Learning-Driven Schools


Book Description

Many teachers are trained to approach their work with a set of teaching strategies and lessons that changes little over time. Because they are focused on how they teach, rather than on how their students learn, they use the same techniques day after day, making no adjustments for students' different learning needs. In Learning-Driven Schools: A Practical Guide for Teachers and Principals, Barry Beers shows how teachers can plan, teach, and assess for student learning--and how principals can support teachers in their efforts. The book includes * An overview of the research on knowledge retention; * Real-life samples of lesson plans that address state and local standards; * Strategies on accurately assessing student learning; * Advice for teachers on addressing the needs of struggling, intermediate, and advanced students at the same time; and * Advice for administrators on conducting effective classroom observations. A rallying cry and how-to guide rolled into one, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone passionate about learning. Having served as a veteran teacher and principal himself, Barry Beers brings his own experience and understanding to bear on the essential task of ensuring that student learning remains the clear focus of our schools.




The Survival Guide for New Special Education Teachers


Book Description

This book offers practical guidance on such topics as roles and responsibilities, school environment and culture, classroom organization and management, collaboration with other professionals, and individual professional development.




Artificial Intelligence in Schools


Book Description

Artificial Intelligence in Schools is the first book to explore the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a tool to enhance K–12 instruction and administration. Every industry and sector will be drastically affected by the presence of artificial intelligence, and schooling is no exception! Written for the in-service community—leaders, administrators, coaches, and teachers alike—this is your one-stop opportunity to make sure you don’t fall behind the fast pace and promising innovations of today’s most advanced learning technology. Author Varun Arora presents AI as a problem-solving tool for teaching and learning, exploring its potential and application in real-world school contexts and in the language of educators. Covering curriculum development, feedback and scoring, student empowerment, behavioral and classroom management, college readiness, and more, the book is full of novel insights and concrete, strategic takeaways.




Introducing Teachers and Administrators to the NGSS


Book Description

If you’re charged with helping educators achieve the vision of the new science standards, this is the professional development resource you need. This book is chock-full of activities and useful advice for guiding teachers and administrators as they put the standards into practice in the classroom. Written by three experts in professional development for science teachers, Introducing Teachers and Administrators to the NGSS • Introduces the vocabulary, structure, and conceptual shifts of the NGSS • Explores the three dimensions of the Framework—science and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas—and how they’re integrated in the NGSS • Provides classroom case studies of instructional approaches for students challenged by traditional science teaching • Covers curricular decisions involving course mapping, designing essential questions and performance assessments, and using the NGSS to plan units of instruction • Examines the connections between the NGSS and the Common Core State Standards • Offers advice for getting past common professional development sticking points and finding further resources Given the widespread changes in today’s education landscape, teachers and administrators may feel overwhelmed by the prospect of putting the new standards into practice. If you’re a science specialist, curriculum coordinator, or instructional coach who provides professional development, you will find this collection immensely helpful for heading off “initiative fatigue,” whether in an individual school or throughout a district.




Reframing the Path to School Leadership


Book Description

This book uses a series of dialogues between a novice and a master teacher, and between a new and seasoned principal to view common challenges and to solve their most difficult problems. The authors demonstrate how framing, and then reframing challenges brings clarity, helps to anticipate problems, and leads to more comprehensive and powerful leadership strategies.




Understanding Standards-Based Education


Book Description

"Just what the educational doctor ordered. Written in an easy-to-understand format, this guide contains excellent explanations and valuable models, guidelines, checklists, unit designs, and lesson designs to help teachers implement standards-based education in their classrooms." —Vaughn G. Rhudy, Teacher Shady Spring High School, WV "Zagranski, Whigham, and Dardenne tame the beast of accountability for principals, teachers, and parents by articulately defining what is really expected. A real guide for demystifying the complex world of standards-based education." —Erica Ann Faginski, Principal Michael E. Smith Middle School, South Hadley, MA Transforming your curriculum into a standards-based model: What every educator needs to know! This comprehensive handbook offers a data-driven curriculum design process to help educators meet today′s standards of performance and assessment. Based on decades of hands-on experience, Richard Zagranski, William T. Whigham, and Patrice L. Dardenne provide a clear set of expectations and responsibilities for stakeholders at all three levels of the educational pyramid: teachers, teacher leaders/coordinators, and administrators. Their user-friendly approach, which both incorporates and looks beyond NCLB, shows readers how to take a standard, transform it into a performance objective, and design a corresponding assessment piece. The text includes: Standards-based guidelines and action plans Ready-to-use charts, rubrics, and templates Real-world examples and assessment methods Step-by-step instructions to ensure sustainability Chapter summaries and a glossary for easy reference Understanding Standards-Based Education leads educators through a well-defined course of curriculum revision and presents all participants with specific, need-to-know information for accomplishing mandated goals.




