The educational chasm between schools and colleges is an indication of dysfunction. It is becoming increasingly recognized as a major impediment to the successful education of all students. High standards and improved schools and colleges will ultimately depend on the extent to which this gap is narrowed. This book describes 12 programs that are…

This book describes how the U.S. can radically improve not only individual schools but its overall system of education. The book examines the lessons of history and the expanding knowledge of what works in schools and classrooms, and it describes how school reforms might transform education presumptions and policies so that the education system…

This guide for college faculty attempts to balance assessment theory and practical advice on grading. Grading is viewed as a complex process that serves multiple roles: evaluation, motivation, communication, and organization, and this work provides examples from classrooms in many disciplines, sample assessment plans for departments and general…

This text presents a framework and strategies for ensuring that students with disabilities have access to the general education curriculum. Chapter 1 discusses standards-based reform and the links between standards and curriculum. The three domains of knowledge for ensuring access are also introduced: content knowledge, learning processes, and…

This book presents 65 programs that are readily available in most school districts and communities and assesses each program's potential for serving the needs of talented students, based on levels of content acceleration, in-depth topic immersion, and interest exploration. The book begins by discussing hidden programs that are already in schools…

This collection of papers includes 12 chapters in two parts. Part 1 "Culture as the Core: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Culture Teaching and Learning in the Second Language Curriculum," includes: (1) "Extending Communicative Concepts in the Second Language Curriculum: A Sociolinguistic Perspective" (Muriel Saville-Troike); (2) "Teaching along…

The Learning Record is a framework teachers can use to translate their observations of students into a disciplined, systematic, standards-based reporting process. This guide offers all the information necessary to use the Learning Record in the upper grades. The chapters are: (1) "Documenting Prior Experience"; (2) "Documenting Student Learning";…

This resource guide shares a practical, methodical approach to the introduction of character education into the classroom. The guide contains a set of 17 practice-proven lesson plans that focuses on one of the tasks of modern education. It gives special attention to the integration of character education with language arts and the fine arts. It…

The "diversity myth" is the myth that universities are doing a good job promoting diversity on campus. Universities in America have promoted this "diversity myth" which belies the actual state of affairs in the nation's schools. Instead, universities have fostered conformity on campus, and stifled true diversity. This document, sponsored by the…

High school instructors need to focus on engagement, not just motivation to inspire student learning. Based on the author's experience working with the toughest students, at-risk kids, struggling students, and drop outs, this book offers teachers strategies that work to harness students' interests and creativity. This book includes techniques and…

This guide for adults who are seeking external degrees offers guidance for selecting such a program and a listing of 140 accredited programs. The five chapters of part 1 provide an introduction to external degree opportunities. Chapter 1 briefly considers the multiple ways in which today's adults can continue their education. Chapter 2 explains…

This book, which is for K-12 teachers, teacher educators, administrators, and staff developers, explores concept-based learning. Chapter 1, "Interpreting and Aligning National, State, and Local Standards," reviews the national content standards through a set of concept-based questions to highlight the differences between concept-based and…

A philosophical and pragmatic critique is offered of the pedagogical dilemmas confronting the educational establishment. It is argued that higher education institutions at present have no clear idea of what a liberal arts education ought to accomplish, what its scope ought to be, and how its goals ought to be reached. The academic community is…

Confused about how to start on your journey as an educator? This ultimate guide to getting hired and staying inspired is a must-purchase for any beginning elementary school teacher. Donna M. Donoghue and her coauthors have done the legwork for you and provide great tips, strategies, and tactics for getting your foot in the door and beginning a…

The first few years of teaching are the most challenging. During these years, teachers are most likely to become discouraged and disillusioned. Yet these early years are also the time when teachers establish practices that last throughout their careers. This book focuses on new teachers' needs while emphasizing high-quality teaching through the…