In “Standing in the Gap” Lisa Dabbs and Nicol R. Howard encourage all educators, especially new teachers, to find support by connecting on social media, using internet resources in class, and facilitating e-communication with parents. A must read, says educator/writer Mary Langer Thompson.
Gary McGuey and Lonnie Moore augment their concisely presented steps to becoming an inspirational teacher with reflection prompts, questionnaires, and vignettes. Somewhat to her surprise, veteran educator Nancy Chodoroff found herself nodding in agreement throughout the book.
Franklin P. Schargel’s guide to school safety addresses student drug abuse, teen driving accidents, pregnancies, truancy, gambling and more. Former principal Mary Langer Thompson would like more detailed discussion about responding to violence and addressing resource issues.
Making Nonfiction from Scratch contains practical strategies, techniques, and case studies interspersed with anecdotal humor. Ralph Fletcher’s ideas will challenge and inspire teachers to leave their comfort zone and rethink the purpose and possibilities of nonfiction writing.
After reviewing the history of grading, Cathy Vatterott shares reasons for implementing a progressive standards-based grading system, noting the challenges as well as the benefits. Teacher Michael DiClemente sees the need for research-based changes but wonders how to get there.
Book Reviews / Student Driven Learning
by MiddleWeb · Published 01/06/2016 · Last modified 11/16/2019
In Building School 2.0, Chris Lehmann and Zac Chase offer sharp insights on the world of learners and a vision for where schools should be heading. They include practical advice on how to move forward as a teacher, as a staff or as an administration, says Kevin Hodgson.
In Ditch That Textbook, educator Matt Miller helps teachers reflect on their current practice and find better ways to make a difference in the lives of their students, says educator Laura Von Staden. His acronym – Different, Innovative, Tech-laden, Creative and Hands-on – reveals his philosophy.
William N. Bender explains how to effectively use RTI in conjunction with differentiated instruction and technology strategies in all subject areas. Reviewer Sarah Iriogbe-Efionayi joins him in anticipating RTI’s move into secondary schools and its potential to significantly change instruction there.
Write This Way: How Modeling Transforms the Writing Classroom is a teacher-friendly guide to implementing modeling as a fundamental part of each step of the writing process. Teacher Jennifer Floyd says Kelly Boswell’s book clarifies modeling, interactive writing, and shared writing.
Nicki Newton’s comprehensive book guides educators through setting up a Math Workshop, beginning with creating a community of learners in a math-rich classroom. Linda Biondi likes her “practical and specific ways to become the math teacher you always wanted to be.”
