education
How can we help students be accountable for their own learning?
Newbies: Don’t Forget 7 Grading Essentials
Published: Nov 05, 2017 by Middleweb
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn
Subjects:
Education
Keys to effective grading.
Rigor in the Differentiated Classroom
Published: Oct 24, 2017 by EdCircuit
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn
Subjects:
Education
In this article, we look at the relationship between rigor and differentiation.
Put Some Bang at the Beginning of Lessons
Published: Oct 03, 2017 by Middleweb
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn
Subjects:
Education
Ideas for starting lessons.
4 Examples of Increasing Rigor in Summative Assessment
Published: Aug 28, 2017 by Teachthought
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn
Subjects:
Education
Examples for True-False, Essay Questions, and more.
5 Cool Ways for Students to Show What They Know
Published: Aug 01, 2017 by Middleweb
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn
Subjects:
Education
Creative ways for students to demonstrate understanding.
6 Ways Teachers Can Stay Inspired This Year
Published: Jul 26, 2017 by Middleweb
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn
Subjects:
Education
tips for staying motivated throughout the year.
Rigor and Assessment in the Classroom
Published: Jul 16, 2017 by Instructional Leader
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn
Subjects:
Education
What is rigorous assessment and how can you incorporate rigor in your assessments?
5 Keys to Motivating Struggling Learners
Published: Jun 20, 2017 by Middleweb
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn
Subjects:
Education
How can we motivate students who struggle?
Tips for Working with Millennial Teachers
Published: May 28, 2017 by Middleweb
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn and Ron Williamson
Subjects:
Education
How to meet the needs of millennial teachers.
Four Myths about Rigor in the Classroom
Published: May 02, 2017 by Middleweb
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn
Subjects:
Education
What are misconceptions about rigor?
5 Ways to Strengthen Student Resilience
Published: Apr 11, 2017 by Middleweb
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn
Subjects:
Education
How to help students build resilience.
Setting the Stage for Intrinsic Motivation
Published: Apr 10, 2017 by ASCD Express
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn and Abbigail Armstrong
Subjects:
Education
Activating intrinsic motivation through value and success.
Special Needs Students: Maintain Rigor
Published: Mar 29, 2017 by EdCircuit
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn
Subjects:
Education
In this article, we explore ideas for maintaining rigor for students with special needs.
Helping Students Track Their Own Progress
Published: Feb 28, 2017 by Middleweb
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn
Subjects:
Education
Using self-reflection strategies.
Effective Professional Development in Schools: What Works
Published: Feb 27, 2017 by EdCircuit
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn
Subjects:
Education
In this article, we discuss the key characteristics of effective professional development.
Right-Sized Rigor
Published: Feb 09, 2017 by ASCD Express
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn
Subjects:
Education
What does rigor really look like?
Helping Students Pursue Dreams of Success
Published: Jan 18, 2017 by Middleweb
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn
Subjects:
Education
How to tap into success for students.
Rigor and Competency-Based Education
Published: Jan 03, 2017 by EdCircuit
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn
Subjects:
Education
In this article, we explore the relationship between rigor and competency-based instruction.
3 Statements that Describe Rigorous Assessment
Published: Oct 16, 2016 by Teachthought
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn
Subjects:
Education
What does rigorous assessment look like?
Modeling: What Students See Is What They Get
Published: Oct 11, 2016 by Middleweb
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn
Subjects:
Education
The importance of and strategic for modeling.
Sustaining School Innovation Year After Year
Published: Sep 20, 2016 by Middleweb
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn and Ron Williamson
Subjects:
Education
How do you sustain the ideas you implement.
School Leadership: Finding the Right People
Published: Jul 31, 2016 by Middleweb
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn and Ron Williamson
Subjects:
Education
How can you hire the right people for the job?
3 Statements that Describe Rigorous Assessments
Published: Jul 29, 2016 by Teachthought
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn
Subjects:
Education
How can you determine if an assessment is rigorous?
What We Risk When We Jump To Conclusions
Published: Jun 26, 2016 by Middleweb
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn
Subjects:
Education
The dangers of jumping to conclusions about students.
