Use assessment as a powerful tool to inform instruction and learning! With practical, informed assessment techniques, you can increase your instructional effectiveness and demonstrate improvements in student learning. This research-based book, part of the In A Nutshell series, provides a succinct yet substantive discussion about formative assessments and how they impact the teaching/learning cycle. The authors present results-oriented methods, offer invaluable tips, and examine three types of inFormative assessments: - Routine inFormative Assessments to weave into everyday instruction - Reflective inFormative Assessments to foster self-assessment for students and teachers - Rigorous inFormative Assessments to provide continuous tools that inform teaching practices and student learning

The third edition of The Portfolio Connection: Student Work Linked to Standards offers practical advice and reader-friendly strategies for using portfolios to assess students authentically, demonstrate student learning and growth, and help students celebrate their own achievement. With a focus on incorporating standards into the portfolio process, the authors show teachers how to help students collect portfolio pieces and how to develop checklists and rubrics to monitor student progress. This essential resource includes: Tips for integrating technology into the portfolio process Steps for conducting student-led conferences Reproducibles for immediate classroom use

What are ten things that help new teachers get off to a good start? How can educators excel in this complex, demanding, and ultimately rewarding profession? These answers, along with high impact strategies, can be found in this must-have resource. Filled with words of wisdom, practical advice, and action steps to achieve success in those critical first years, this powerful little booklet distills the teaching and consulting experience of an international author and teacher of teachers. It includes: - high-impact strategies for novice and veteran practitioners - how-to for communicating with parents - techniques for planning for the unexpected - a unique format for teacher teams to discuss one chapter a month - action steps to achieve success in the crucial first years This handy guide is a quick reference tool on everything from writing rubrics to communicating with parents to planning for the unexpected. Teams of new and experienced teachers can grow together by discussing and applying a chapter a month over a year.

Discover strategies that work with the adult learner!

Based on the authors' 20 years of combined experience, this illuminating text examines the challenge of teaching adults and reveals what really works when leading professional development training for educators. Ideal for new and aspiring staff developers, this resource presents research-based adult learner theory and reviews assumptions about adult learners, principles that guide adult learning practices, and adult responses to change. The authors discuss all aspects of adult training, including: Roles people play in group processesThe three-tiered change processThe evolution of professional development modelsLevels of information transfer to the classroom

Help adult learners transfer professional development content into their classrooms.

Using teacher-tested techniques, the authors present research-based strategies for professional developers that foster content transfer from the staff training setting directly into the classroom. Listing the types of content transfer teachers commonly use, the text calls on staff trainers to: Understand how transfer works and set expectations for transfer of learning Model authentic examples of what successful transfer looks like in the classroomInvite participants to consider their usual styles of transfer and to try new onesBrainstorm ideas with adult learners for applying new content in their lessons

This new book from a leading staff developer gathers together a wealth of tools, strategies and advice on developing, delivering and coaching professional development. With so many new initiatives and requirements to be incorporated into classroom teaching and assessment, this resource gives school leaders, staff developers and consultants everything they need to successfully guide staff to greater effectiveness and ultimately benefit student achievement. The book is built around four critical roles of the staff developer, and provides the knowledge base, skills, and tools for success. Photocopiables for helping staff process and transfer new learning are also included. This resource also presents important information about customizing professional development for the needs of adult learners, sustaining and extending new strengths, and promoting the critical transfer of new learning into practice. Strategies and questions to promote reflective processing are threaded throughout. From Staff Room to Classroom offers readers guidance as well as practical know-how and how-to distilled from the career experience of a distinguished international professional developer.

Formerly a Skylight publication.Explore the concept of problem-based learning as a curricular framework and instructional model for the classroom. Divided into four sections, Beginnings, Understandings, Applications, and Innovations, this book helps educators build a foundation for understanding and incorporating problem-based learning strategies in the classroom.

