Teachers who fail to actively involve students in learning experiences are mired in mediocrity, says educator Barbara Blackburn. The author of Rigor Is Not a 4-Letter Word shares five rules for student engagement she’s discovered, with examples from her own teaching and consulting.
Numerous historical adaptions have been nominated for Academy Awards in recent years. Media literacy expert Frank W. Baker offers ideas and resources to help students examine their historical accuracy and address a middle-level Common Core standard.
When educators ask “what could I have done differently today to meet the needs of individual students?” they look for answers in data and assignments. The new book “RTI Is a Verb” breaks down the process into concrete pieces to implement in every classroom, says reviewer Sandy Wisneski.
Math Know-How: Answers to Your Most Persistent Teaching Issues (Grades 3-5) takes on topics of critical importance: the CCSS, teaching decisions, pacing guides, instruction, manipulatives, technology and reflection, says reviewer Sarah Parker.
It’s Not Complicated: What I Know for Sure About Helping Our Students of Color Become Successful Readers will motivate teachers to redouble literacy efforts, says Maribeth Wicoff, but she wishes the author had included more about effective strategies.
Former principal Sue Stephenson describes how she and a team of teachers recently helped seventh graders prepare and perform standup comedy routines, all the while learning serious writing, speaking and personal living skills. Video link included!
In Mindsets in the Classroom, says reviewer Katie Gordon, author Mary Cay Ricci provides a thorough foundation in what growth mindset is, why it matters, and how to foster it in key stakeholders, namely teachers, students, and parents.
In To Look Closely: Science and Literacy in the Natural World, Laurie Rubin draws you into her students’ excitement as they explore sun-lit spaces outside their classroom and participate in scientific observation, journaling, poetry and discussion.
By debunking four myths about parent involvement at the middle level, educators can increase engagement and spark student motivation and performance, says former middle school teacher and school improvement analyst Katie Wester-Neal, who shares some helpful strategies.
Middle grades educator Jeremy Hyler & college professor Troy Hicks introduce some key ideas from their new book about reading, writing and student-driven digital learning – including several ways to use Schoology in the classroom.
