This book is for educators who see all of their students as creative thinkers and active contributors to tomorrow's innovations. It differentiates between computing, computer science, computational thinking, programming, and coding; while showing how everyday tasks - like reading sheet music, solving a crossword or Sudoku puzzle, knitting, and other activities - are actually examples of computational thinking.
"The author has done an excellent job of highlighting the key aspects of a comprehensive induction program and offers rich examples across urban, rural, and suburban setting. Anyone interested in developing induction programs that both support and accelerate beginning teacher development should read this book. -Ellen Moir, Executive Director New Teacher Center, University of California, Santa Cruz "State level policy makers can take a positive step forward by providing every district and school leader with a copy of this book. Expertly organized and written, Villani's work provides answers to school leaders' key questions regarding establishing a comprehensive induction/mentoring program. Readers will keep the book within reach as a most valued resource." -Stephanie Hirsch, Executive Director National Staff Development Council "A significant addition to the literature on mentoring in the education profession. This book provides various models of comprehensive programs implemented in school districts around the country and confirms the importance of mentoring to retain teachers, maintain consistency in academic programming, and develop a culture of continuous improvement in professional practice." -Gail Connelly, Executive Director National Association of Elementary School Principals "Susan Villani presents comprehensive mentoring programs as catalysts for school improvement and reflective practice. With a wealth of tools and models for establishing effective programs, this book addresses cultural competence, peer coaching, and retention of math, science, and special education teachers. Villani's framework will strengthen professional learning communities and improve the effectiveness of our most valuable resource-teachers." -Mary Forte Hayes, Executive Director Massachusetts Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development Establish a quality comprehensive mentoring program and improve teacher retention rates! This updated edition of Mentoring Programs for New Teachers outlines mentors' roles, mentor preparation, and the ways comprehensive mentoring programs support new teachers and educators. Readers will find: Descriptions of 18 successful real-world, comprehensive mentoring programs on the state, district, regional, and national level A list of 5 factors to consider when developing a comprehensive mentoring initiative A rubric based on seven components of comprehensive mentoring programs New material for supporting special education, math, and science teachers Resources to use in program development or revision
"Invites readers on a meaningful adventure into classrooms where children actively think. Successfully brings comprehension strategy instruction to life through explicit frameworks for literacy instruction, authentic classroom examples, and high-quality instructional resources for K-6 teachers." -From the Foreword by Debra A. Miller "Focused and practical. The authors present a solid instructional model based on years of research. This book provides teaching tactics to help teachers, particularly those new to the profession, imagine how comprehension strategy instruction might actually look and sound in the elementary classroom." -From the Afterword by Ellin Keene "A resource unlike any I have encountered in my career. Both new and experienced teachers will use this book to aid their instruction, maximizing the most effective reading comprehension in their students." -Jonathan Hart, Third-Grade Teacher, Copper Hill School, Ringoes, NJ Enhance your thinking about teaching with these research-based comprehension strategies! Teaching comprehension and insuring that students think about what they read can be a challenging task for educators. In reader-friendly terms, Comprehension Strategies for Your K-6 Literacy Classroom illustrates how teachers can effectively use six critical comprehension strategies to enhance student understanding: activating schema, questioning, visualizing, inferring, determining important ideas, and synthesizing. Divonna M. Stebick and Joy M. Dain present a "before," "during," and "after" instructional framework that provides the three elements necessary for strategic comprehension learning to take place: explicit instruction through teacher modeling, guided practice, and independent application. Combining theory with classroom research, this helpful resource: Offers step-by-step direction, guiding teachers through sample lessons Includes ready-to-use lessons that are easily adaptable and aligned with NCLB and NCTE standards Provides real-life case studies illustrating classroom application Uses hands-on activities and visual aids such as anchor charts, sketches, treasure chests, and builders' plans to capture students' attention and promote critical thinking
Comprehension is the structured, comprehensive, three-pronged approach-skill, will, and thrill-you need to empower students to comprehend text and take action in the world.
Establish a compassionate cultural foundation for strong relationships and holistic skills to weather stress, trauma, and promote well-being for your school population.
"A book that is sure to help both new and veteran teachers plan instruction, collaborate with colleagues, design curricular adaptations, and advocate inclusive education. Written by experienced practitioners, this resource is full of teacher-tested ideas." -Paula Kluth, Educational Consultant Common Schools Consulting "This book provides excellent guidance for the successful implementation of IEPs for students who have very challenging needs. The information is research based, guides good practice, and provides clearly stated expectations." -Mary Reeve, SPED Director Gallup-McKinley County Public Schools, NM Help ensure the best possible outcomes for learners with significant disabilities! Today's diverse classrooms challenge even the most experienced teachers. Using an easy-to-read format, this resource offers tools and techniques that teachers can use to reach all learners, particularly those with more significant disabilities, and give them the support they need to succeed. In this invaluable resource, teachers will find common-sense ideas and strategies to help promote full participation, educational equity, and self-sufficiency for students with significant disabilities. Readers will find charts, graphs, sample forms, Web-based resources, and practical techniques to adopt or modify for learners with or without special needs. Topics include: Organizing students and the classroom Building academic and functional skills Preparing for transitions Working with support staff Communicating with parents and caregivers Assistive technology Lesson planning and creating IEPs Perfect for new or experienced teachers, administrators, teacher trainers, parents, or anyone else who works with children, the strategies in this guide help ensure that all students have access to the education they want and deserve.
