"Beyond Standards" highlights the structural conditions that have undermined the success of the standards movement and challenges us to confront them. The book offers an impassioned argument about the ways that our decentralized educational systems undermine the pursuit of educational equity and excellence. Morgan Polikoff applies a wide…

In this 2nd edition of "Focus: Elevating the Essentials to Radically Improve Student Learning," Mike Schmoker extends and updates the case that our schools could be on the cusp of swift, unparalleled improvements. But we are stymied by a systemwide failure to simplify and prioritize; we have yet to focus our limited time and energy on…

Linking assessment to everyday classroom instruction requires a shift in both thinking and practice. For many, the term "assessment" simply means "grade". "Using Classroom Assessment to Improve Student Learning" shows how teachers can move away from using tests, letter or numerical grades, or passing or failing as…

As the new English Language Arts Common Core State Standards take hold across the United States, the need grows for pre-service and in-service teachers to be ready to develop curriculum and instruction that addresses their requirements. This timely, thoughtful, and comprehensive text directly meets this need. It delineates a literacy practices and…

The newly updated "Content-Based Curriculum for High-Ability Learners" provides a solid introduction to curriculum development in gifted and talented education. Written by experts in the field of gifted education, this text uses cutting-edge design techniques and aligns the core content with national and state standards. In addition to a revision…

The education system in California today is unable to meet the needs of the state's economy or the expectations of its citizens. From school finance to ensuring the quality of teaching, from assessment and accountability to preparing students for college and careers, education policy today in California often works against the best interests of…

This book examines learning science from multiple perspectives--especially a child's. The whimsical character of Mary Froggins guides readers through the steps of igniting students' natural sense of wonder, incorporating brain research, integrating science concepts with other subjects, and applying science to daily life. The authors demonstrate…

Marzano's Taxonomy--the most current and comprehensive guide in 50 years to define the new standard for education--is a resource for all directors of curriculum and instruction, directors of staff development, principals, and teachers. Developed by Robert Marzano and John S. Kendall, internationally recognized experts in the development and…

In this era of accountability and high-stakes testing, school leaders must find more sophisticated ways to help all students succeed. But how can districts make adequate yearly progress without a coherent system for addressing state standards? In "From Standards to Success", education professor Mark R. O'Shea introduces the Standards Achievement…

This book provides classroom teachers at every grade level and subject the tools and background to effectively work with standards as a guide in their planning. It explains the process by which educators can rearticulate state standards and align the locally rearticulated standards to their curriculum and student performance. Six chapters include:…

This book explores concept-based learning across disciplines and grade levels. Teachers can use the specific strategies to create a seamless learning program that teaches students the skills they need to think conceptually and to solve problems in today's complex, changing world. Chapter 1 reviews national, state, and local standards through a set…

This book is a resource written for educational leaders who want to successfully restructure and enhance curriculum in schools today. It provides innovative and successful curriculum ideas, including reflective case studies, "Keys to Leadership" sections, curriculum tips, and "Challenge" sections with key issues and questions in every chapter.…

United States state history is a required component of the upper elementary social studies curriculum in all 50 states. Noting that few resources exist on the subject of state history, this book aims to show teachers how to plan a state unit using a culturally relevant, social constructivist pedagogy with connections to literacy, a focus on…

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…

Initially, the committee whose members authored this monograph was commissioned to investigate the current thoughts and practices surrounding the certification of the curriculum worker. As evidenced by the papers contained here, the group's perspective broadened to include attention to the role, function, and preparation of the curriculum leader.…