In this book, authors Murphy and O'Neill propose a new way forward, moving away from high-stakes, test-based writing assessment and the curriculum it generates and toward an approach to assessment that centers on student learning and success. Reviewing the landscape of writing assessment and existing research-based theories on writing, the authors demonstrate how a test-based approach to accountability and current practices have undermined effective teaching and learning of writing. This book bridges the gap between real-world writing that takes place in schools, college, and careers and the writing that students are asked to do in standardized writing assessments to offer a new ecological approach to writing assessment. Murphy and O'Neill's new way forward turns accountability inside out to help teachers understand the role of formative assessments and assessment as inquiry. It also brings the outside in, by bridging the gap between authentic writing and writing assessment. Through these two strands, readers learn how assessment systems can be restructured to become better aligned with contemporary understandings of writing and with best practices in teaching. With examples of assessments from elementary school through college, chapters include guidance on designing assessments to address multiple kinds of writing, integrate reading with writing, and incorporate digital technology and multimodality. Emphasizing the central role that teachers play in systemic reform, the authors offer sample assessments developed with intensive teacher involvement that support learning and provide information for the evaluation of programs and schools. This book is an essential resource for graduate students, instructors, scholars and policymakers in writing assessment, composition, and English education.

* New edition will include updated, recent children's literature and popular culture examples * Expanded attention to censorship, culturally and linguistically diverse learners, and the needs of students around the world. * Invites multiple ways for engaging with children's literature that extend beyond the typical genre and elements approach * Explains and shows how to integrate children's literature into and across the curriculum in effective, purposeful ways * Shows what a critical approach looks like in real classrooms- numerous vignettes throughout offer examples of teachers implementing critical pedagogy * The materials and practical strategies focus on issues that impact children's lives-building from students' personal experiences and cultural knowledge * Updated Companion Website enriches and extend sthe text-includes annotated bibliography of literature selections; suggested text sets; resources by chapter; and syllabi, strategies, and assignments

In order for students to write effective narratives, they need to read good narratives. In this practical book, you'll find out how to use mentor texts to make narrative writing instruction more meaningful, authentic, and successful. Author Sean Ruday demonstrates how you can teach elementary and middle school students to analyze the qualities of effective narratives and then help them think of those qualities as tools to improve their own writing. You'll learn how to: Introduce your students to the key features of a successful narrative, such as engaging the reader, organizing an event sequence, and crafting a strong conclusion. Assess students' writing by evaluating the specific attributes of an effective narrative. Make narrative writing an interactive, student-driven exercise in which students pursue their own writing projects. Use mentor texts to help students learn the core concepts of narrative writing and apply those skills across the curriculum. Encourage students to incorporate technology and multimedia as they craft their narratives. The book is filled with examples and templates you can bring back to the classroom immediately, as well as an annotated bibliography with mentor text suggestions and links to the Common Core. You'll also find a study guide that will help you use this book for professional development with colleagues. Bonus: Blank templates of the handouts are available as printable eResources on our website (http://www.routledge.com/9781138924390).

This exciting new book celebrates, interrogates and re-imagines the complex and demanding role of the Early Childhood Practitioner. Exploring the many different facets of the Early Childhood Practitioner's (ECP) role, it challenges normative constructions of practitioners and how they have been shaped by assumptions of history, culture and policy. Drawing on a range of theoretical presumptions and debates, the chapters champion the multidimensional power and potentiality of the ECP, arguing for greater respect and recognition for a role that supports and enables at a crucial time in a child's life. With opportunities for reflection, key topics include: The specialist pedagogical expertise of the ECP The key role that ECPs play in the child's holistic wellbeing The ECP as diplomat across many professional contexts, effectively communicating with families and professionals The creative ECP, pushing traditional, normative boundaries of practice The ECP as so much more than they are customarily perceived as being. This latest addition to the TACTYC series will be valuable reading for Early Years students - particularly on Masters level courses - as well as those working and researching in the Early Years sector.