The tips and tricks you need to know to make transfer happen! We know that the most expensive in-service is the one that teachers do not apply in the classroom. From Staff Room to Classroom offers district-level leaders, staff developers, and instructional coaches sure-fire tools and strategies for delivering professional learning that answers the question, "How can I use this in my classroom?" This resource provides comprehensive, indispensable guidance on: Effectively reaching and teaching adult learners by understanding their motivations, dispositions, and preferences The six levels of transfer and seven bridging strategies for supporting teachers as they apply content learned in PD to their classrooms and student interactions Updating professional learning to include technological developments and blended solutions Differentiating PD cross-generationally to promote reflective processing Instill effective professional development with this guide to raise the rigor of instruction in the classroom and change the culture of your building. "In From Staff Room to Classroom, Fogarty and Pete take us into their world of improving schools through professional development. The authors are very experienced and thoroughly grounded, high-level practitioners in their specialty." -Bruce Joyce, Author of Realizing the Promise of 21st-Century Education

This step-by-step classic, Blueprints for Achievement in the Cooperative Classroom, embeds the teaching of critical thinking within the cooperative setting to support learning for life, rather than learning just for tests. Thousands of teachers are currently using the guidelines and sample lessons from this text to apply the tools of cooperative learning and thinking in their classrooms. This updated edition clarifies the role of standards in the assessment process to further support student achievement.

Formerly a SkyLight publication.Balanced Assessment is ideal for teachers who are moving toward more authentic assessments but are reluctant to completely abandon more traditional models. This resource demonstrates how using the Tri-Assessment Model that combines portfolio and performance assessments with traditional assessments can provide a truer, more holistic look at students. Author Robin Fogarty also provides several in-depth strategies and activity suggestions that can be used in any classroom to tap into the full range of students' potential.

Formerly a SkyLight publication.How to Raise Test Scores supplies teachers with sound instructional strategies that are guaranteed to get results in the classroom. Written in a straightforward, no nonsense style, this booklet lays out 10 different methods that will help students: Improve their communication skills Learn how to mediate their thinking strategies Understand the best way to attack a question and increase their exam scores

In this new edition of the bestseller on brain-compatible learning, author Robin Fogarty synthesizes new research and addresses the role of standards in the brain-compatible classroom. This valuable resource provides the bridge from research to practice for teachers who want to use the latest findings to create high-achievement classrooms. Brain-Compatible Classrooms shares key brain research and its implications for curriculum, instruction, and assessment in the K-college classroom. This innovative, user-friendly book provides insight for linking classroom practice with brain research, Howard Gardner's multiple intelligences theory, Daniel Goleman's emotional intelligence theory, direct instruction of skills, graphic organizers, reflection, transfer, assessment, and other interactive, brain-compatible strategies.

'Brain Pete and Robin Fogarty's From Staff Room to Classroom II shows again their obvious expertise and familiarity with what works for campus planning and training. It truly gives new meaning to the words 'staff development' and provides a clear, concise manner to make it happen. The multiple strategies and methods accommodate ALL styles of presentation, regardless of content area or years of experience. This will revamp how we do training in our district' - Amber Teamann, Title I Technology Facilitator, Garland ISD, TX Through their extensive experience conducting professional development sessions with educators nationally and internationally, Brian M. Pete and Robin J. Fogarty have acquired a vast compendium of effective presentation and facilitation strategies. Now, in their companion to From Staff Room to Classroom, the authors present 144 strategies for leading staff development workshops, professional learning communities, and staff meetings. These proven, easy-to-use activities are organized into four "morphological grids," with columns corresponding to the three principles for successful presentations: - Openers: Capture the audience's attention-Tell them what you are going to do! - Meat of the Matter: Captivate with the information-Do it! - Closers: Close with keepers-Tell them what you did! Using different strategies from each column of a morphological grid, presenters can create a different presentation format every time. Ideas can be arranged or rearranged according to personal preference, group needs, or as a random creative act. Designed for staff developers, school leaders, and professional learning community facilitators, From Staff Room to Classroom II makes planning creative and winning presentations effortless.

