Joyful and Affirming Language Lessons That Work for More Students
Modernize grammar instruction with language lessons that inspire and engage students! Grammar and language instruction has long been, in the words of Brock Haussamen in Grammar Alive!, "the skunk at the garden party of the language arts" that turns many eager learners into disengaged participants. This type of disengagement, and resulting student struggles, have long been the norm, not the exception, when it comes to grammar and language lessons. But why? Why does grammar-something so relevant and essential that we use it in the creation of every syllable we say, write, or think-often end up as one of the dullest and most disconnected parts of the ELA classroom? Good Grammar: Joyful and Affirming Language Lessons That Work for More Students seeks to answer that question and to offer practical, on-the-ground solutions for making grammar and language instruction more accessible, practical, and connected to students' reading, writing, and most importantly, the deep well of language knowledge they bring with them already. At the core of the book are six key practices for creating language instruction that comes across clearer, sticks better, transfers easier, and ultimately instills a love of language, all while teaching major grammatical concepts. Written by a practicing classroom teacher, this book offers Ready-to-go lessons and a recommended sequence Explanation of essential grammar and language concepts for teachers who need to refresh their own understanding of grammar and language topics and concepts Over a hundred modern, engaging, wide-ranging, and diverse mentor text examples Suggestions on how to introduce important linguistic concepts into secondary classes, including lessons about how language develops; how to define, examine, and celebrate dialects/familects/idiolects; and protocols for discussing concepts like code-meshing and "correctness" Examination of broader trends concerning what works and what doesn't work in regards to grammar and language instruction, with a goal of giving teachers the tools they need to create their own grammar and language curriculum that engages, inspires, and transfers more easily into student writing and life beyond the classroom walls. The title-Good Grammar-seeks to remind us that grammar doesn't have to be boring or feel punitive. Instead, it can be a force for good for more students, affirming who they are, honoring the language expertise they bring with them, and helping them to bring their unique voices to the page.
School Boards, Superintendents, and Schools Working Together
Essential strategies for school trustees and superintendents. Addressing the urgent challenges of school leadership in our divided, post-pandemic landscape, The Governance Core 2.0 is an essential guide for school trustees and superintendents dedicated to making a meaningful difference in their districts. Davis Campbell, Michael Fullan, and ......
Challenging the Biases That Perpetuate Inequities in Our Schools
Challenge the biases and beliefs at the root of disproportionality Although the Supreme Court's landmark decision in Brown v. Board of Education recognized the detrimental effects of racist ideology in American education, disproportionality and inequality persist in our schools. Desegregating Ourselves offers educators a framework for examining and disrupting the deficit-based biases and belief systems that undergird our education system and continue to harm minoritized students. This groundbreaking book examines the root causes of persistent disproportionality, including systemic inequality, color blindness, deficit thinking, and poverty disciplining-all of which create barriers to success for marginalized students. Features include: An in-depth survey of race and racism in the American education system, its laws, and its policies, all of which perpetuate systemic inequality and harmful stereotypes A practical framework for developing cross-cultural skills and dispositions that challenge our biases and promote educational equity Concrete strategies for interrupting and replacing deficit-based thinking and prejudices Powerful reflections based on survey data from over 4,000 educators, which vividly illustrate how our beliefs manifest in schools and in our treatment of students Desegregating Ourselves is a critical guide for educators brave enough to address disproportionality by confronting the biases and belief systems that impact marginalized students. By learning to cultivate cross-cultural skills and dispositions, educators can realize the vision of educational equity for all students.
Unleash your inner teaching superhero Incorporating the principles of neuroscience not only transforms the practices that take place in the classroom, but also empowers teachers, equipping them with the tools they need to feel and be successful in their work. Written in a lighthearted, easy-to-read format, author C. Bobbi Hansen showcases the potential of brain-informed practices to empower teachers and learners alike. By centering instructional practices on research from the field of educational neuroscience, Teaching With Superpowers identifies ten "superpowers" that teachers can activate to optimize how their students' brains take in, process, and store information. Inside you'll find: How to optimize teaching and learning by understanding the science of how students learn 10 unique "superpowers" that will enhance your students' learning, including fueling attention and engagement, promoting culturally responsive teaching, boosting long-term memory, and championing neurodiversity Numerous classroom examples and resources applicable to any content area or grade level For all educators who are passionate about helping their students succeed and maximizing their teaching potential, this is your essential guide.
Engage your school communities in collaboratively solving your biggest problems Schools are complex places where problems come in all shapes and sizes, and where decisions impact students' lives. Leading groups in solving these problems sometimes can be a daunting task. Collaborative Problem Solving outlines a process to help veteran and new leaders alike to create thoughtful, organized, and collaborative solutions for the simple to the most difficult problems they face. Rooted in theory, this comprehensive guide presents a seven-step process that addresses all types of problems. Each chapter outlines the tasks and procedures required to successfully navigate each step, while providing helpful analogies and illustrations, alongside common foibles and fumbles leaders should avoid. Additional features include: An explanation of participatory problem-solving Prerequisites for successful collaboration and rules for collaborative leaders "Task Cue Cards" that offer facilitation lesson plans to approach each step in the process A "Problem Solver's Toolbox" that covers meeting designs, roles, communication strategies, and more An annotated guide for further reading, providing a wealth of additional information and resources Practical and relevant, this book is a user-friendly manual for school leaders seeking to employ a problem-solving process that works so that they and their teams can feel confident their efforts will result in a successful resolution.