Showcasing the design and implementation of knowledge building pedagogy, this book for educators and education researchers illuminates this future-oriented instructional and learning approach. In this Knowledge Age, innovation and creative knowledge works are central to the progress of a society; increasing the productivity of knowledge workers remains the main priority of competitive societies. Consequently, developing knowledge building capacity among students becomes one main goal of education. Knowledge building aims to transform school education in a radical way by developing the culture of innovation and knowledge creation in classrooms, from preschools to universities. Knowledge building pedagogy focuses on sustaining idea improvement among students, who develop the collective cognitive responsibility to add value to the learning community. Developed since the 1990s, knowledge building is now a model of instructions researched and advanced with an international network of researchers, teachers, educators, engineers, and policymakers. Implementing the knowledge building approach requires educators to make decisions based on principles, rather than following prescriptive procedures that characterized most instructional models. Tan highlights the key pedagogical principles and discusses the critical design considerations. He also identifies the emerging research directions and developmental works related to knowledge building. A must-read book for educators and education researchers who are interested in the design and implementation of knowledge building pedagogy.

* Cross-curricular teaching tool covering, literacy, oracy, maths and science, well-being and mental health, dance, drama and art * Unleash the power of poetry in your classroom * Contains activities, lesson plans and classroom resources

Showcasing the design and implementation of knowledge building pedagogy, this book for educators and education researchers illuminates this future-oriented instructional and learning approach. In this Knowledge Age, innovation and creative knowledge works are central to the progress of a society; increasing the productivity of knowledge workers remains the main priority of competitive societies. Consequently, developing knowledge building capacity among students becomes one main goal of education. Knowledge building aims to transform school education in a radical way by developing the culture of innovation and knowledge creation in classrooms, from preschools to universities. Knowledge building pedagogy focuses on sustaining idea improvement among students, who develop the collective cognitive responsibility to add value to the learning community. Developed since the 1990s, knowledge building is now a model of instructions researched and advanced with an international network of researchers, teachers, educators, engineers, and policymakers. Implementing the knowledge building approach requires educators to make decisions based on principles, rather than following prescriptive procedures that characterized most instructional models. Tan highlights the key pedagogical principles and discusses the critical design considerations. He also identifies the emerging research directions and developmental works related to knowledge building. A must-read book for educators and education researchers who are interested in the design and implementation of knowledge building pedagogy.

* Cross-curricular teaching tool covering, literacy, oracy, maths and science, well-being and mental health, dance, drama and art * Unleash the power of poetry in your classroom * Contains activities, lesson plans and classroom resources

This exciting new book celebrates, interrogates and re-imagines the complex and demanding role of the Early Childhood Practitioner. Exploring the many different facets of the Early Childhood Practitioner's (ECP) role, it challenges normative constructions of practitioners and how they have been shaped by assumptions of history, culture and policy. Drawing on a range of theoretical presumptions and debates, the chapters champion the multidimensional power and potentiality of the ECP, arguing for greater respect and recognition for a role that supports and enables at a crucial time in a child's life. With opportunities for reflection, key topics include: The specialist pedagogical expertise of the ECP The key role that ECPs play in the child's holistic wellbeing The ECP as diplomat across many professional contexts, effectively communicating with families and professionals The creative ECP, pushing traditional, normative boundaries of practice The ECP as so much more than they are customarily perceived as being. This latest addition to the TACTYC series will be valuable reading for Early Years students - particularly on Masters level courses - as well as those working and researching in the Early Years sector.

* Offers accessible and effective methods to supplement elementary education using strengths children already possess: imagination, physical energy and a need for personal expression, which cumulate into the idea of dynamic play * Chapters provide music, art, and dance material in addition to activities, games, and creative physical activities * Research about the correlation of movement to brain activity is included to support the thesis that creative movement as an effective adjunct to learning

Identifying the essential feature of education for international understanding advocated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the book explores how Chinese schools have implemented education for international understanding since the 1980s. Through vivid cases, the author introduces the practice of education for international understanding in Chinese primary and middle schools. Based on the questionnaire survey, she analyzes the international understanding competence of Chinese students and teachers. Furthermore, she discusses the current dilemma and proposes possible solutions for Chinese education for international understanding in the future. While providing a window into China's contemporary education for the international community, the book can also be used as a reference for educational policymakers, educational researchers and primary and secondary school teachers in other countries.