In this new edition of the bestseller on brain-compatible learning, author Robin Fogarty synthesizes new research and addresses the role of standards in the brain-compatible classroom. This valuable resource provides the bridge from research to practice for teachers who want to use the latest findings to create high-achievement classrooms. Brain-Compatible Classrooms shares key brain research and its implications for curriculum, instruction, and assessment in the K-college classroom. This innovative, user-friendly book provides insight for linking classroom practice with brain research, Howard Gardner's multiple intelligences theory, Daniel Goleman's emotional intelligence theory, direct instruction of skills, graphic organizers, reflection, transfer, assessment, and other interactive, brain-compatible strategies.

"As a new teacher, I am always looking for ideas that will make me feel more confident. Using a portfolio will help me show evidence that the students are making progress toward meeting state standards." -Stephanie Jones, Teacher Forrest City High School, AR "A good overview of the entire portfolio process, from its philosophical foundations to the celebration of student achievement." -Michael F. Dwyer, English Department Chair Otter Valley Union High School, Brandon, VT Encourage student creativity and academic growth through portfolios and authentic assessment! Research and practice show that portfolios are powerful tools for assessing students authentically, communicating with parents about the learning process, and helping learners across all grade levels and content areas record their successes and take ownership of their learning. The third edition of The Portfolio Connection offers practical advice and reader-friendly strategies for implementing student portfolios in the classroom. Through step-by-step procedures, the authors help teachers incorporate standards into the portfolio process by providing expanded checklists and rubrics to monitor student progress. The updated edition also includes: Additional information on e-portfolios and integrating technology Steps for conducting student-led conferences Portfolio examples for children with special needs Guidance on increasing parent involvement Information on the impact of NCLB on student assessment Discover how you can use portfolios to heighten students' self-reflection while expanding their critical and creative thinking skills.

"The authors are sensitive to the constraints that operate on teachers even as they are open to ways in which teachers can refashion their classes and curricula to reach more children in more effective ways. This book will help teachers enliven and enrich their classrooms and forge new connections across concepts and curricula." -From the Foreword by Howard Gardner "On the one hand, teachers and other curriculum workers are held accountable for understanding, organizing, implementing, and designing instruction and assessing standards-based outcomes. On the other hand, they are also being admonished to teach for understanding, thinking skills, enduring learning, cooperative learning, multiple intelligences, individual differences, and developmental levels. This book provides a wealth of delightful, creative, and compelling strategies, lessons, and techniques for making sense of these many diverse theories." -Arthur L. Costa, Professor Emeritus California State University, Sacramento Develop powerful instructional tools that target diverse learning needs! In this unique and practical book, authors Robin Fogarty and Judy Stoehr demonstrate an approach for creating integrated curricula that develop higher-order thinking, mindful decision making, and productive problem-solving skills in all students. This second edition provides planning methods for interactive lessons and strategies for implementing "big ideas" or themes. Offering voices from academia and the classroom, this research-based volume: Provides strategies for building collaborative teacher teams Presents a six-step process for developing thematic learning units Highlights ways to thread life skills throughout the curriculum Describes types of assessments for integrated curricula This insightful handbook emphasizes a learner-centered, interdisciplinary approach and holistic, experiential learning that leads to lifelong skills and equal opportunities for all children to succeed.

Integrating Curricula With Multiple Intelligences combines Gardner's nine multiple intelligences (verbal, logical, musical, visual, bodily, interpersonal, intrapersonal, naturalist, and existentialist) with Fogarty's ten curriculum integration models (fragmented, connected, nested, sequenced, shared, webbed, threaded, integrated, immersed, and networked). The authors offer strategies for building teams and professional learning communities, exploring how to put power into themes, and ways to thread life skills through the subject matter content. This unique and practical book includes cooperative structures for interactive lessons, strategies for developing relevant integrated units, ideas for webbing themes to the intelligences, methods that infuse rigor into thematic units, and much more.

Make instructional decisions that optimize learning!

Presenting a unique collection of twelve brain principles, the authors illustrate how the brain learns best and demonstrate how teachers can enhance students' learning potential. Conversational and user friendly, this resource describes how the brain stores and recalls information, guiding teachers in making everyday decisions about academic content and the emotional well-being of their students. Twelve Brain Principles That Make the Difference will show you how: Challenge engages the brainThe brain processes parts and wholes simultaneouslyEach brain is uniqueThe search for meaning is innate

Learn how to boost students' success with a differentiated instructional approach!

