Among the many models of school reform that have emerged in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, one has endured for more than 50 years: the School Development Program (SDP). Established in 1968 by renowned child psychiatrist James P. Comer and the Yale Child Study Center, the SDP is grounded in the belief that successful schooling-particularly for children from disadvantaged backgrounds-must focus on the whole child. With that in mind, the SDP encompasses both academics and social-emotional development, and it is founded on positive and productive relationships among students, teachers, school leaders, and parents. With the Whole Child in Mind describes the SDP's six developmental pathways (cognitive, social, psychological, physical, linguistic, and ethical) and explains how the program's nine key components (in the form of mechanisms, operations, and guiding principles) create a comprehensive approach to educating children for successful outcomes. Firsthand recollections by Comer, school leaders and teachers, and SDP staff members provide an inside look at the challenges and successes that eventually transformed severely underperforming schools into models of excellence. Linda Darling-Hammond, one of the country's foremost experts on K-12 education, and her colleagues argue persuasively for the continuing relevance of the SDP. Far too many schools still operate in a high-pressure environment that emphasizes testing and standardized curricula while ignoring the fundamental importance of personal connections that make a profound difference for students. Fifty years on, the SDP is still just as powerful as ever.

Collins Big Cat Phonics for Letters and Sounds features exciting fiction and non-fiction decodable readers to enthuse and inspire children. They are fully aligned to Letters and Sounds Phases 1-6 and contain notes in the back. The Handbooks provide support in demonstration and modelling, monitoring comprehension and expanding vocabulary. Humpty Dumpty has fallen off the wall! Follow a cast of familiar fairy tale characters as they try to help him. Lilac/Band 0 books are wordless books that tell a story through pictures and are designed to develop an understanding of how stories work. They support early practice of reading and exploration of familiar themes to further develop curiosity and inspiration for early readers. Images from within each scene are pulled out along the bottom of the pages to focus and promote discussion. These books support Phase 1 of Letters and Sounds. Pages 14 and 15 contain an "I Spy" feature, which uses visual support to help children explore the themes and sounds contained within the book. Reading notes within the book provide practical support for reading Big Cat Phonics for Letters and Sounds with children, including a list of all the sounds and words that the book will cover.

From the bestselling author of Horrible Histories... 387 BC Rome is under attack from the vicious Gauls and the barbarian army is now preparing to besiege the Temple of Juno on Capitol Hill, home of Brutus, a trainee priest. The temple's inhabitants are offered help from the army of Lord Furius, but are not sure if he is to be trusted. However, when rescue eventually comes it is from an even more unlikely source... A tale based on one of the most famous of all Roman legends, full of Terry Deary's dark humour and dry wit. Book band: Grey Ideal for ages 8+ Quizzed for Accelerated Reader

A surprising and entertaining story from former children's laureate and multi-award winner Anne Fine, perfect for children learning to read. Bryce is fed up with tests. So far this week he's had a spelling test, a swimming test, and even a test on his bike. So, on Friday, Bryce decides to surprise the adults with his own test. What happens when Bryce turns the tables on all the adults? The Reading Ladder series helps children to enjoy learning to read. It features well-loved authors, classic characters and favourite topics, so that children will find something to excite and engage them in every title they pick up. It's the first step towards a lasting love of reading. Level 3 Reading Ladder titles are perfect for fluent readers who are beginning to read exciting, challenging stories independently. Varied sentences Detailed illustrations to enjoy Chapters Interesting characters and themes A rich range of vocabulary More complex storylines to stretch confident readers All Reading Ladder titles are developed with a leading literacy consultant, making them perfect for use in schools and for parents keen to support their children's reading. Book band: Gold.

From the bestselling author of Horrible Histories... Young Acheron is a liar. Everybody knows it. Troy is under siege and Acheron tells tales of Trojan bravery to entertain Prince Paris and the beautiful Helen at the palace. But when a stranger comes to the city to announce that the Greeks have departed, leaving a special gift of a wooden horse, Acheron is suspicious. He races to tell Prince Paris about the Greek plot, but will anyone at the palace believe him? Terry Deary's Greek Tales explore the world of Ancient Greece through the eyes of children who could have lived at the time. These stories feature real people and take place in some of the most recognisable Greek settings. This new edition features notes for the reader to help extend learning and exploration of the historical period.