4 Summer Strategies for School Leaders
Published: Jun 21, 2016 by Middleweb
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn and Ron Williamson
Subjects:
Education
Ideas to prepare for the school year.
3 Simple Strategies for More Rigorous Assessment
Published: May 16, 2016 by Teachthought
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn
Subjects:
Education
Rigorous Teaching Strategies
Principals: Teaming with Families and Communities
Published: Apr 17, 2016 by Middleweb
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn and Ron Williamson
Subjects:
Education
Strategies for working with parents, families, and communities
Get Students Working Effectively in Groups
Published: Mar 13, 2016 by Middleweb
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn
Subjects:
Education
Tips for working in groups.
5 Trends Impacting Middle Grades Leaders
Published: Feb 24, 2016 by Middleweb
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn and Ron Williamson
Subjects:
Education
What is happening now and in the future that impacts school leaders?
5 Questions to Evaluate Curriculum for Rigor
Published: Feb 09, 2016 by Teachthought
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn
Subjects:
Education
How can you determine if your curriculum is rigorous?
Rigor Made Easy: 3 Ways to Go Deeper
Published: Jan 31, 2016 by Middleweb
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn
Subjects:
Education
Strategies for Increasing Rigor
7 Myths About Rigor in the Classroom
Published: Dec 28, 2015 by Teachthought
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn
Subjects:
Education
What are the most common misconceptions about rigor?
6 Characteristics of Effective Praise
Published: Dec 06, 2015 by Middleweb
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn
Subjects:
Education
How can we effectively praise students?
How Technology Can Increase Rigor in the Classroom
Published: Nov 18, 2015 by Teachthought
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn
Subjects:
Education
Ideas for linking technology and rigor.
3 Strategies for Building Tween Resilience
Published: Oct 28, 2015 by Middleweb
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn
Subjects:
Education
Easy-to-implement resilience instructional strategies.
4 Steps to Put School Data to Good Use
Published: Sep 13, 2015 by Middleweb
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn and Ron Williamson
Subjects:
Education
How can we effectively use data?
Creating a Vision for the School Year
Published: Aug 09, 2015 by Middleweb
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn and Ron Williamson
Subjects:
Education
How to create a vision for yourself and your teachers.
Do We Really Have High Expectations for All?
Published: Jul 28, 2015 by Middleweb
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn
Subjects:
Education
The importance of high expectations.
How to Excel as a New Middle Level Principal
Published: Jul 13, 2015 by Middleweb
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn and Ron Williamson
Subjects:
Education
6 tips for new principals.
5 Tools for Collaborative Professional Development
Published: Apr 16, 2015 by Curriculum in Context
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn and Ron Williamson
Subjects:
Education
Specific Strategies for Effective Professional Development
Build a Rowboat Culture: 3 Tips for School Leaders
Published: Mar 04, 2015 by Middleweb
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn and Ron Williamson
Subjects:
Education
Ways to shape school culture.
Providing PD on a Budget
Published: Jan 06, 2015 by District Administrator
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn and Ron Williamson
Subjects:
Education
Lower-cost options for professional development.
PAIRing with Parents to Improve Student Learning
Published: Oct 29, 2014 by Middleweb
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn and Ron Williamson
Subjects:
Education
Strategies for working with parents.
Relating Text Complexity to Rigor in the Classroom
Published: May 28, 2014 by Middleweb
Authors: Barbara R. Blackburn
Subjects:
Education
How can you increase text complexity to rigorous levels.
News
Rigor Checks: Expert Reviews of Assessments
By: Barbara R. Blackburn
Subjects: Education
With the push for increased rigor in schools, it’s often difficult to tell what is and isn’t rigorous. With her Rigor Check, Barbara brings her expertise to that problem with an expert review of instructional assessments. Customized for each school or district, Barbara reviews assignments, assessments, and/or instructional practices for rigor. She then provides a written analysis, along with specific suggestions for next steps. Barbara can complete an off-site review of the assignments and assessments, and she offers the option of on-site walk-throughs of instructional practices, as well as off-site reviews of recorded instruction. Additionally, she can train teachers and leaders on the process, which builds expertise, shared ownership and sustainability.