"Teachers will love the straightforward, practical information. The topics and strategies are excellent." -Debi Gartland, Professor of Special Education, Towson University "Impressive. Pinpoints current classroom issues and offers direct problem-solving approaches. This easy-to-implement resource, with its organized chapter outlines and well-crafted format, is flexible and adaptable to any grade, subject, or ability level." -Erin Ann Witty, Special Education Teacher, Milwaukee Public Schools, WI "Provides great insight for developing and organizing your overall daily routine, planning, and teaching." -Mariann C. Carter, Exceptional Needs Specialist, South Carolina Department of Education "A valuable reference for any special education teacher. With a focus on classroom management, the guide covers all aspects of teaching, from paperwork to professional relationships. New and veteran teachers will find indispensable resources to improve their practice and enrich their learning." -Peggy Holtman, Special Education Supervisor, Milwaukee Public Schools, WI Special education teaching strategies in a no-nonsense format! If you're a teacher new to special education, this book is for you! This newest Common-Sense Classroom Management guide addresses the most critical challenges that arise when teaching adolescent learners with special needs. In this flexible and easy-to-implement resource, educators will find 80 concise and teacher-tested strategies. Each strategy works in five steps or fewer, helping special educators feel competent and confident about working with coteachers, teacher aides, support staff, administrators, and families. The authors, all special education experts, provide practical assistance with: Specially designed instruction and student organization to make teaching more effective Legal responsibilities aligned with IDEIA and NCLB requirements Positive behavioral supports, including incentive programs and meaningful consequences Ideal for teachers new to special education, teacher trainers, and teacher mentors, this resource provides a clear-sighted focus to help you shape the structure of each teaching day and ensure success for all your learners with special needs!
"Teachers will love the straightforward, practical information. The topics and strategies are excellent." -Debi Gartland, Professor of Special Education, Towson University "Impressive. Pinpoints current classroom issues and offers direct problem-solving approaches. This easy-to-implement resource, with its organized chapter outlines and well-crafted format, is flexible and adaptable to any grade, subject, or ability level." -Erin Ann Witty, Special Education Teacher, Milwaukee Public Schools, WI "Provides great insight for developing and organizing your overall daily routine, planning, and teaching." -Mariann C. Carter, Exceptional Needs Specialist, South Carolina Department of Education "A valuable reference for any special education teacher. With a focus on classroom management, the guide covers all aspects of teaching, from paperwork to professional relationships. New and veteran teachers will find indispensable resources to improve their practice and enrich their learning." -Peggy Holtman, Special Education Supervisor, Milwaukee Public Schools, WI Special education teaching strategies in a no-nonsense format! If you're a teacher new to special education, this book is for you! This newest Common-Sense Classroom Management guide addresses the most critical challenges that arise when teaching adolescent learners with special needs. In this flexible and easy-to-implement resource, educators will find 80 concise and teacher-tested strategies. Each strategy works in five steps or fewer, helping special educators feel competent and confident about working with coteachers, teacher aides, support staff, administrators, and families. The authors, all special education experts, provide practical assistance with: Specially designed instruction and student organization to make teaching more effective Legal responsibilities aligned with IDEIA and NCLB requirements Positive behavioral supports, including incentive programs and meaningful consequences Ideal for teachers new to special education, teacher trainers, and teacher mentors, this resource provides a clear-sighted focus to help you shape the structure of each teaching day and ensure success for all your learners with special needs!
"A great resource for new teachers and veterans . . . full of tips and ideas that any teacher can use to prevent problems from occurring. [It] should be in every special education classroom." -Therese Kwiatkowski, Director of Special Education Cooperative Educational Service Agency "As a former special education teacher, I highly recommend this book for all those who want to be more effective in every aspect of their work. All of the special education teachers at my school will have copies of this practical guide." -Marybeth Sandvig, Principal Manitoba K-8 School, Milwaukee, WI Special help for special education teachers means special success for students! Do you have too many IEPs on your desk? Is it five o'clock and do you still need to contact parents, social workers, and general education co-teachers? Teachers new to special education often feel overwhelmed at the amount of additional planning and information management required. This practical guide shows you how to shape the structure of the teaching day to ensure that learners with special needs experience success. It includes simple teacher-tested, easy-to-implement strategies needing 5 steps or fewer to: Organize students to make the most of the time you have with them Use incentive programs and meaningful consequences to achieve desired behaviors Coordinate with co-teachers, general education teachers, and staff to maximize your efforts When the key paperwork is at your fingertips, the lesson plan is prepared, and the to-do list is written, you will find more time in your day for what's most important-your students!