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.
Overcoming the Problem of Principal Mistreatment of Teachers
Recognize destructive behavior and cultivate constructive support! The detrimental effect of abusive principal behavior not only deteriorates teacher morale and performance, but also erodes school effectiveness, student learning, and quality of life for everyone involved. Unfortunately, this type of mistreatment-with its devastating implications-has largely been ignored and treated as a taboo subject. In this groundbreaking book, Blase and Blase begin the critical dialogue about abuse by exposing the various manifestations of mistreatment, and offering practical solutions for its prevention and correction. The invaluable information presented is based on findings from the first-of-its-kind study conducted by the authors, in which they interviewed elementary, middle/junior high, and high school teachers from rural, suburban, and urban areas across the United States and Canada. The text masterfully provides the tools necessary to identify destructive behavior and raises awareness of this common phenomenon in order to break the cycle of abuse. It is the crucial first step toward preventing further mistreatment and fostering teacher development, student achievement, and school improvement. Key features include Real-life examples and testimonials Specific forms and indicators of mistreatment, categorized into three levels Detailed description of the effects on schools and teachers, professionally and personally Solutions for overcoming this problem, including six survival skills, "Bullyproofing," "Bullybusting," and other individual, organizational, and legal resolutions
'This is a timely and thought-provoking book. Fullan, Hill, and Crevola address the complexity of teaching and leading, and offer a compelling way forward that focuses on learning for all students through personalization, precision teaching, and professional learning for educators. By connecting assessment with learning, leading with teaching and learning, and classrooms instruction with district and government roles and responsibilities, the authors present an integrated approach that promises to 'breakthrough' the sterile standardization that plagues contemporary education' - Dean Fink, Professor, OISE//University of Toronto , and author of Leadership for Mortals (Paul Chapman Publishing, 2005) 'An outstanding book for educators to transform classroom practice and learning strategies. It builds important perspectives on personalizing learning that will inform current practice. Highly recommended' - Brent Davies, Professor, University of Hull, and author of The Essentials of School Leadership (Paul Chapman Publishing, 2005) Redesign classroom instruction to transform learning for both students and teachers! Breakthrough presents a revolutionary new approach to educational reform, breaking away from the conventional paradigm to help educators create focused instruction, transform the classroom experience, and dramatically raise and sustain performance levels for students and teachers alike. This book provides the breakthrough concepts needed for developing precise, validated, data-driven instruction personalized to each and every student. Synthesizing the best of current instructional models, this framework focuses on the Triple P Core Breakthrough Components: Personalization - meaningful, student-centered classroom interactions; Precision - using formative assessments to monitor individual student progress; and Professional Learning - daily, ongoing learning for all educators. Helping educators create expert instructional systems, while breaking through the "prescription trap," the authors introduce unique elements of the Breakthrough model, including: * improvement by design * assessment for learning * critical learning instructional paths * mapping instructional paths * smart use of data to drive instruction * locking in ongoing improvement. Breakthrough establishes the tipping point for moving toward personalized, high-quality instruction and learning in the classroom to ensure continuous improvement and ongoing academic success.
Six Principles Guiding Schools Where Inequity Is Not an Option
Now is the time for Breakthrough Leadership This book was borne out of urgency. We face the consequences of a raging pandemic, coupled with an unprecedented call to end racial injustice. COVID-19 has exposed longstanding structural inequities, while at the same time offering a rare "breakthrough" opportunity to dismantle inequitable systems that have harmed our most marginalized students for generations. Breakthrough Leadership is rooted in moral courage and calls us to act upon a new discovery, or epiphany about a fundamental truth that challenges previous beliefs. While this book offers examples of schools that were "beating the odds" pre-COVID-19 as well as strategies for changing those odds in the future. Breakthrough Leadership also spotlights professionals now leveraging crises like this to shape local and national priorities toward a more equitable and healthy society for our children in order to: Create and sustain Equitable Learning Communities (ELCs) that are grounded in relational trust Establish comprehensive systems to ensure that all students thrive Implement cutting-edge principles of effective curriculum, instruction, and assessment including culturally responsive teaching, trauma-informed practice, and blended learning Meaningfully engage families and community Leadership from the classroom to the board room is needed to advance an agenda of equitable and successful outcomes for our students. The facts stakes couldn't be starker. Good leadership saves lives both in pandemics, and in our profession. "The critical variable that determines whether or not our schools can respond adequately to the numerous challenges that they and their children face is leadership. . . This book is about the work of such leaders. In big cities, small towns, and rural areas, a small number of principals and superintendents are showing that progress can be made when leaders have the resourcefulness and courage to address equity challenges directly. The educational leaders profiled in this book have a clear sense of how to systematically build the capacity of teachers and schools to meet the needs of the students they serve. I urge other leaders to learn from them so that great schools that serve all children well, will be the norm, rather than the exception." ~Pedro Noguera "With all its devastation, COVID-19 also presents the opportunity of the century to transform the public education system that, to say the least, has become stalled and stagnant in the past 50 years. . . . Breakthrough Leadership makes a significant contribution to our next phase, which must be one of definable and targeted transformation of equity-based learning. ~Michael Fullan
Reboot student learning the right way! Today's most successful school leaders are truly "learning engineers": creative thinkers who redefine their problems and design new ways to better serve kids' success. Technology has a critical role, but it's the creative reinvention of schools, systems, and classrooms that has to come first. In this powerful book, best-selling author and education policy expert Rick Hess and chief learning officer Bror Saxberg show you how to become your school's learning engineer. Using cutting-edge research about learning science as a framework, you'll: Identify specific learning problems that need solving Devise smarter ways to address them Implement technology-enabled, not technology-driven, solutions
Assessment for Teaching and Learning in Early Childhood Classrooms, PreK-3
"Blends holistic authentic assessment with purposeful, specific assessment experiences that are also child and classroom friendly." -Vicki Hawley, Early Literacy Training Project Coordinator Center for Early Education and Development University of Minnesota "Explains the research base, the reason for the assessment process, and current trends in assessment practices for early childhood education, and offers easy-to-use assessment tools that address the whole child." -L. Kathryn Sharp, Early Childhood Instructor University of Memphis Use familiar classroom activities as an assessment tool! Effective teaching requires skill in implementing challenging and inviting curricular activities. It also involves evaluating children's learning in order to extend their development through the school year. Being able to implement and evaluate at the same time is a tall order but is at the heart of good teaching. Written for PreK-3 educators, Bridging blends curriculum planning, implementation, and assessment into one seamless process, providing a practical, performance-based approach to early childhood assessment. Encouraging teachers to assess both what (content) and how (process) children learn, the authors have developed 15 activities across five curricular areas-language arts and literacy, visual arts, mathematics, science, and performing arts-with guidelines for implementing, interpreting, and "bridging" observations of children to classroom teaching practices. The book provides ways to: Identify children's current status in content area learning and development Determine which children are ready to learn in upcoming weeks and months Make informed instructional adaptations to meet developmental needs, and more! With a built-in facilitator guide for designing and leading preservice and inservice professional development, this resource offers an instructional framework for everyone committed to aligning sound early childhood curriculum with national learning standards.