From the bestselling author of Horrible Histories... Every day, hapless hopefuls travel to dirty and dangerous Tudor London, trying to seek their fortunes. But what and who is waiting for them when they get there? Tricksters and conmen, like young Eleanor's family, who prey on their naivety. Meanwhile, the fearsome King Henry VIII has some rather cruel ideas of justice... for everyone. Terry Deary's Tudor Tales explore the infamous world of the Tudors through the eyes of children who could have lived at the time. These stories feature real people and take place in some of the most recognisable Tudor settings. This new edition features notes for the reader to help extend learning and exploration of the historical period.

Inspire a love of reading with stories that are written from a child’s perspective and will encourage children to discover the world around them. With audio and activities, Peapod Readers are the perfect start to a child’s journey into learning English. Katy draws a funny house. Includes: Before and after reading activities Picture dictionary Exam practice for Cambridge Pre A1 Starters Reading guide online

From the bestselling author of Horrible Histories... Whitby, Northern England, 867. Edwin and Luke are young boys training to be monks. It's a quiet life, until one day the Vikings invade. The boys are terrified of the fearsome Danes, whose gods are even more terrifying warriors than they are. What will happen if the boys are caught? Terry Deary's Viking Tales explore the world and mythology of the Vikings through the eyes of children who could have lived at the time. These stories feature real people from history and take place in some of the most recognisable Viking settings. This new edition features notes for the reader to help extend learning and exploration of the historical period. Book band: Brown Ideal for ages 7+ Quizzed for Accelerated Reader

From the bestselling author of Horrible Histories... AD 51 Bran is a slave, a prisoner of Rome, but dreams of one day returning to his homeland, Britannia, to fight against the Romans. When the proud young slave is overheard criticizing Rome, he is thrown into prison and faces execution the next day. Luckily, his cell mate Caratacus is a very special prisoner indeed - a British chief. He believes he has a way to save both their skins, but he'll need Bran's help. A tale based on a key moment in Roman history, full of Terry Deary's dark humour and dry wit. Book band: Brown Ideal for ages 7+ Quizzed for Accelerated Reader

From the bestselling author of Horrible Histories... The boys at school are excited. The Olympic games are coming to the city. They may be too young to compete, but their teacher suggests the school should have its own games. Of course, girls have no part at all in these festivities but Elena discovers her twin brother, Cypselis, has made a bet with Big Bacchiad (the school bully). If Cypselis wins he will get a new goat. If he loses then Elena will become Bacchiad's slave. Elena's freedom is at stake - she needs all her cunning to make sure her brother wins. But will he? Terry Deary's Greek Tales explore the world of Ancient Greece through the eyes of children who could have lived at the time. These stories feature real people and take place in some of the most recognisable Greek settings. This new edition features notes for the reader to help extend learning and exploration of the historical period.

From the bestselling author of Horrible Histories... North America, 1009. The conquering Vikings are delighted to reach North America. The land is green and fertile - it's the perfect place to establish a new home. But first they must learn to get on with the natives. Terry Deary's Viking Tales explore the world and mythology of the Vikings through the eyes of children who could have lived at the time. These stories feature real people from history and take place in some of the most recognizable Viking settings. This new edition features notes for the reader to help extend learning and exploration of the historical period. Book band: Brown Ideal for ages 7+ Quizzed for Accelerated Reader

From the bestselling author of Horrible Histories... Isambard Kingdom Brunel's Great Western is the biggest, fasted steamship in the world. But the crew of the little Irish steamship Sirius are determined to beat Brunel's sea monster and be the first ship to cross the Atlantic by steam alone. With fires causing havoc, Brunel getting injured and one ship running out of coal, which steam sea monster has the power to win this dangerous race? Terry Deary's Victorian Tales explore the fascinating world of the Victorians, including many of the incredible achievements and breakthroughs that took place, through the eyes of children who could have lived at the time. This new edition features notes for the reader to help extend learning and exploration of the historical period.

From the bestselling author of Horrible Histories... Henri Giffard has devoted all his free time and money to inventing the first steam-driven hot air balloon. He's determined to make mankind's first ever-powered flight, and so in 1852 he sets off for Paris with just an urchin girl to help him. Thousands of people gather to watch the flight. Will the machine work when the weather changes - or will Henri's dream of flying become his downfall? Terry Deary's Victorian Tales explore the fascinating world of the Victorians, including many of the incredible achievements and breakthroughs that took place, through the eyes of children who could have lived at the time. This new edition features notes for the reader to help extend learning and exploration of the historical period.

