In “Argue with Me” Deanna Kuhn et al present a full curriculum on teaching argument, informed by their research in low income schools. Used in full or in part, the process can benefit thinking & writing skills, says Mary Langer Thompson.
For teachers considering a career in Special Education, an area of critical need, reviewer Laura Von Staden fears that those readers may not finish That’s Special feeling equipped or encouraged to teach this group of students and may decide not to enter the field.
Policastro, McTague, and Mazeski bring the collective expertise of university professors and veteran teachers to bear in this thoroughly researched and well-documented book to assist educators as they develop formative assessment practices, says Nancy Chodoroff.
Educator Sandy Wisneski finds Reading Nonfiction: Notice and Note from Kylene Beers and Robert E. Probst “a powerhouse resource of practical strategies and signposts to help all levels of readers.” The information will impact and encourage her own classroom.
If demoralizing teachers worked, then our educational system would already have reached a state of perfection. Instead, says reviewer Jenni Miller, policymakers can find a true roadmap for change in Richard DuFour’s “In Praise of American Educators And How They Can Become Even Better.”
Book Reviews / Social & Emotional Learning
by MiddleWeb · Published 11/19/2015 · Last modified 11/12/2019
Especially to build awareness of the SEL needs of gifted students, but also to enrich the education provided to ALL students, I’m Not Just Gifted is a welcome resource to any teacher determined to make education socially and emotionally relevant, says principal Deb Hubble.
In Teaching Outside the Lines, Doug Johnson addresses the need to start helping students to be creative and innovative rather than conformist. He includes strategies and tools to help teachers overcome reluctance to make the shift, says teacher leader Laura Von Staden.
Dale Russakoff’s The Prize recounts what happens to Newark NJ schools when Gov. Chris Christie, Mayor Cory Booker and Supt. Cami Anderson take a $100 million gift from Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg and invest in corporate reform. Matt Renwick says it’s a must read.
Nancy Butler Wolf addresses how teachers can help middle schoolers solve authentic math problems, stressing rich tasks and converting textbook problems into challenging learning. Maia Fastabend recommends the book to newer teachers and those seeking clarity.
Book Reviews / Social & Emotional Learning
by MiddleWeb · Published 11/12/2015 · Last modified 11/18/2019
The social-emotional concerns addressed by Tom Conklin are long overdue for guided discussion by today’s adolescents. Mary Langer Thompson appreciates his inclusion of foundational thinkers and his instructional materials for middle schoolers.