Embrace Makerspace will guide elementary school leaders to create an enriching STEAM experience for their students. Principals will gain an understanding of the building and district-wide considerations needed for their makerspace initiative to be successful. Detailed information is provided about teaching and learning philosophies that makerspace incorporates, budgeting and branding practices to enhance your materials and supplies, professional development strategies and ideas to engage teachers, and suggestions for ways principals can develop as lead makers. Throughout the book practical tips and tricks for a successful makerspace experience can be found, including resources and tools for overall assessment of the program.

This timely book tackles underlying issues that see disproportionate numbers of African American males with dyslexia undiagnosed, untreated, and falling behind their peers in terms of literacy achievement. Considering factors including dialectic linguistic difference, limited phonological awareness, and the intersectionality of gender, language, and race, the studies included in this volume illustrate how classroom practices at preschool and elementary levels are failing to support students at risk of reading and writing difficulties. Promoting Academic Readiness for African American Males with Dyslexia shows that it is possible to provide every girl and boy, and particularly African American boys with effective support and appropriate interventions enabling them to read at a level that is conducive to ongoing academic performance and success. This, argue the authors of this volume, is vital to the social, emotional, moral, and intellectual development of our society. This edited volume was originally published as a special issue of Reading & Writing Quarterly: Overcoming Learning Difficulties. It will be of great interest to graduate and postgraduate students, researchers, and academics in the field of African-American Education, Educational Equity, Race studies, Multiple learning difficulties and Literacy development.

Accessible and practical guide for all practising and training kindergarten and primary teachers Covers all aspects of online teaching for early years, such at platforms, classroom management, body language, class size, feedback, assessment, and activities Filled with tried-and-tested exercises, takeaways and reflective questions for teachers to use, adapt, and integrate into teaching practice Written in a structured, cumulative manner that allows readers to read chapters based on relevance and interest

Accessible and practical guide for all practising and training kindergarten and primary teachers Covers all aspects of online teaching for early years, such at platforms, classroom management, body language, class size, feedback, assessment, and activities Filled with tried-and-tested exercises, takeaways and reflective questions for teachers to use, adapt, and integrate into teaching practice Written in a structured, cumulative manner that allows readers to read chapters based on relevance and interest

The most up-to-date book examining current issues (academic, political, pedagogical) in physical education. Essential text for any course on current issues in PE, and useful reading on any general PE course. Considers the implications of these issues for teaching practice in PE. Wide scope, from health to competitive sport, from militarisation to the impact of the market on education. Includes investigative, autobiographical and anecdotal experiences of PE in schools. First book to examine the impact of the COVID pandemic on physical education. Author is a former PE teacher and a well-established researcher and teacher educator.

The most up-to-date book examining current issues (academic, political, pedagogical) in physical education. Essential text for any course on current issues in PE, and useful reading on any general PE course. Considers the implications of these issues for teaching practice in PE. Wide scope, from health to competitive sport, from militarisation to the impact of the market on education. Includes investigative, autobiographical and anecdotal experiences of PE in schools. First book to examine the impact of the COVID pandemic on physical education. Author is a former PE teacher and a well-established researcher and teacher educator.

While developmental responsiveness is a deservingly key emphasis of middle grades education, this emphasis has often been to the detriment of focusing on the cultural needs of young adolescents. This Handbook volume explores research relating to equity and culturally responsive practices when working with young adolescents. Middle school philosophy largely centers on young adolescents as a collective group. This lack of focus has great implications for young adolescents of marginalized identities including but not limited to those with culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, LGBTQ youth, and those living in poverty. If middle level educators claim to advocate for young adolescents, we need to mainstream conversations about supporting all young adolescents of marginalized identities. It empowers researchers, educators, and even young adolescents to critically examine and understand the intersectionality of identities that historically influenced (and continue to affect) young adolescents and why educators might perceive marginalized youth in certain ways. It is for these reasons that researchers, teachers, and other key constituents involved in the education of young adolescents must devote themselves to the critical examination and understanding of the historical and current socio-cultural factors affecting all young adolescents. The chapters in this volume serve as a means to open an intentional and explicit space for providing a critical lens on early adolescence-a lens that understands that both developmental and cultural needs of young adolescents need to be emphasized to create a learning environment that supports every young adolescent learner.

