Barb Kraft, who teaches science and math at Central Cass Elementary School in Casselton, uses "working portfolios" in her science classes to shift her students' focus away from competition and grades and toward the acquisition of knowledge. Mrs. Kraft also helped implement a program called "Win-Win Research for Students and Teachers," that helps students develop proper research techniques while discouraging plagiarism. As a participant in curriculum writing teams at the local and state levels, she incorporates concepts of critical thinking, Bloom's taxonomy and multiple intelligences. Mrs. Kraft also helps share professional development strategies and activities as a member of her district's CORE (Creative Organizers Revitalizing Education) team.
