While teachers and schools across the country actively work to impart curricula that is relevant and meaningful to their students, the written standards and reading lists too often represent a Eurocentric perspective and reinforce inequities perpetuated by the status quo. Too frequently, teachers are inadequately supported with or provided…

"Integrating Social and Emotional Learning with Content" builds a framework for creatively and effectively using picture books to integrate social and emotional learning (SEL) with teaching across content areas. Thoughtful book choices in mixed-ability early elementary classrooms have the power to not only support gifted students as they…

Over the last several years, the West Fargo Public Schools district (North Dakota) came to realize its English language arts resources needed an overhaul. The books students were reading in class and the discussions classes were having were not reflective of the student body. What is the purpose for requiring all students to read a specific text?…

Books can indeed change us, and the Notable Children's Books in the English Language Arts Selection Committee is pleased to share a list of powerful books that they believe have the potential to change individuals. Through this list, they hope readers discover books that not only are worth reading but also can stretch their imaginations and…

In this mixed method study I evaluated the relationship between teachers' perceptions of text complexity and data of text complexity assessed by standard and non-standard measures in the disciplines of English Language Arts (ELA), science, and social studies. For the quantitative portion of this study, I evaluated and correlated the text…

This article explores why we need to be intentional about the literature we explore in our English language arts classrooms. It explores the question of what literature should be considered and strategies for using democratic practices in support of literature circles. It also reinforces the importance of collaborative practitioner research to…

As a result of high-stakes testing pressure and financial strain within schools, fine arts programs continue to be cut from K-12 education. While research indicates the benefits of music related to learning, brain development, and reading (Kraus, Hornickel, Strait, Slater, & Thompson, 2014), many students do not receive instruction in the fine…

This dissertation examines a curricular approach at an institution that claims to maintain a liberal arts focus--that of the canon of Great Books as implemented as a formal curriculum at St. John's College. My research question is: what enabled the Great Books program at St. John's College to survive for over seventy years? The significance of…

Schools nationwide are transitioning to the Common Core--our advice to you: Be prepared, but don't go it alone! Our new book, "Common Core Literacy Lesson Plans: Ready-to-Use Resources, 9-12," shows you that teaching the Common Core State Standards in high school doesn't have to be intimidating! This easy-to-use guide meets the particular needs of…

Schools nationwide are transitioning to the Common Core--our advice to you: Don't go it alone! Our new book, "Common Core Literacy Lesson Plans: Ready-to-Use Resources, K-5," shows you that teaching the Common Core State Standards in the elementary grades doesn't have to be intimidating! This easy-to-use guide provides model lesson plans for…

Schools nationwide are transitioning to the Common Core--our advice to you: Don't go it alone! Our new book, "Common Core Literacy Lesson Plans: Ready-to-Use Resources, 6-8," shows you that teaching the Common Core State Standards in the middle grades doesn't have to be intimidating! This easy-to-use guide meets the particular needs of middle…

This article describes a 7th grade Language Arts teacher's investigation into whether she could use her district-prescribed literature selections to effectively increase her students' awareness of sociocultural issues. She used an instructional strategy called Think-Aloud to explicitly discuss social and cultural issues as they related to the…

"Teaching Young Adult Literature Today" introduces the reader to what is current and relevant in the plethora of good books available for adolescents. More importantly, literary experts illustrate how teachers everywhere can help their students become lifelong readers by simply introducing them to great reads--smart, insightful, and engaging books…

With an increasingly diverse nation and an ever-smaller world, global awareness is a necessity for today's students. This unique and indispensable handbook shows how teachers can use global literature to help students expand their worldview while developing increased respect for cultural diversity. The authors explain how to infuse global…

The curriculum presented in this bulletin is a response to a definite need frequently expressed by kindergarten teachers, primary teachers, and school men. The work of the different grades has been fairly standardized as to subject matter and method, and is usually outlined quite definitely for the guidance of teachers in the course of study. But…