This book is designed to help teachers take the mystique out of the CCSS and to be able to apply some immediate brain-compatible strategies in their classrooms. It provides some "soft answers" for school administrator to help teachers to be successful as they implement the changes that are required by the CCSS. The new standards are awash with terms that indicate that this initiative is more about deeper learning and thinking and how students can apply what they learn in school to their out-of-school experiences. Findings from neuroscience support this new direction and will be discussed throughout the book.
"The author has crystallized the major components of brain-based learning in ways that help teachers, counselors, principals, and parents lead students through effective transitions as readers, learners, and doers in our 21st-century world." -Carol J. Carter, President LifeBound, Denver, CO "Pamela Nevills isn't just another researcher; she is that rare expert who takes the time to ensure that the research is accessible for busy educators who want to stay on the cutting edge!" -Heather Driscoll, Founder Revolutionary Classrooms, New Castle, NH Engage students' brains with state-of-the-art reading strategies Every teacher knows that no two students are exactly alike. This guidebook infuses the most current neurology research into concrete steps for teaching reading in a targeted, developmentally appropriate way. Author Pamela Nevills clearly describes the brain's structures and functions, devoting an entire chapter to the adolescent brain. Rich with innovative tips, tools, and examples for guiding both new and experienced readers, Build the Brain for Reading, Grades 4-12 helps teachers: Understand the relationship between brain development and phonemic awareness, vocabulary, writing, fluency, and comprehension skills Identify and successfully address where students struggle Apply research-based methods across all content areas This hands-on guide offers cutting-edge insights into how literacy, neuroscience, and technology interconnect. Also included are suggestions for creating successful schools and a list of resources with the latest research and theories-everything you need to boost reading instruction.
How can you take the concept of a learning community from theory to the school building? This how-to guide walks you through the process of establishing a PLC step by step over a flexible timeline of nine to twelve months. Leadership and organizational development specialists Stephen S. Kaagan and Linda Headley provide school and council leaders with a concrete road map and numerous tools for creating and sustaining a PLC focused on improving student learning. Readers will find everything they need to get a PLC up and running, including: - Specific tasks that help educators "learn by doing" as they create a PLC - Practice exercises for conducting productive meetings, building individual and group communication skills, and shaping the group's identity - Brief case studies of problems encountered by educators to spark discussion and support educators' growth as learners and leaders - Guidelines for appropriately pacing the chapters, tasks, and exercises with your faculty Bringing Your Learning Community to Life is an invaluable manual for building capacity and carrying out the work of creating an effective, sustainable PLC focused on continuous improvement.
A Guide to Curricular Resources About the Designed World
"Are published curriculum materials really standards-based? The authors answer this in unprecedented detail. A must-read for technology, design, and engineering educators." -William E. Dugger, Director Technology for All Americans Project, International Technology Education Association "If you enjoy teaching science because it engages students, you will want to include technology and design. This book provides everything you need to find curriculum materials that fit your situation. Helping students become technologically literate as well as scientifically literate is a must in our world." -Senta A. Raizen, Director National Center for Improving Science Education (NCISE)/WestEd Bring a whole new world of technology education into every classroom! We live in a world where technological advances happen daily. But technology is more than computers and electronic devices. Technology encompasses every man-made creation that meets human needs, even a pencil or a book. Technology education helps students design and make improvements in the designed world around us, such as transportation systems, manufacturing, and biotechnology, as well as many other fields. This must-have guide is the first independent review of curriculum materials for technology. In Bringing Technology Education Into K-8 Classrooms, authors Edward Britton, Bo De Long-Cotty, and Toby Levenson provide a practical guide to the latest technology textbooks and integrated resources (including technology and supplementary resources), and descriptions of more than 100 informal resources. The guide fully describes the strengths and weaknesses of each product's features by analyzing the technology topics covered, types of technology design activities, assessment strategies, types of teacher support, and much more. Bringing Technology Education Into K-8 Classrooms includes: An introduction to technology education and its importance for students today Complete information for choosing technology resources that meet district and classroom needs Practical analysis of how technology topics address standards Helpful tips on how technology activities help students understand a design process Featuring an easy-to-follow organization and sample pages from major products, this resource will help all students become technologically literate!
Beyond problem-solving and performance tasks - level up to project-based learning! Do you want your students to be more engaged in their mathematics lessons while also amplifying cultural relevancy and equity? If so, proceed to the next level of instruction with project-based learning (PBL)! This book provides the whole PBL game plan designed by ......
Practical advice from the teacher's perspective! Learn what effective principals do to influence, motivate, and empower teachers. Based on an in-depth study in which teachers detail the strategies extraordinary principals used to help them become more effective in the classroom, this third edition incorporates the most up-to-date literature and includes easy-to-follow guidelines in each chapter. An ideal resource for experienced or aspiring school principals, thisabook offers strategies and related practices that illustrate how to: Use the power of praise Influence by expecting and involving Encourage professional autonomy Lead by standing behind Suggest rather than direct Use formal authority positively
"Reading this book is like having a conversation with several great colleagues sharing their ideas and expertise. The ideas and suggestions are clear, relevant, and doable. This book is inspiring!" -Pam Newell Bradley, Principal Irving Elementary School, Muskogee, OK Teachers reveal how principals can empower them to perform their best! What strategies do great principals use to influence teachers, students, and classroom instruction? This best-selling book by Joseph Blase and Peggy C. Kirby, now in its third edition, provides the answers from the teachers themselves. New material in this revised edition compares the authors' original research findings with recent literature on transformational leadership, school productivity, and adult learning, as well as the ISLLC and ELCC standards. Such comparisons underscore the continued timeliness and timelessness of this teacher's-eye view of effective school leadership. The book offers strategies and related practices that allow leaders to Use the power of praise Influence others by using expectations and involvement Encourage professional autonomy Lead by standing behind Suggest rather than direct Use formal authority positively Ideal for experienced or aspiring school principals, this enlightening and compact resource provides invaluable perspectives on how to motivate and inspire classroom teachers.
This book offers a collection of classroom-friendly strategies, resources, tools, instructional routines, and sample lessons, to help teachers learn about and implement formative assessment practices in the mathematics classroom. It's accompanying website includes additional material including: Downloadable PDF and Word versions of handouts described in the book Sample lesson plans Video examples Interactive learning activities Planning tools (PDF templates and interactive web pages)
Weave culturally responsive teaching into every lesson and activity Culturally responsive teaching practices are like bright ribbons: when you weave them into everything you teach, you create a beautiful tapestry for successful learning. Lotus Howard, who has spent four decades teaching in diverse classrooms, will show you how to build relationships with your students and create a harmonious community where every child can thrive. You'll learn: How to use culturally responsive teaching (CRT) not as an add-on, but as a philosophy that infuses every aspect of the school day Simple strategies for weaving the seven principles of CRT into all lessons and activities, including morning greetings, transition times, and group work How to be more self-reflective to better appreciate and unlock students' unique gifts With an array of practical tips, model lessons, and resources, this book will inspire you to weave a holistic tapestry of teaching and learning that benefits all children.
