"An excellent tool to help teachers address issues related to testing so that those factors do not hinder student success. With an easy format and clear, concise instructions, the book tells not only how but why." -Jolene Dockstader, Middle School English Teacher Jerome School District #261, ID Prepare students to do their best on tests! Today's educational climate demands a multitude of high-stakes, standardized tests not only to assess student achievement, but also to promote school and teacher accountability. Carolyn Chapman and Rita King help educators meet the challenge with this second edition of Test Success in the Brain-Compatible Classroom. This research-based resource is packed with practical tips and tools needed to change attitudes about testing and improve test readiness and performance. Educators will find a wealth of useful ideas and suggestions for preparing students for tests, creating positive test environments, and helping students deal with test anxiety. The authors bridge the gap between formal test formats and the way each student learns, retains, and transfers information to tests. These techniques can be implemented in any subject across all grade levels. This second edition features strategies, activities, and tips to: Prepare students mentally, physically, and emotionally as productive test-takers Create an optimal testing environment Help students attack passages and use problem solving for test success Interpret test data for strategic, customized planning Put these easy-to-implement techniques to work in your classroom throughout the year and transform each test experience into a celebration of achievement and learning.
How to Hire, Coach, and Mentor Successful Teachers
In this quick-read resource for administrators and teachers, Elaine K Ewan explores the ten characteristics that lead to success in the classroom - increased school morale, satisfied parents, and eager, high-achieving students.This user-friendly guide shares practical insights into the ten crucial traits through real-life examples, experiences, research, and personal reflections from students, parents, and educators at all levels. Special features include: - Numerous graphic organizers to clearly illustrate the ten traits - More than 50 interview questions based on the ten traits to help administrators and teachers prepare for the all-important interview process - Dozens of exercises for principals to use to energize experienced teachers, empower new teachers, and nurture the ten traits - Examples from research that highlight the relationship between the traits and student achievement
"This book is filled with strategies to assist school leaders in assessing and monitoring many of the important elements that must be in place for kids to be successful. There are excellent tools that savvy leaders have been searching for-tools that will help them achieve their strategic vision of continuous improvement." -Gina Marx, Assistant Superintendent USD 262 Valley Center Schools, KS Increase your school's effectiveness and ensure academic excellence for all students! Written by best-selling author Elaine K. McEwan, this invaluable resource identifies the distinguishing qualities and unique characteristics of schools that help all students make outstanding gains in performance. Each chapter offers a comprehensive description of a research-based trait and examines its impact on student achievement. Featuring a "10 Traits Audit" for use by schools or districts, this book provides principals and administrators with: Tools and processes to facilitate the development of each trait Snapshots of each trait in actual schools and districts Reflections from teachers and administrators who have helped create effective schools Observations on the school improvement process from noted thinkers, theorists, and scholars Examples of documents, forms, and resources used in effective schools By nurturing these traits in their schools, educational leaders can build coherent instructional programs and create schools of equity and excellence.
`I could hear the voices of some of the principals who were interviewed speaking to me. The author clearly knows how to gather information and present it in a meaningful way' - Bonnie Tryon, Zone 2 Director, National Association of Elementary School Principals Highly effective headteachers have strong communication skills, high levels of ......
The coverage is complete, ranging from finding a mentor to working with parents. The book is meant to be short and sweet, and it is." -Lori L. Grossman, Instructional Coordinator Houston Independent School District, TX "Describes ten basic, practical tenets for finding one's way in the classroom. The book makes a distinct contribution by presenting the ten tenets in a very brief, readable format." -Mary Alice Barksdale, Associate Professor Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University "This book contains an introduction to key, practical tips for teaching success." -Rodger J. Beatty, Associate Dean, Faculty of Education Brock University Help ensure your teaching success with these powerful professional tools! What kind of professional support is most critical for getting new teachers off to a good start in the classroom? How can veteran teachers elevate and energize their instructional techniques? In this second edition of Ten Things Teachers Need to Succeed, international educator Robin Fogarty distills a wealth of teaching and consulting experience into ten high-impact strategies to help novice and experienced instructors succeed and thrive. Updated throughout, this easy-to-use resource recommends ways to connect with a mentor and offers readings, related film clips, discussion questions, and action steps for successful: Curriculum and lesson design Assessment and rubrics construction Discipline and classroom management Communication with parents, and more This guidebook's unique format also makes it an ideal professional development tool to help teams of new and experienced teachers grow together by discussing and applying one chapter each month.
