This resource offers teachers user-friendly tools for creating a standards-based classroom that meets accountability requirements and provides a learning environment where both teachers and students can thrive. Barbara P. Benson's framework allows teachers to synthesize the best of what they already know and do with research-based best practices on learning and learners. The author emphasizes that students can best learn the required content and competencies when teachers are following the curriculum determined by the standards while: Creating a community of learners who are self-directed, interactive, cooperative, and focused on quality Making reflection a routine for everyoneTeaching content and processDeveloping more authentic student tasks and assessment methodsThe new edition of How to Meet Standards, Motivate Students, and Still Enjoy Teaching! featuresaupdated references andanew reproducibles for classroom use.

From reviews of the first edition: 'This book creates a powerful process that motivates students to self-assess, revise, and take pride in their work. It provides practical, tested strategies to implement the process in a clear, organized and meaningful way.' - from the Foreword by John P. Robson, Head of Social Sciences, Rideau High School, Ottawa-Carleton Board of Education 'Made me want to try out all the great ideas. This book is a must for a teacher's bookshelf.' - Carol Scearce, President, Enlightening Enterprises, Beverly, MA In today's standards-based and accountability-driven classroom, teachers are increasingly seeking ways to demonstrate that their students know what they are learning and are aware of why they are learning it. This groundbreaking guide shows how the combination of portfolios and student-led teacher-parent conferences can increase student understanding. Using this technique, students will be able to take charge of their learning, and are able to clearly communicate the goals of their education with fellow students, administrators, and parents. Real-life examples show how the approach has been successfully applied at any level and for any subject matter. Newly added features include: - Strategies for beginning the portfolio process with students - Current research findings that support student-led conferencing - Easy-to-use timelines and sample schedules - Masters that cut down on teacher prep-time - The latest information on electronic portfolios

From reviews of the first edition: 'This book creates a powerful process that motivates students to self-assess, revise, and take pride in their work. It provides practical, tested strategies to implement the process in a clear, organized and meaningful way.' - from the Foreword by John P. Robson, Head of Social Sciences, Rideau High School, Ottawa-Carleton Board of Education 'Made me want to try out all the great ideas. This book is a must for a teacher's bookshelf.' - Carol Scearce, President, Enlightening Enterprises, Beverly, MA In today's standards-based and accountability-driven classroom, teachers are increasingly seeking ways to demonstrate that their students know what they are learning and are aware of why they are learning it. This groundbreaking guide shows how the combination of portfolios and student-led teacher-parent conferences can increase student understanding. Using this technique, students will be able to take charge of their learning, and are able to clearly communicate the goals of their education with fellow students, administrators, and parents. Real-life examples show how the approach has been successfully applied at any level and for any subject matter. Newly added features include: - Strategies for beginning the portfolio process with students - Current research findings that support student-led conferencing - Easy-to-use timelines and sample schedules - Masters that cut down on teacher prep-time - The latest information on electronic portfolios

This resource offers teachers user-friendly tools for creating a standards-based classroom that meets accountability requirements and provides a learning environment where both teachers and students can thrive. Barbara P. Benson's framework allows teachers to synthesize the best of what they already know and do with research-based best practices on learning and learners. The author emphasizes that students can best learn the required content and competencies when teachers are following the curriculum determined by the standards while: Creating a community of learners who are self-directed, interactive, cooperative, and focused on quality Making reflection a routine for everyoneTeaching content and processDeveloping more authentic student tasks and assessment methodsThe new edition of How to Meet Standards, Motivate Students, and Still Enjoy Teaching! featuresaupdated references andanew reproducibles for classroom use.