A Guide to Integrating Computer Science Into the K-12 Classroom
You belong in this world of computer science education-and because of you, adults of the future will understand how to responsibly participate in high-tech environments with confidence. Districts, cities, and states are moving toward computer science requirements for all K-12 classrooms, even in courses that were not previously associated with technology. These new requirements leave many teachers feeling anxious and unprepared when it comes to integrating computer science into existing curriculum. This book is here to support educators in that shift by inviting them to explore computer science and coding in an approachable and unintimidating way. Let's All Teach Computer Science: K-12 is a source of inspiration and empowerment for educators who are moving into this technological wonderland. Kiki Prottsman has more than 15 years of experience in computer science education, and her insight informs thoughtful discussions on promoting creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration in students. The book positions computer science in a way that supports other essential skills-such as reading, writing, and mathematics- by providing customizable frameworks that help to seamlessly integrate computer science into core subjects. This book: Provides powerful insights for creating innovative and inclusive learning environments Offers practical examples of integrating computer science into traditional subjects like math, history, art, and more Highlights the importance of addressing implicit biases and promoting computer science as an inclusive field for all students Includes insights on classroom technology and educational technology, as well as AI and its role in education Encourages educators to work together to nurture digital innovators while recognizing potential challenges and frustrations Let's All Teach Computer Science is an essential guide that equips K-12 teachers with the knowledge and tools necessary to begin teaching computer science immediately-and does so in an enjoyable way, thanks to Prottsman's friendly and playful style.
Discover practical strategies to foster meaningful connections with parents and families. Parental engagement today changes the future of education for the students and parents of tomorrow. In Building Parent Capacity in High Poverty Schools, the educational leader known as "the woman who makes schools work for the poor" shares insightful strategies and personal stories to guide educators in fostering meaningful connections with parents. Leveraging her wealth of experience in education, Dr. Anderson underlines the vital role of family engagement and the integration of comprehensive support structures centered around families. Underscoring the importance of nurturing parent capacity and cultivating authentic relationships with parents and community stakeholders, the book enables learning communities where parents are active participants in their child's educational journey. Additional features include: Definitions of parent capacity, involvement, and engagement Learned and Lived" stories highlighting school districts successfully supporting families and students In Action" sections demonstrating the application of tools and strategies in different contexts A discussion of the significance of school funding and resource management By moving from rhetoric to reality, from jargon to clarity, and from bake sales to budget considerations, this strikingly practical book offers tools, methods, and ideas that school leaders and educators can use to engage parents, build their capacity, and ultimately create a future of hope for generations to come.
If not now, when? Anchored in the tenets of justice, repair, and belonging, Equity Now is a comprehensive guide for educators that emphasizes the urgent need for immediate action to dismantle systemic barriers in education. Aimed at K-12 professionals at all levels of the education system, the book urges us to move beyond individual efforts by applying an equity lens to our policies and practices. Through honest, sustained, and critical dialogues in "brave spaces," educators can address disparities and create equity-centered school communities. Equity Now proposes a solutions-oriented approach to fostering welcoming, affirming, responsive, and rigorous learning environments. Author Tyrone C. Howard, one of the leading authorities on issues related to racial inequality in our schools, provides An equity framework grounded in justice, repair, and belonging A clear vision of equity-focused leadership Essential practices, strategies, and resources for classroom teachers Suggestion for engaging parents, families and caregivers in schools Recommendations for engaging data in an equity based way Reflection questions and additional resources at the close of each chapter This book is a must-read for educators, administrators, and policymakers who are committed to creating conditions in which our children can reach their highest potential.
Foster multilingual learners' academic success, wellbeing, agency, and belonging Though multilingual learners (MLs) comprise nearly 25% of the school-age population, the most widely-used social emotional learning (SEL) frameworks and programs lack an intentional focus on these students' unique strengths and challenges. To foster MLs' academic success and wellbeing, educators must consider students' cultures, languages, assets, expectations, norms, and life experiences when integrating SEL practices. In this groundbreaking book, Dr. Diane Staehr Fenner and Mindi Teich break down how each of the five competencies in the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) SEL framework can be implemented with ML success in mind. Staehr Fenner and Teich's practical and engaging guide provides SEL considerations that are unique to MLs, relevant research, easy-to-implement educator actions, and tools to seamlessly integrate SEL practices into content and language instruction. Additional features include: Tools and practical strategies educators can apply immediately Programmatic and systemic considerations that impact SEL for MLs Examples of successful SEL strategies for MLs currently being used in classrooms Ample opportunities for reflection and application in each chapter Templates to prioritize and integrate SEL for MLs into teaching practices MLs thrive when they are validated and supported to achieve their goals, empathize with others, build relationships, and make responsible decisions. The essential actions presented in this guide will enable you-regardless of your role or prior experience with SEL-to empower MLs to achieve academic and lifelong success.