A manual for teaching Young Adult Literature, this textbook presents perspectives and methods on how to organize and teach literature in engaging and inclusive ways that meet specific educational and programmatic goals. Each chapter is written by an expert and offers a rich and nuanced approach to teaching YA Literature through a distinct lens. The effective and creative ways to construct a course explored in this book include multimodal, historical, social justice, place-based approaches, and more. The broad spectrum of topics covered in the text gives pre-service teachers and students a toolbox to select and apply methods of their choosing that support effective reading and writing instruction in their own contexts, motivate students, and foster meaningful conversations in the classroom. Chapters feature consistent sections for theory and practice, course structure, suggestions for activities and assessments, and takeaways for further discussion to facilitate easy implementation in the classroom. This book is an essential text for pre-service teachers of English as well as professors and scholars of Young Adult Literature.

The link between creativity and art education is often taken for granted: This book makes explicit connections between theories of creativity and theories of art teaching/learning Aims to boost the knowledge, confidence and enthusiasm of pupils and their teachers Ready-to-use ideas for creative lessons from expert authors who are still firmly connected to the classroom End of chapter further reading to support study and useful resources listed with information on where to find such resources Illustrations, children's work, case studies to really help enthuse teachers Encourages and provides ideas for cross-curricular teaching Examines the theory, practice and influence of Reggio Emilia on primary art education

-This textbook offers an accessibly-written, practical, and amply illustrated introduction to the science of elementary math learning, written for pre-service and in-service K-5 teachers and educators with little background in cognitive development. -Balances Science and Classroom sections, synthesizing the latest developmental research, and offering ready-to-use practical classroom activities for individual, small-group, and classroom settings. -Written by an author team drawing from decades of experience in cognitive research on mathematics learning, clinical psychology, classroom experience, and working with both teachers and children.

In History and Imagination, elementary school social studies teachers will learn how to help their students break down the walls of their schools, more personally engage with history, and define democratic citizenship. By collaborating together in meaningful investigations into the past and reenacting history, students will become experts who interpret their findings, teach their peers, and relate their experiences to those of older students, neighbors, parents, and grandparents. The byproduct of this collaborative, intergenerational learning is that schools become community learning centers, just like museums and libraries, where families can go together in order to find out more about the topics that interest them. There is an incredible value in the shared and lived experiences of reenacting the past, of meeting people from different places and times: an authority and reality that textbooks cannot rival. By engaging elementary social studies students in living history, whether in the classroom, after school, or in partnership with local historical institutions, teachers are guaranteed to impress upon the students a special, desired understanding of place and time.

This book explores the current status of primary schools in Rwanda and the history behind their development. It argues that current primary school leaders in the area encounter a wide range of problems relating to conflict prevention, teachers' and school leaders' professionalism, financial and resourcing constraints, student attrition, and parental disengagement, many of which can be attributed to the legacies of war and the genocide in 1994. The book also presents a range of strategies that are pursued by school leaders while dealing with these concerns, as the Rwandan government invests in reconstructing education following the country's turmoil. Through examining the issues of the past and the present, the book provides valuable insights for researchers of educational leadership, school leaders, education policy makers, and those in charge of preparing, developing, and implementing professional development programmes for school leaders and teachers in Rwanda, as well as in other post-war and developing countries.

This book highlights the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health needs of children and adolescents in order to shed light on future practice and reform needed to better deal with the aftermath of such devastating events. The book identifies the conditions during any public health crisis that heighten the mental health needs of children and adolescents and suggests the reforms of mental health services needed to better meet the needs of children and youths during and following pandemics and other public health crises. Importance is placed not only on addressing the effects of COVID-19 but on anticipating and preparing for other public health disruptions to the lives of those who have not reached adulthood. Although mental health services in all settings are considered, special attention is given to the role of schools in providing for the mental health of children and adolescents and preparing for the mental health implications of future public health disruptions. The book will be of equal use to both students and researchers in the fields of mental health, well-being, and education as well as teachers, educational psychologists, social workers, and practitioners working in schools and communities to address students' mental health needs. It will help readers better understand how and why COVID-19 was a negative influence on students' mental health, and unpack how best to deal with the aftermath of the pandemic.