In a concise and enjoyable book, Meenoo Rami invites educators to reinvigorate their professional lives through mentors, networks, intellectual growth, and by empowering students to become more passionate learners, says reviewer Jessica Valenti.
With its thorough discussion of the impact that teacher language can have on children’s learning, the 2nd edition of The Power of Our Words is a thought-provoking read no matter what grade or subject you teach, says reviewer Jennifer Jankowski.
Book Reviews / Race, Class and School
by John Norton · Published 04/03/2014 · Last modified 11/24/2019
Teacher José Vilson’s must-read book, This Is Not A Test, cuts through political platitudes into the heart of America’s unresolved contradictions: public education and democratic principles; equity and privilege, race and class, says reviewer John Norton.
Metaphorically speaking, classrooms need an upgrade, leaving the traditional campfire and launching onto the holodeck with its whiz-bang tech ready to boost learning. Reviewer Andrea Long recommends following futurist David Thornburg’s lead.
In Reading Unbound, reviewer Alexa Patterson says, Jeff Wilhelm and Michael Smith share student attitudes about reading and suggest ways to add favorite genres in the classroom, boost student interest in books, and make ties to the Common Core.
Donalyn Miller’s Reading in the Wild is a great workshop-focused resource for any ELA teacher who wants to cultivate lifelong reading habits and is “looking for a viable alternative to traditional instruction,” says teacher-reviewer Tyler McBride.
Cheryl Rose Tobey and Emily R. Fagan offer a detailed handbook to help teachers evaluate students’ understanding of math in their new book, Uncovering Student Thinking About Mathematics and the Common Core (Grades 3-5), says reviewer Linda Biondi.
In The Literacy Teacher’s Playbook, Jennifer Serravallo provides a step-by-step approach to analyze the data that teachers already have to help them find ways to meet the needs of their students by finding their strengths and weaknesses, says reviewer Casey Gilewski.
Principal Matt Renwick reviews THE PRINCIPAL by leadership expert Michael Fullan, a compact new book about the challenging work of school-based leaders. Fullan focuses on avoidable pitfalls and 3 keys to success, including being a district “player.”
Thomas Newkirk urges us to consider how, in a test-crazed culture, we can stay focused on what matters for our students. Holding On To Good Ideas in a Time of Bad Ones is not a literacy ‘how-to’ book, says Jenni Miller, but important nonetheless.
