Professional Development

ALLEN, Jennifer, with Carolyn Bridges. Literature Groups All Year Long. 30 min. Stenhouse. 2008. DVD $95. ISBN 978-1-57110-734-3.

An inside view of the evolution of fourth-grade literature groups over the course of a school year. The film portrays students in discussion groups and documents the conversations between the literacy coach (Allen), the classroom teacher (Bridges), and three teacher observers. Viewers will see firsthand how students move from “flat and unfocused” talk about text to lively discussions that result in deeper understandings. D

APPELBAUM, Maryln. How to Handle the Hard-to-Handle Student, K-5. 136p. bibliog. index. CIP. Corwin. 2008. Tr $56.95. ISBN 978-1-4129-6438-8; pap. $25.95. ISBN 978-1-4129-6439-5. LC 2008020180.

Diagnosed disorders (Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Asperger’s and Tourette’s Syndromes, and others) and bullying and disruptive students are covered in this practical resource. While many strategies for improving academics are included, the majority focus on interventions to help students acquire organizational, social, and anger management skills. Explicit examples and excellent checklists are provided. B

BERNS, Barbara Brauner & Judith Opert Sandler, eds. Making Science Curriculum Matter: Wisdom for the Reform Road Ahead. 136p. appendix. bibliog. index. CIP. Corwin. 2008. Tr $56.95. ISBN 978-1-4129-6722-8; pap. $25.95. ISBN 978-1-4129-6723-5. LC 2008009172.

Science education in this country is at a critical juncture and this excellent resource will guide educators as they retool their programs. This comprehensive overview of the work of four National Science Foundation-funded dissemination and implementation centers makes it clear how the curriculum, the selection of materials, appropriate assessment strategies, and engaging professional development are key in strengthening science education. B

BORTHWICK, Arlene & Melissa Pierson, eds. Transforming Classroom Practice: Professional Development Strategies in Educational Technology. 241p. illus. index. ISTE. 2008. pap. $44.95. ISBN 978-1-56484-246-6. LC 2008023194.

Borthwick begins with background on professional development in the field, an overview of the literature on adult learning, and a discussion on the organizational climate needed for successful staff training. Recommended models follow including in-house leadership, learning circles, peer coaching, action research, networking, and systematic change. Examples of activities, technologies, and assessment tools are offered. B

DARLING-HAMMOND, Linda, et al. Powerful Learning: What We Know About Teaching for Understanding. 288p. appendix. bibliog. index. CIP. Jossey-Bass. 2008. pap. $26.95. ISBN 978-0-470-27667-9. LC 2008009921.

In order to prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s jobs, classroom instruction should focus on “ambitious and meaningful tasks,” shifting the focus from memorizing to understanding. The authors provide research evidence and suggestions for facilitating collaborative and inquiry-based learning (including project based learning, or PBL), which have the potential to support the development of the deep learning required for 21st-century skills. B

FOGELBERG, Ellen, et al. Integrating Literacy and Math: Strategies for K-6 Teachers. 184p. (Tools for Teaching Literacy Series). photos. reprods. appendix. bibliog. index. CIP. Guilford. 2008. Tr $46. ISBN 978-1-59385-719-6; pap. $25. ISBN 978-1-59385-718-9. LC 2008006885.

As part of a series on classroom-tested, research-based practices, this useful book describes ways to use literacy strategies to enhance math instruction. Topics range from introducing vocabulary to assessment. A strong foundational text. B

FROSCHAUER, Linda, ed. Science Beyond the Classroom. 210p. index. CIP. NSTA. 2008. pap. $24.95. ISBN 978-1-933531-37-3. LC 2008018494.

An excellent compendium of NSTA journal articles that provides educators with an opportunity to reflect on current curriculum. Each article recommends activities that take place outside the elementary classroom and school day from bird watching to science clubs to field trips. These opportunities will give students a solid base in the sciences and create excitement about the discipline. B

HALDEMAN, Matthew. The New Teacher’s Guide to Success: A Personalized Planning Guide for Beginning Teachers. 104p. bibliog. Shell Education. 2008. pap. $29.99. ISBN 978-1-4258-0319-3. LC number unavailable.

Based on the premise that every teacher has to make his or her own decisions about classroom practices, Haldeman outlines questions for reflection and response around 10 critical topics including teaching style, room environment, procedures and routines, time management, homework, assessment, and more. B

JENSEN, Eric. Fierce Teaching: Purpose, Passion, and What Matters Most. 96p. bibliog. index. CIP. Corwin. 2008. Tr $52.95. ISBN 978-1-4129-6329-9; pap. $23.95. ISBN 978-1-4129-6330-5. LC 2008011273.

Jensen probes educational theories and trends and presents what he believes are the seven core principles for effective learning. This engaging text explains both process and content, identifies the key elements of critical strategies, and provides techniques that are easy to implement and differentiate. Both new and experienced teachers will benefit from Jensen’s approach. B

LINDFORS, Judith Wells. Children’s Language: Connecting Reading, Writing, and Talk. 144p. (Language and Literacy Series). appendix. bibliog. further reading. index. CIP. Teachers College. 2008. pap. $22.95. ISBN 978-0-8077-4885-5. LC 2008007801.

Lindfors presents the theory of early language acquisition in a compelling style that focuses on the important connections between oral and written language. She uses her rich experiences with young children at SafePlace, a domestic violence shelter, to describe the principles that support literacy learning. Examples of these children’s quotes, writings, and drawings will engage and inspire teachers to successfully support all children in literacy development. B

MILLER, Debbie. Teaching with Intention: Defining Beliefs, Aligning Practice, Taking Action, K-5. 160p. bibliog. index. CIP. Stenhouse. 2008. pap. $21. ISBN 978-1-57110-387-1. LC 2008016720.

Miller believes that it is the professional responsibility of teachers to transform their teaching through ongoing reflection and thoughtful action. She takes readers into classrooms where she has worked as a consultant to demonstrate the importance of defining educational beliefs and aligning practices to best meet the needs of students. B

REICH, Justin & Thomas Daccord. Best Ideas for Teaching with Technology: A Practical Guide for Teachers, by Teachers. 293p. bibliog. further reading. index. CIP. M.E. Sharpe. 2008. Tr $86.95. ISBN 978-0-7656-2131-3; pap. $34.95. ISBN 978-0-7656-2132-0. LC 2007052922.

This practical guide will assist educators as they integrate various aspects of technology into lectures, presentations, assessment, classroom management, and research and writing assignments. Instructions for integrating images, using email for communication, blogging, chatting, creating student portfolios, and online tests and quizzes are just a sampling of the tools and ideas covered. B

SHORES, Cara & Kim Chester. Using RTI for School Improvement: Raising Every Student’s Achievement Scores. 232p. bibliog. index. Corwin. 2008. Tr $72.95. ISBN 978-1-4129-6640-5; pap. $33.95. ISBN 978-1-4129-6641-2. LC 2008031148.

Response to Intervention (RTI) is not a new approach but it is the current hot topic in education, involving deliberate early intervention and prevention. Used successfully in schools, the problem-solving model consists of three tiers. Tier 1 chapters address appropriate assessment, establishing research-based interventions, and providing effective instruction for all, while Tiers 2 and 3 provide structures for at-risk students and intensive interventions for non-responders. Resources include a bibliography, Web sites for teachers and parents, schedules, grouping, and sample documents. B