From the bestselling author of Horrible Histories... Tutankhamen has been buried in his rocky tomb. But there is a plot to rob the grave of its vast wealth as soon as possible after the funeral. A motley gang of villains have all the skills they need to undertake the crime - the key member of the team is young Paneb, who is small and lithe and the only one who can slip through the tunnel and into the funeral chamber. It's a risky venture, because, if he's caught, the punishment is slow torture and death. Terry Deary's Egyptian Tales explore the world of Ancient Egypt through the eyes of children who could have lived at the time. These stories feature real people and take place in some of the most recognisable Egyptian settings. This new edition features notes for the reader to help extend learning and exploration of the historical period.

From the bestselling author of Horrible Histories... This is a tale of Neria, who works in the House of Death helping her father to make mummies. Neria enjoys her work, but when the pharaoh dies, everyone is so busy that Neria is given the responsibility of mummifying the pharaoh's cat, to accompany him to the afterlife. The trouble is, Neria doesn't want to kill and gut the cat! Can she find a way to save it - without being caught and punished? Terry Deary's Egyptian Tales explore the world of Ancient Egypt through the eyes of children who could have lived at the time. These stories feature real people and take place in some of the most recognisable Egyptian settings. This new edition features notes for the reader to help extend learning and exploration of the historical period.

From the bestselling author of Horrible Histories... AD 64 Rome is a frightening place. But little does Christian slave girl Mary realise the dangers that await her when she accompanies her master to the city. It is the day of the chariot races and Mary finds herself the only witness to a terrible crime. Soon it is not just the thieves and drunks she has to worry about, but someone far more cruel and powerful... A tale based on a key moment in Roman history, full of Terry Deary's dark humour and dry wit. Book band: Brown Ideal for ages 7+ Quizzed for Accelerated Reader

From the best-selling author of Horrible Histories... Spain, 1099 Cristina is a serving girl at the palace of Valencia, and she has a reputation for being cowardly. El Cid, King Alfonso's greatest knight, is a master of terror. Tomorrow he marches on the blood thirsty Berbers at the city gates, and Cristina must lead him into battle under very strange circumstances... can she find the courage to take the reins and save the day? An unusual tale, based on a real medieval knight, this story is full of Terry Deary's dark humour and dry wit.

From the bestselling author of Horrible Histories... Plymouth, 1577 Tom is a cabin boy for Captain Francis Drake, on his mission to steal South American gold from the Spanish fleet. Can Tom survive the trip round the world, through waves three times the height of their tiny ship, help Drake defeat the Spanish galleons - and come back rich? A fantastic story blending pirate legend with historical fact and Terry Deary's vividly imagined characters. Book Band: Brown Ideal for ages 7+ Quizzed for Accelerated Reader

From the bestselling author of Horrible Histories... The day Queen Mary Tudor came to town was the most terrifying day of young Meg's life. The Queen is also known as 'Bloody Mary' because she has anyone who doesn't go to church burned. Everyone wants to impress her, and what better way than by burning a witch. But the "witch" in question, Old Nan, is more clever and cunning than the townspeople who hunt her... Terry Deary's Tudor Tales explore the infamous world of the Tudors through the eyes of children who could have lived at the time. These stories feature real people and take place in some of the most recognisable Tudor settings. This new edition features notes for the reader to help extend learning and exploration of the historical period.

Seven-year-old Bruno is back and tackling problems with his trademark originality. He defeats hiccups. He trades his mother for a new hat. He skillfully avoids math. And thanks to his special Flutter Kick, he easily advances to the next level--in swimming and in life! Bruno is ready for any challenge as he learns all there is to know about being a boy.

In "Bruno for Real," the sequel to "I, Bruno, " award-winning author Caroline Adderson shares more of Bruno's really real adventures. Caroline lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, with her husband and the son who lied to her when he said he'd always be seven.

From the bestselling author of Horrible Histories, named 'the outstanding children's non-fiction author of the 20th century' by Books For Keeps _______________ Ideal for readers aged 7+ Wessex, Southern England, 878. Fortune is not on the side of the English and the Vikings will soon control all the land. Even young Ethelbert believes he could do a better job than King Alfred. Little does he know that soon he will be called on to prove it. Terry Deary’s Viking Tales explore the world and mythology of the Vikings through the eyes of children who could have lived at the time. These stories feature real people from history and take place in some of the most recognizable Viking settings. This new edition features notes for the reader to help extend learning and exploration of the historical period. Book band: Brown Quizzed for Accelerated Reader _______________ ‘Bubbling with wit, language play and robust dialogue....just the right mix of ingredients to trigger young readers' interest in all things historical’ - Books For Keeps