This comprehensive guide to standards-based education takes a collaborative and respectful stance toward teaching, learning, and accountability that both incorporates and looks beyond No Child Left Behind. Grounded in the authors' pyramid of responsibility, Understanding Standards-Based Education identifies what everyone needs to know about standards-based education, what 'most' stakeholders need to know, and what only 'some' stakeholders need to know. The authors focuses on clarifying role responsibilities and then invites effective participation by all. Among the core stakeholder-participants in the authors' system of standards-based education and accountability are students, parents, and teachers (level 1); team leaders, department chairs, and facilitators of standards-based curriculum (level 2); and principals, superintendents, and school boards/oversight committees (level 3).
This invaluable resource includes:
- An overview of NCLB legislation highlighting current areas of concern for all three stakeholder levels
- A data-driven plan of action and assessment for transforming the traditional educational curriculum into a standards-based curriculum
- Clear step-by-step instructions in every chapter to ensure sustainability of the standards-based system
- The book's instructional approach incorporates best practices from direct instruction (Madeline Hunter), brain-based learning, differentiated instruction, and other core teaching methods as well as formative and summative student assessment techniques.
- Each chapter features ready-to-use templates, charts, rubrics, and checklists for stakeholders at each of the three levels of responsibility.
Filled with the authors' wealth of hands-on experience, this teacher-friendly text is ideal for teachers, curriculum planners, and instructional leaders.
Industry Reviews
"Emphasizes improving the alignment of the written and the taught curriculum in a way that allows for reasonable accountability. The beauty of the process outlined is that it highlights sound teaching practices that lead to the best possible performance for students." -- Russ Adams, Principal "These authors have a very thorough and intriguing approach that should assist individuals at many different levels who are truly interested in making a difference in our schools today. Educators can apply the ideas almost immediately without getting lost in theoretical tangents." -- John Scholten, Superintendent "A very useful handbook for classroom teachers. It is easy reading and has an unassuming instructional style." -- Patricia Baker, Teacher "The book is teacher friendly, easy to read, applicable, and general enough to suit teachers from all parts of the country." -- Amanda Mayeaux, Teacher "Just what the educational doctor ordered. Written in an easy-to-understand format, this guide contains excellent explanations and valuable models, guidelines, checklists, unit designs, and lesson designs to help teachers implement standards-based education in their classrooms." -- Vaughn G. Rhudy, Teacher "Zagranski, Whigham, and Dardenne tame the beast of accountability for principals, teachers, and parents by articulately defining what is really expected. A real guide for demystifying the complex world of standards-based education." -- Erica Ann Faginski, Principal "Targets all the key areas in standards-based education today, from data collection to differentiating instruction to grading and assessment. A must-read for any educator or those entering the field." -- Allison Rebello, Assistant Principal "Finally, a book that provides a clear understanding of what NCLB is all about and the impact on students' education. This would have been helpful when I was on the committee at my school to write the school improvement plan." -- Rosemarie D. Parker, Special Education Teacher "An outstanding workbook for teachers and administrators. The focus on student learning is great, and the book has a multitude of real-world examples. School districts could tailor it to meet their needs." -- Linda C. Davis-Delano, Director of Educator Preparation and Licensure "Kudos to the writers of this fantastic, informative resource for the educators of today! This book clearly depicts the innovative teaching practices that meet the educational goals of our schools." -- Shirley A. Anop, Second-Grade Teacher "As an administrator who must continually train staff and as an instructor, I find this book invaluable for its examples of various teaching tools and methods." -- Sandra M. Chessey, Adjunct Professor/Assistant Vice President for Finances and Administration
