Professional Development

ALLINGTON, Richard L. & Sean A. Walmsley, eds. No Quick Fix: Rethinking Literacy Programs in America’s Elementary Schools: The RTI Edition. 278p. (Language and Literacy Series). bibliog. index. CIP. Teachers College. 2007. pap. $24.95. ISBN 978-0-8077-4844-2. LC 2007030124.

The editors address the negative impact of remediation and special education programs on struggling readers and postulate that a one-size-fits-all curriculum is one of the major culprits for increasing referrals to these programs. In this edition, they present the well-documented successes of RTI (Response to Intervention) methods. Important reading for educators, administrators, policymakers, and parents. B

BLYTHE, Tina, David Allen, & Barbara Schieffelin Powell. Looking Together at Student Work. 2nd ed. 96p. (On School Reform Series). Teachers College. 2007. pap. $15.95. ISBN 978-0-8077-4835-0. LC 2007024211.

Helpful strategies for constructively evaluating students’ work such as essays, math, and science projects. The protocols endorsed analyze student work to improve teaching, guide instruction, and draw new meanings. This updated, in-depth plan is appropriate for K–12 and includes a new chapter on the role of the facilitator. B

CALDWELL, JoAnne Schudt. Reading Assessment: A Primer for Teachers and Coaches. 2nd ed. 294p. (Solving Problems in Teaching of Literacy Series). Guilford. 2007. Tr $48. ISBN 978-1-59385-580-2; pap. $28. ISBN 978-1-59385-579-6. LC 2007021755.

This second edition addresses No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and the changing face of assessment. Other additions include discussions on how to construct and score standardized tests, and raising the validity and reliability of classroom assessment. B

CARR, Judy F., Janice R. Fauske, & Stephen Rushton. Teaching and Leading from the Inside Out: A Model for Reflection, Exploration, and Action. 139p. charts. bibliog. index. CIP. Corwin. 2007. Tr $52.95. ISBN 978-1-4129-2666-9; pap. $23.95. ISBN 978-1-4129-2667-6. LC 2007040306.

Staff developers, educational leaders, and teacher educators will find this resource extremely helpful as they work to establish a professional learning community. Real-life vignettes illustrate themes of authenticity, agency, and appreciation. Reflective activities encourage readers to explore questions related to professional growth. B

CHAPMAN, Carolyn & Rita King. Differentiated Instructional Management: Work Smarter, Not Harder. 277p. bibliog. index. CIP. Corwin. 2007. Tr $76.95. ISBN 978-1-4129-2500-6; pap. $36.95. ISBN 978-1-4129-2501-3. LC 2007029938.

Both new and experienced teachers will welcome this comprehensive guide to establishing and maintaining an effective learning environment. The authors include easy-to-follow management tips and strategies, blueprints for planning differentiated instruction, strategies and designs for flexible grouping, and a process for gathering and using assessment data to plan subsequent instruction. B

CORBIN, Barry. Unleashing the Potential of the Teenage Brain: 10 Powerful Ideas. 168p. bibliog. further reading. glossary. index. CIP. Corwin. 2007. Tr $62.95. ISBN 978-1-4129-5762-5; pap. $28.95. ISBN 978-1-4129-4249-2. LC 2007011188.

A rich, anecdotal roadmap to current brain research and learning theory. Clearly articulated instructional strategies are superbly illustrated through case studies, descriptions of changing teacher and student roles and expectations, and specific guidelines for creating the ideal learning environment for developing minds. B

CUSHMAN, Kathleen & Laura Rogers. Fires in the Middle School Bathroom: Advice for Teachers from Middle Schoolers. 219p. The New Press. 2008. Tr $24.95. ISBN 978-1-59558-111-2. LC 2007047177.

Having interviewed tweens and teens in urban areas from Connecticut to California, Cushman and Rogers share suggestions with teachers navigating the murky waters (and noisy school corridors) of early adolescence. Topics include homework, grades, scheduling, friendships, bullying, identity, and other issues. Throughout, the authors propose practical hints for making the school day more kid-friendly and receptive to students’ physical needs and learning styles. B

GUTHRIE, John T., ed. Engaging Adolescents in Reading. 185p. charts. reprods. appendix. bibliog. index. CIP. Corwin. 2008. Tr $72.95. ISBN 978-1-4129-5334-4; pap. $33.95. ISBN 978-1-4129-5335-1. LC 2007040310.

Addressing five issues affecting motivation—meaning-making/engagement, choice, social nature of reading, self-efficacy/confidence, and interest/relevance—the authors of each chapter share the research on the topic and provide classroom-based solutions. A strength of the book is its questionnaires, which will give teachers an opportunity to compare their perceptions of students’ classroom experiences with their students’ observations. B

LUFT, Julie, Randy L. Bell, & Julie Gess-Newsome, eds. Science as Inquiry in the Secondary Setting. 149p. bibliog. index. CIP. NSTA. 2007. Tr $24.95. ISBN 978-1-933531-26-7. LC 2007042206.

