This second volume in a two-part mentoring series uses the foundations presented in Mentoring Guidebook Level 1: Starting the Journey and further explores the key skills and strategies of a successful mentoring relationship. Each skill is examined in greater detail and includes: Observation and data-gathering techniques Integrated lesson planning Brain-compatible teaching Cooperative learning Performance tasks Portfolios The professional development process Mentoring Guidebook Level 2: Exploring Teaching Strategies also explores the importance of establishing successful communication strategies and building effective learning communities of paraprofessionals, parents, volunteers, and teachers.
Foster the development of highly qualified teachers and improve your school's teaching and learning with solid teacher evaluations! The connection between teacher evaluation fostering school improvement and the development of highly qualified teachers is receiving more attention than ever before. Just as there is a rational connection between school improvement and teacher performance, there is a necessary and rational connection between supporting and cultivating highly qualified teachers through effective evaluations and improving relationships in the school. In this updated edition, top-selling author James H. Stronge and his colleagues synthesize current teacher evaluation research and blend it with practice, highlighting how to: Design a sound teacher evaluation system Assess teacher performance thoroughly and accurately Implement a successful teacher evaluation system Incorporate student performance data, teaching portfolios, and classroom observation into the evaluation process By aligning teaching performance and improvement goals with your school's mission, this text demonstrates how you can effectively encourage teachers to achieve a high standard of instruction at all levels.
Practical Teaching Strategies for Dramatic Results
Combining theory and practice, Nelson has developed an innovative way to reach the at-risk-or "dramatic"-learner, improving the learning environment for all other students in the process. Using dramatic theory as an extended metaphor, Nelson first provides the reader with a strong theoretical understanding of the particular learning needs of the "dramatic" learner, and explains why a traditional classroom environment fails to meet these needs. With this foundation in place, Nelson provides practical, classroom-tested strategies and ideas that can be used to meet the particular teaching and discipline needs of these students. Breaking the Learning Barrier for At-Risk Students presents four learning principles: o Learning! requires the active involvement of the learner. Nothing can be learned without the willing participation and effort of the learner. o Life without drama is meaningless and uninspiring. Learning that is not built upon dramatic elements is also meaningless and uninspiring. o Learning must be value based. When teaching takes into account the values and preferences of a learner, he or she will be motivated to participate. o Learning must be fun. When the first three conditions exist, learning becomes the most rewarding, engaging, and fun activity in life. By utilizing the principles of dramatic structure in their course work, teachers will uncover the power of discovery based learning-getting even the most reluctant students actively engaged in the learning process.
Get the blueprint for building bridges that leave no learner behind! Teaching Adolescents With Disabilities is the gold standard for proven methods of teaching students with disabilities at the secondary level. Developed by one of the most respected research teams in special education, this resource provides teachers and administrators with detailed and practical knowledge of research-validated practices that have been effective for adolescents with disabilities. Aligned with current Individuals with Disabilities Acts (IDEA) and No Child Left Behind (NCLB) requirements, these proven strategies can break down the barriers to academic success, while opening doors to the complex curriculum of secondary schools. Donald D. Deshler and Jean B. Schumaker are highly attuned to these students' special needs, and the skills and methods required to teach them effectively, including: Practical planning advice, interventions, and learning strategies Tips for leveraging technology to promote student success Strategies for planning transition beyond high school Real-life examples and illustrations to facilitate implementation Methods for designing instructional materials that maximize curriculum access and student achievement With this resource, practitioners can gain the in-depth knowledge that will enable them to close the performance gap for middle and high school students with disabilities.
How can we partner with our communities to improve school programs and increase students' success? This current era of high stakes testing, accountability, and shrinking educational budgets demands that schools seek bold and innovative ways to build strong learning environments for all students. Community involvement is a powerful tool in generating resources that are essential for educational excellence. Building School-Community Partnerships: Collaboration for Student Success emphasizes the importance of community involvement for effective school functioning, student support and well-being, and community health and development. This sharp, insightful book serves as an excellent resource for educators seeking to establish school-community partnerships to achieve goals for their schools and the students, families, and communities they serve. Schools can collaborate with a wide variety of community partners to obtain the resources they need to achieve important goals for students' learning. Some of these partners may include: Businesses and corporations Universities and other institutions of higher learning National and local volunteer organizations Social service agencies and health partners Faith-based organizations and institutions Work successfully with community partners to improve school programs and curricula, strengthen families, and expand your students' learning experiences!
Looking for effective strategies and best practices to break the cycle of ineffective school reform implementation? Author Grace Sammon takes a sobering look at the state of high school reform and identifies the elements that keep us "running in place", rather than making progress on a road to success. Battling the Hamster Wheel (TM) offers research-based insights and strategies, stories from the field, and humor to help lead change agents and school leaders in a reform process to build the school communities they seek to create. It also provides the skills to establish and sustain the critical elements for schools' success: Demonstrating high expectations and a matching vision Building capacity to create a true climate for success Thinking small and dreaming big Engaging in legitimate community support Thriving with strong, sustained, and shared leadership Effectively aligning and managing resources Understanding the importance of time This insightful resource includes a built-in book study and facilitator's guide for school boards, administrators, teachers, consultants, and students of education, and for professional development events.
Find research-based answers to: "What is High-Quality Teaching?" "How is High-Quality Teaching Achieved?" The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) establishes a clear demand for highly qualified teachers but does little to help educators define "highly qualified" or instruct them on developing those teachers. This handbook clearly explains the concept ......
Find research-based answers to: "What is High-Quality Teaching?" "How is High-Quality Teaching Achieved?" The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) establishes a clear demand for highly qualified teachers but does little to help educators define "highly qualified" or instruct them on developing those teachers. This handbook clearly explains the concept ......
Strengthen and hone your strategic leadership skills for effective school planning! This is an essential guide for new and veteran school leaders focused on strategic planning, data-driven decision making, and transformational leadership. A comprehensive and practical handbook, it provides nine steps to strategic planning, plus guidelines for promoting a vision and mission, using data to empower and implement change, evaluating school programs, and moving from micro-political to transformational leadership practice. This last volume in a seven-part leadership series features examples, and best practice, including: Insightful questionnaire and response analysis Case study with reflective questions "What You Should Know About" sections framing each chapter Self-assessment resources for leadership effectiveness "In-Basket Simulations" exploring real-life examples For leadership that can empower and transform a school community, this insightful volume provides a sure-footed path for leaders seeking to foster and manage effective and lasting change.
