Students continually ask, "Does this count?" "Is this on the test?" They want to know how they'll be evaluated. Discover how to answer these questions in ways that shape student learning and keep teaching focused on what really matters. Written by language expert Paul Sandrock, this superb manual clarifies precisely what…

In today's high-tech world, math and science matter. Of the 10 fastest growing occupations, eight are science, math or technology-related. Whatever a child wants to do--join the military, join the workforce, or go on to college--math and science skills will be important. Become part of the equation to help one's child succeed now and in the…

"Hop on the bus, Gus. Make a new plan, Stan." What are some techniques to hook or "lure" learners and to keep them motivated? Knowing the diversity of students, their interests, backgrounds, and preferred learning styles, no single technique will be successful all of the time. This paper describes a large number of ways…

The purpose of this "Adolescent Literacy Walk-Through for Principals" ("ALWP") is to help principals monitor and support adolescent literacy instruction in their schools more effectively. To meet the goals of improving adolescent literacy in grades four through twelve, principals must be familiar with what literacy instruction…

As communities across California commit to developing systems of high school pathways that will engage students in school and prepare them to succeed in postsecondary opportunities and contribute to a vital regional economy, many are realizing the importance of providing "broad-based support" for this work. Students need a choice of…

It's not your grandmother's crafting projects! Instead, hip librarians as well as their teen patrons can engage in the hottest new DIY way of life, recycling everything from discarded books to Altoids tins. Getting hands-on and making the coolest crafts can be a way to encourage teens' individuality and growing sense of self. Whether projects are…

This text offers practical information and vicarious practice for both beginning as well as veteran teachers to become more knowledgeable, skilled, and effective in their work. Through study, application of what has been studied, and the analysis and evaluation of the end result of this application, teachers who care to improve can improve. And,…

This guide summarizes "Effective Programs in Elementary Mathematics: A Best-Evidence Synthesis" and "Effective Programs in Middle and High School Mathematics: A Best-Evidence Synthesis," two research reviews conducted by Johns Hopkins University's Center for Research and Reform in Education. The purpose of the reviews was to evaluate the…

In this book, the author suggests that to truly learn, students should be puzzled about new knowledge. Question-finding, the unique strategy described in the book, fosters this learning by leading adolescent students to probe the multiple meanings of text and ask challenging, open-ended questions. Focus units illustrate how teachers can use…

Giving young people a voice builds their confidence, self-esteem and motivation and encourages them to develop an interest in current events. It helps them to develop and express their own opinions while listening to others, and to appreciate the importance of researching topics unfamiliar to them. It is an important way of developing their…

While research shows that children's love of learning declines steadily from grades 3-9, this article explains how to motivate students by meaningfully connecting school to the real world, focusing on connecting science to the natural word, social studies to current events, literature to real-life experiences, and math applications to daily life.…

Presents tips from teachers on how to encourage students to do their homework in a thorough and timely manner. Tips include: pizza lunches for students who turn in all their homework; extra time outside for students who complete their homework and maintain appropriate behavior; and an accountability checklist that students must sign regarding…

The article discusses motivating gifted children to take greater enjoyment and interest in literature and composition through inspiration from in person and mixed media exposure to authors of children's books. Focus is mainly on the "Profiles in Literature" series of videotaped interviews with authors, distributed by Temple University. (DLS)

Reports on a study of student motivation and its relationship to performance. The findings were not definitive but do point to a relationship between motivation and achievement.(MD)

Like educators around the country, staff in juvenile justice facilities recognize the serious academic challenges that many of their students face because of low levels of literacy achievement. This "Adolescent Literacy Guide" provides guidance to administrators and teachers who want to increase opportunities for students in juvenile…