This resource captures the essence of science as inquiry and provides a conceptual framework for instruction. Supported by a collection of stories and examples, it effectively connects theory to practice. Using a “conversation template,” the chapters clearly illustrate the multidimensional lenses from which inquiry can be viewed. B

NOGUERA, Pedro A. The Trouble with Black Boys: And Other Reflections on Race, Equity, and the Future of Public Education. 324p. bibliog. index. CIP. Jossey-Bass. 2008. Tr $24.95. ISBN 978-0-7879-8874-6. LC 2007049671.

Noguera’s eye-opening and thought-provoking book argues that “assumptions held toward Black males that allow them to be regarded largely as a problem, pathologize their needs, and deny them the opportunity to learn must be thoroughly discussed, debated, and challenged.” These 12 chapters are a ready means to begin conversation about all marginalized groups. B

PATRI, Angelo. A Schoolmaster of the Great City: A Progressive Educator’s Pioneering Vision for Urban Schools. 140p. New Press. 2007. Tr $60. ISBN 978-1-59558-219-5; pap. $17.95. ISBN 978-1-59558-212-6. LC number unavailable.

This autobiography celebrates Patri’s (1876–1965) life as an educator in New York City and his transformation from a strict disciplinarian to a progressive educator. As relevant and as inspirational today as it was when it was first published in 1917. B

PLUCKER, Jonathan A. & Carolyn M. Callahan, eds. Critical Issues and Practices in Gifted Education: What the Research Says. 785p. charts. bibliog. index. CIP. Prufrock. 2007. pap. $99.95. ISBN 978-1-59363-295-3. LC 2007031095.

Each of the 50 chapters in this book focuses on an issue relevant to gifted students’ achievement. From academic competitions to counseling and parenting to writing, contributors review the literature on the subject and draw conclusions. Both researchers and practitioners will find great value in this comprehensive, accessible resource. B

ROBERTS, Deborah, Claire Bove, and Emily van Zee, eds. Teacher Research: Stories of Learning and Growing. 161p. index. CIP. NSTA. 2007. pap. $19.95. ISBN 978-1-933531-13-7. LC 2007011123.

Research can be a part of everyday instruction as these stories of science teachers’ experiences of action research in the classroom testify. The text will inspire others to ask questions about their own students’ learning, collecting and analyzing evidence, and sharing findings. B

ROY, Kenneth Russell. The NSTA Ready-Reference Guide to Safer Science. 156p. index. CIP. NSTA. 2007. pap. $19.95. ISBN 978-1-933531-28-1. LC 2007034665.

This essential addition to science department collections is both a reflective guide for seasoned practitioners and a tool kit for new teachers. The author offers an overview of legal standards and provides clearly articulated steps on the prevention of and response to science lab incidents. NSTA position papers on a variety of topics conclude the volume. B

RUSH, Leslie S., A. Jonathan Eakle, & Allen Berger, eds. Secondary School Literacy: What Research Reveals for Classroom Practice. 323p. bibliog. index. CIP. NCTE. 2007. pap. $38.95. ISBN 978-0-8141-4293-6. LC 2007028949.

The needs of struggling learners, the significance of students’ cultures, and what constitutes the new literacies are strands that cross chapters in this look at current research in the field of literacy. Sampled or read consecutively, these timely and thought-provoking essays will engender lively and productive discussions. B

SPRENGER, Marilee. The Developing Brain: Birth to Age Eight. 144p. bibliog. index. CIP. Corwin. 2008. Tr $70.95. ISBN 978-1-4129-5534-8; pap. $28.95. ISBN 978-1-4129-5535-5. LC 2007043469.

The author presents up-to-date research on brain development in young children and effectively links it to brain-compatible teaching practices. This accessible resource includes snapshots and scenarios of children at different ages, reproducible developmental checklists, and suggestions for more than 100-plus brain-based activities to enhance learning in the areas of language, motor, and social development. B

TURNER-VORBECK, Tammy & Monica Miller Marsh, eds. Other Kinds of Families: Embracing Diversity in Schools. 204p. index. CIP. Teachers College. 2007. Tr $60. ISBN 978-0-8077-4839-8; pap. $27.95. ISBN 978-0-8077-4838-1. LC 2007024416.

The authors consider the changing makeup of today’s families and discuss how they are represented and addressed in school culture. Educators will find valuable information about how to ensure that all students’ situations (e.g., adoption, recent immigration, homelessness, gay or lesbian parents) are accepted, valued, and honored in the classroom. B