Unlocking Cognitive Potential In and Out of the Classroom
"This book seamlessly blends theory with practical, real-life applications and activities that can be completed quickly and easily in both school and home/community settings. This encourages a partnership between all stakeholders to help students succeed." -Betty Brandenburg Yundt, Sixth-Grade Teacher, Curriculum Coordinator Walker Intermediate School, Fort Knox, KY "Using real-world examples and applications, this book makes cognitive psychology and cognitive education accessible to all who work with children and other learners. I immediately felt more confident in applying my new thinking and understanding to my practice." -Wendy Holley, School Psychologist Bend-La Pine School District, OR Develop lifelong learners by promoting effective thinking skills in school and beyond! Based on Instrumental Enrichment (IE), a cognitive education approach pioneered by internationally renowned psychologist and child development expert Reuven Feuerstein, this updated volume provides practitioners with much-needed techniques to develop students' thinking skills and "bridge" these skills to the home and community. This user-friendly book outlines fourteen core thinking skills that increase students' cognitive capacity, including organization, comparison, categorization, and problem solving. The authors demonstrate how teachers can mediate learning in the classroom and help parents, social workers, counselors, and other adults who work with youth to extend learning beyond the classroom. Each chapter features: An introduction to and description of a specific skill Examples and applications for formal and informal learning contexts An outline of how the skill aligns with Feuerstein's theories of Mediated Learning and Cognitive Modifiability Expanded to include an overview of many IE-related research studies and quotes to stimulate reflection on each skill, this second edition of Bridging Learning is a dynamic resource for creative educators dedicated to enhancing thinking skills in all learners.
Unlocking Cognitive Potential In and Out of the Classroom
"This book seamlessly blends theory with practical, real-life applications and activities that can be completed quickly and easily in both school and home/community settings. This encourages a partnership between all stakeholders to help students succeed." -Betty Brandenburg Yundt, Sixth-Grade Teacher, Curriculum Coordinator Walker Intermediate School, Fort Knox, KY "Using real-world examples and applications, this book makes cognitive psychology and cognitive education accessible to all who work with children and other learners. I immediately felt more confident in applying my new thinking and understanding to my practice." -Wendy Holley, School Psychologist Bend-La Pine School District, OR Develop lifelong learners by promoting effective thinking skills in school and beyond! Based on Instrumental Enrichment (IE), a cognitive education approach pioneered by internationally renowned psychologist and child development expert Reuven Feuerstein, this updated volume provides practitioners with much-needed techniques to develop students' thinking skills and "bridge" these skills to the home and community. This user-friendly book outlines fourteen core thinking skills that increase students' cognitive capacity, including organization, comparison, categorization, and problem solving. The authors demonstrate how teachers can mediate learning in the classroom and help parents, social workers, counselors, and other adults who work with youth to extend learning beyond the classroom. Each chapter features: An introduction to and description of a specific skill Examples and applications for formal and informal learning contexts An outline of how the skill aligns with Feuerstein's theories of Mediated Learning and Cognitive Modifiability Expanded to include an overview of many IE-related research studies and quotes to stimulate reflection on each skill, this second edition of Bridging Learning is a dynamic resource for creative educators dedicated to enhancing thinking skills in all learners.
Teachers know that connections with families will reap benefits, but they struggle with the "how." Research shows that there is a link between family involvement and their children's academic success. Other research shows that children learn best when instruction is meaningful and connects to the knowledge they and their families hold. Family nights are after-school, evening, or weekend events which involve families (adults and children) in enjoyable and academically grounded activities and experiences. Family nights provide a way for schools to learn about and from families and for families to learn about and from schools. The ultimate beneficiaries are the students who benefit from such increased involvement and from improved communication and understanding. Reproducibles and other materials include: " Invitations " Agendas " Sign-in sheets " Evaluation forms " Activity worksheets " Handouts " Overheads " Additional resources " Connections with national standards " Tips and suggestions for an outstanding event Includes information on adaptions for special populations, issues around providing food and incentives, and cost-saving ideas. Each chapter is a self-contained unit, containing all information, suggestions, and materials for planning and running a successful event. All family night designs have an academic focus and are aligned with standards. This book is appropriate for primary teachers and headteachers or anyone in the school or district responsible for family involvement.
