Book Reviews / Data-driven Instruction
by MiddleWeb · Published 05/14/2015 · Last modified 11/24/2019
17,000 Classroom Visits Can’t Be Wrong leaves the reader feeling empowered and ready to make positive changes to reach the next level of engagement and academic strategies in the classroom. It is a must read, says reviewer Jennifer Druffel.
In this brisk book in ASCD’s Arias series, Jane Bluestein reviews 7 popular classroom management practices that don’t work and then offers teacher behaviors that can build a positive learning environment. Reviewer Angie Grimes finds the 43-page book “short, sweet, and to the point.”
Despite some organizational problems, says reviewer Susan Schwartz, “West Meets East” offers many insights into the comparative teaching practices of Chinese and US teachers recognized for excellence and shows that educators have much they can learn from each other, wherever they may practice their profession.
Stressing the need to provide wide fiction and informational text choices, the authors consider the needs of all readers while offering extensive activities for all classrooms. Reviewer Jenni Miller found the book “wonderful” – both informative and encouraging.
Myron Dueck’s new book, Grading Smarter Not Harder, not only explains what fair assessment is but provides the teacher with student friendly strategies to achieve it. Reviewer Joanne Fuchs says the book is “the map for your assessment journey” and provides lots of useful details!
Mary Jo Fresch’s book not only gives practical suggestions for keeping students attentive, thoughtful, and inquisitive, but emphasizes ways to create classrooms filled with happiness and wonderment, says reviewer & district PD coordinator Rachael Harms.
Among the elements of Suzy Pepper Rollins’ Learning in the Fast Lane that reviewer Carolyn Miller liked best were her references to recent research, her fresh suggestions for making formative assessments, and her close look at student motivation. And there’s lots more to try out!
In “Engaging Minds in Science and Math Classrooms,” Eric Brunsell & Michelle A. Fleming explain in just 55 pages the why & how of joyful learning that supports today’s ed initiatives. Excellent resource for new and veteran STEM teachers, says math teacher/coach Lynne Menechella.
Erik Palmer makes a compelling case for the explicit instruction of communication skills in Teaching the Core Skills of Listening and Speaking, relating them to CCSS anchor standards and providing helpful lessons and good advice, says reviewer Rebecca Crockett.
Regie Routman’s Read, Write, Lead could not have come out at a better time. Reviewer Matt Renwick says the veteran educator brings much needed sanity to the learning discussion, emphasizing the link between school leadership and literacy success.