What are ten things that help new teachers get off to a good start? How can educators excel in this complex, demanding, and ultimately rewarding profession? These answers, along with high impact strategies, can be found in this must-have resource. Filled with words of wisdom, practical advice, and action steps to achieve success in those critical first years, this powerful little booklet distills the teaching and consulting experience of an international author and teacher of teachers. It includes: - high-impact strategies for novice and veteran practitioners - how-to for communicating with parents - techniques for planning for the unexpected - a unique format for teacher teams to discuss one chapter a month - action steps to achieve success in the crucial first years This handy guide is a quick reference tool on everything from writing rubrics to communicating with parents to planning for the unexpected. Teams of new and experienced teachers can grow together by discussing and applying a chapter a month over a year.
A Guide to Communicating With English Language Learners and Their Families
"The authors have created a must-have resource for any teacher who works with ELL students. This book may be the difference between success and failure, for both the teacher and the student." -Patrick F. Sheedy III, Executive Director Rochester Montessori School, MN "Finally, a book that gets at the heart of communicating with ESL/ELL students. This book hits home by focusing interactions with students on a cultural level within each language group, and then takes it a step further with ideas for parental communication. A must-have for teachers trying to break down communication barriers." -Andrew Pontius, Middle School Teacher Overseas Family School, Singapore Break through language barriers and put ELL students at ease in your classroom! More than ever before, K-12 educators in today's classrooms teach students from diverse language backgrounds. This handy reference guide to the ten most common languages of students who do not speak English-Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, Arabic, Tagalog, Haitian Creole, Navajo, Hmong, Cantonese, and Korean-offers practical guidance for communicating with ELL students and their families. With a chapter dedicated to each language, this book provides a wealth of resources to help you make meaningful connections with ELL students, including: Information about the traditions, religions, and celebrations of the family's country of origin Guides to common words and phrases in the student's native language Picture dictionaries that can be reproduced for use with students Sample parent letters that include both English and native language translations Basic reading tests in ten languages Help ensure that English Language Learners successfully transition into the school community and participate fully in the classroom learning environment!
How Brain Research and Learning Styles Define Teaching Competencies
"This excellent book is up-to-date with the expanding role of technology in education and offers endless ready-to-implement suggestions and plenty of illustrative material while linking everything to brain research. It is easy to understand, thoughtfully crafted, and right on the mark." -Beth Madison, Principal George Middle School, Portland, OR Engage, motivate, and inspire students with today's best practices This third edition of what has become a classic methods text reveals the most current approaches to inspire and motivate students. Donna Walker Tileston engages readers with real-life classroom examples, proven techniques for reaching every learner, and up-to-date strategies, all outlined in her reader-friendly style. She incorporates the latest research on brain-compatible pedagogy and learning styles throughout the updated chapters on today's most critical topics, including: Using formative assessment for best results Integrating technology to connect students' school and home lives Differentiating instruction to inspire every student Connecting with children of various cultures, including those who live in poverty Creating a collaborative learning environment Each chapter includes helpful lists, charts, and graphs. New and veteran teachers will find a treasure trove of invaluable tried-and-true strategies throughout this handy reference.
Assessment literacy leads to improved outcomes for all Do you know how to ensure teachers have the knowledge and skill to use assessment data to improve student learning? Do you know the influence that student involvement in assessments has on motivation and learning? This book guides you and your leadership team through 10 assessment literacy goals with practical content, how-to's, success indicators, and activities to extend and process learning. You will come away understanding the attributes of comprehensive and balanced assessment systems, the necessity for clear academic achievement targets, and why assessment quality is essential. In addition to providing rubrics, processes, and practical tools that work across all grade levels and subject areas, this book shows you how to: Work with staff to integrate formative assessment and sound grading practices Communicate with all members of the school community about student learning Protect students and teachers by avoiding unethical and inappropriate assessment use Use student assessment information to improve and inform instruction Develop assessment policies that support quality assessment practice Advance your understanding of assessment so your teachers can accurately measure learning, practice effective formative assessment strategies, and ensure and maintain a comprehensive and balanced assessment system in your school or district.
