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.
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.
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.
Because of the powerful way school culture shapes the activity of students, teachers, and administrators, it’s worth investing the effort to assure it sends a positive message. Ron Williamson and Barbara Blackburn suggest leadership actions to build values.
Heather Wolpert-Gawron’s passion for PBL goes back to her elementary years. Nowadays she builds units for middle schoolers to encourage their journeys through learning. Here she shares a structure to support students while simplifying teachers’ preparation.
Debbie Zacarian and Michael Silverstone successfully build the case for school and community partnerships in diverse settings that are two-way relationships with the goal of increased student achievement, both academic and social, says principal Deb Hubble.
The difficulty students have in writing clearly can be traced to many factors, says literacy consultant Sarah Tantillo, from muddled pre-CCSS standards to weak teaching practices. Here she offers concrete suggestions to correct persistent writing problems in the secondary grades.
In “Get Organized!” Frank Buck offers a fast, functional read to help all educators get and stay organized. It will be a favorite go-to manual for any school leader eager to increase the most valuable resource in education – time, says ASCD Emerging Leader Michael Janatovich.
A steady flow of new district teaching resources is creating a more-than-you-can-eat buffet effect for 4th grade teacher Mary Tarashuk. Take the new online math program. Can she manage to put together the right selection of new dishes and old favorites?
Matt Renwick recommends The Principal 50 by Baruti Kafele to principals and AP’s just transitioning from the classroom to the front office. The book’s 50 topics range from a leader’s attitude to school culture, instructional leadership, accountability and more.