A Teacher's Guide to Special Education


Book Description

Despite the prevalence of students with disabilities in the general education classroom, few teachers receive training on how to meet these students’ needs or how to navigate Despite the prevalence of students with disabilities in the general education classroom, few teachers receive training on how to meet these students’ needs or how to navigate the legally mandated processes enumerated in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). What is their role? What are their responsibilities? What are the roles and rights of parents? And what must all teachers do to ensure that students with disabilities and other special needs receive the quality education they’re entitled to? In this practical reference, David F. Bateman—bestselling author of A Principal’s Guide to Special Education—and special education administrator Jenifer L. Cline clarify what general education teachers need to know about special education law and processes and provide a guide to instructional best practices for the inclusive classroom. Topics covered include The pre-referral, referral, and evaluation processes Individualized education programs (IEPs) and the parties involved Accommodations for students who do not quality for special education, including those covered by Section 504 Transition from preK to K–12 and from high school to postschool life Classroom management and student behavior Educational frameworks, instructional strategies, and service delivery options Assessment, grades, graduation, and diplomas The breadth of coverage in this book, along with its practical examples, action steps, and appendixes covering key terms and definitions will provide the foundation all K–12 teachers need to successfully instruct and support students receiving special education services. It’s an indispensable resource for every general education classroom. the legally mandated processes enumerated in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). What is their role? What are their responsibilities? What are the roles and rights of parents? And what must all teachers do to ensure that students with disabilities and other special needs receive the quality education they’re entitled to? In this practical reference, David F. Bateman—bestselling author of A Principal’s Guide to Special Education—and special education administrator Jenifer L. Cline clarify what general education teachers need to know about special education law and processes and provide a guide to instructional best practices for the inclusive classroom. Topics covered include The pre-referral, referral, and evaluation processes Individualized education programs (IEPs) and the parties involved Accommodations for students who do not quality for special education, including those covered by Section 504 Transition from preK to K–12 and from high school to postschool life Classroom management and student behavior Educational frameworks, instructional strategies, and service delivery options Assessment, grades, graduation, and diplomas The breadth of coverage in this book, along with its practical examples, action steps, and appendixes covering key terms and definitions will provide the foundation all K–12 teachers need to successfully instruct and support students receiving special education services. It’s an indispensable resource for every general education classroom.




Supporting English Language Learners


Book Description

Smart, passionate, practical, and filled with experience-honed thinking, Supporting English Language Learners is an ideal resource for all education professionals who are looking for the best ways to help nonnative learners.




Teachers Bringing Out the Best in Teachers


Book Description

Most teachers have experienced some kind of formal mentoring or induction program. What these programs can miss is the meaningful daily interaction with peers that builds mutual trust and instructional collaboration-the organic, coachable moments that boost professional learning. Based on a unique investigative study of nearly 300 teachers, this powerful new resource provides informative teacher perspectives of informal, naturally occurring, teacher-to-teacher professional development. Jo and Joseph Blase use this research to identify the following five teacher behaviors that can positively influence other teachers morale, teaching skills, and professional growth. Building healthy relationships by communicating, caring, and developing trust Using five guiding principles for structuring learning experiences Planning and organizing for learning Showing and sharing Guiding for classroom management This excellent resource helps school leaders promote a culture that encourages lasting professional development. Each chapter presents practical concepts and strategies that can occur in and out of the classroom. Educators share specific experiences and examples, showing each skill in action. School leaders will learn what strong teacher peer "consultants" actually do that leads to improved teacher confidence and motivation, enhanced trust and mutual respect, and reflective instructional behavior among their colleagues. These cost-effective, authentic strategies will build camaraderie and leadership in your school, engaging colleagues as a team in the vital mission of all schools-educating our youth.




Dual Language Essentials for Teachers and Administrators


Book Description

Dual Language Essentials for Teachers and Administratorshas been widely used as a guide for planning and implementing dual language programs. The Second Edition provides the latest theory, research, and best practices by drawing on the experiences of administrators and teachers in successful one-way and two-way bilingual dual language programs. Readable and practical, this edition features: - video clips illustrating powerful and effective strategies in dual language classrooms - an explanation of translanguaging and the changing views of bilinguals and bilingualism - examples of teachers using translanguaging strategies - the addition of essentials for secondary dual language programs - an explanation of long- and short-term curriculum planning and implementation - a discussion of academic and social equity in dual language programs - a description of best practices in biliteracy instruction. Dual Language Essentials for Teachers and Administrators, Second Edition will be your essential guide for planning and implementing a dual language program.