The authors introduce the elements of the differentiated learning model and provide ways for educators to teach to the brain by considering student readiness levels, interests, and learning styles as they design instruction for K-12 classrooms. You will find guidelines and approaches for adjusting the curriculum, lessons, or assessments to offer entry points for all students. This practical text examines ways to: Prepare for differentiated instructionIdentify students' individual needsEngage students with cooperative learning and inquiry-based lessonsDevelop differentiated curriculum and assessment models

The versatile and practical handbook to promote students' literacy and learning! Scores of children across the country do not read with comprehension, and literacy has become a national priority. In Literacy Matters, internationally recognized author, educational coach, and consultant Robin Fogarty defines and reviews 15 practical literacy approaches that teachers can use across all content areas and grade levels to help students develop essential literacy skills. This user-friendly resource provides strategies for immediate implementation with an overview of the research and best practices associated with each strategy.With an easy-to-use menu that enables teachers to select the specific strategies they want to use to boost content-area literacy and comprehension, this valuable guide explores proven instructional methods such as - Teaching metacognitive student thinking - Creating literature circles - Involving parents and community - Tapping into prior knowledge - Using technology to impact literacy acquisition Put these strategies to use in your classroom, and watch as your students improve their reading and comprehension, and apply these tools for success across content areas and in their lives!

Formerly a SkyLight Publication. What comes first?Assessment or instruction? By using the holistic models presented in Problem-Based Learning & Other Curriculum Models for the Multiple Intelligences Classroom, teachers can structure curricula in ways that give them more time to teach. Students can learn how to problem-solve with the realization that there is not always a formula or one right answer as they use these six innovative curriculum models: Problem-based learning Case studies Thematic learning Project learning Service learning Performance learning Features include: Comprehensive resource lists Charts of curricula models Easy-to-read, organized format

Formerly a SkyLight publication.Ignite learning in any block-scheduled class with the simple cooperative strategies in this handbook by well-known author Robin Fogarty.

Formerly a SkyLight publication.Written by leading voices in the field, these carefully selected articles offer a deeper understanding of the multifaceted concept of curricular integration.

Teacher-to-teacher collaboration is more than a survival tactic; it is the social interaction that propels professional learning. In her new book, master teacher and educational consultant Robin Fogarty offers 13 guiding principles for new teachers and school leaders. These seminal ideas, along with the stories that accompany them, will invite, excite, and ignite teachers from kindergarten to college. Each chapter includes a description of the guiding principle, a companion vignette, classroom examples, teaching and learning tips, and discussion questions. While designed for new and pre-service teachers, coaches, mentors, and seasoned veterans will also find new perspectives and ideas for their own practice and for mentoring newcomers to the profession.

"This book should make educators stop and consider exactly what they mean when they discuss curriculum integration" -Julie Prescott, Assessment Coordinator Vallivue High School, Caldwell, ID "The biggest strength of Fogarty's work is its clear, concise organization centered on the guiding questions of each chapter" -John C. Baker, Eighth-Grade Social Studies Teacher, Salem Middle School, Apex, NC For both students and teachers, the mission is essential: to connect ideas, discern themes, and thread skills of various content areas into a cohesive whole. Yet, the question remains: "What does integrating the curricula really mean?" The answers are provided in this updated resource that helps teachers create brain-compatible, learner-centered classrooms and better prepare students for lifelong learning. Based on a four-pronged rationale for using an integrated curriculum-including findings from brain-based research, parental concerns, practitioner challenges, and student perspectives-Robin Fogarty offers ten models that allow teams of teachers to work together to group elements from various content areas into a coherent curriculum that effectively meets standards. The discussion of each model includes: - A description of the model - How the model can be applied in the classroom - Benefits and challenges of the model for teaching and learning - Guidelines for when and how to implement the model in the classroom - A wealth of reproducibles to aid implementation How to Integrate the Curricula offers the support educators need to integrate concepts, skills, and attitudes and immerse students in content through self-selected, personally relevant learning experiences.