Diane Lapp and colleagues explain close reading and provide strategies, examples, and activities in this laminated, six-page quick reference guide based on their books.

Diane Lapp and colleagues explain close reading and provide strategies, examples, and activities in this laminated, six-page quick reference guide based on their books.

In their struggle to identify successful solutions for their schools, teachers, administrators, board members, and parents must wade through reams of educational rhetoric and sales hype. This resource is designed to serve a broad audience of practicing teachers, preservice teachers, administrators, resource teachers, college professors, parents, and others who would like to stay abreast of new education programs and innovations. It objectively explains how each program, practice, and philosophy is supported by research and how it really works in schools. It provides straightforward definitions and concisely illustrates the practical applications and supporting research for approximately 125 educational innovations. Entries include feedback from award-winning teachers, giving educators an unbiased view of real-world effectiveness. Some highlights are as follows: (1) the exploration of more than 60 innovative practices, including assertive discipline, computer-assisted instruction, conflict resolution, distance learning, and the Socratic method; (2) an examination of results-oriented programs, including emergent literacy, Jumpstart, and Touch Point Math; (3) detailed discussion of policies regarding immersion and inclusion, standardized testing, and summer school; and (4) comprehensive coverage of movement, concepts, and theories, including brain-based learning, mainstreaming, multicultural education, and school vouchers. (Contains 135 references.) (RT)

In our media-saturated environment, how can we teach students to distinguish true statements from those that are false, misleading, or manipulative? How can we help them develop the skills needed to identify biases and stereotypes, determine credibility of sources, and analyze their own thinking and its effect on their perceptions? In Teaching Students to Decode the World, authors Chris Sperry and Cyndy Scheibe tackle these questions as they introduce readers to constructivist media decoding (CMD), a specific way to lead students through a question-based analysis of media materials—including print and digital documents, videos and films, social media posts, advertisements, and other formats—with an emphasis on critical thinking and collaboration. Drawing from their decades of experience as teachers, consultants, and media literacy advocates, the authors explain how to * Develop and facilitate CMD activities in the classroom and in virtual teaching environments; * Implement CMD across the curriculum, at all grade levels; * Connect CMD with educational approaches such as project-based learning, social-emotional learning, and antiracist education; * Incorporate CMD into assessments; and * Promote CMD as a districtwide initiative. This comprehensive guide explains the theoretical foundations for CMD and offers dozens of real-life examples of its implementation and its powerful impact on students and teachers. Equipped with CMD skills, students will be better able to navigate a complex media landscape, participate in a democratic society, and become productive citizens of the world.

Close reading is the most essential skill that literature students continue to develop across the full length of their studies. This book is the ideal guide to the practice, providing a methodology that can be used for poetry, novels, drama, and beyond. Using classic works of literature, such as Hamlet and The Great Gatsby as case studies, David Greenham presents a unique, contextual approach to close reading, while addressing key questions such as: What is close reading? What is the importance of the relationships between words? How can close reading enhance reading pleasure? Is there a method of close reading that works for all literary genres? How can close reading unlock complexity? How does the practice of close reading relate to other theoretical and critical approaches? Close Reading: The Basics is formulated to bring together reading pleasure and analytic techniques that will engage the student of literature and enhance their reading experience.

Millions of teachers worldwide use the Understanding by Design® (UbD) curriculum planning framework to create units of instruction that develop and deepen student learning. This quick reference guide from UbD co-creator Jay McTighe covers UbD's key tenets and three-stage "backward design" process and introduces the framework's design templates and quality standards. It also explains key vocabulary and explores essential aspects of unit construction, including* Focusing instruction and assessment on "big ideas" and essential questions;* Creating authentic performance tasks that reveal evidence of understanding; and* Designing meaningful learning events that help students acquire targeted knowledge and skills, understand important ideas, and be prepared to transfer those understandings to meet new challenges in and beyond the classroom.Featuring FAQs, indicators of success, and links to additional resources, The Fundamentals of Understanding by Design is for anyone looking to get started with UbD and for current users seeking a handy resource to keep their design work on track.8.5" x 11" 3-panel foldout guide (6 pages), laminated for extra durability and 3-hole-punched for binder storage.

Companies face the challenge of measuring and analyzing the near-overwhelming quantities of data generated from their online businesses and then using that data to gain critical insights into their customersvto drive sales. Adobe Analytics (formerly SiteCatalyst) provides product and content managers, marketers, and analysts with real-time intelligence on customers’online behavior, helps businesses anticipate what their customers will want, personalizes their onlinev experience, and delivers relevant content across web and mobile channels. This quick lookup guide by Adobe Analytics expert Shane Closser uses clear, concise explanations and an easy-to-use format to jump in and start using Adobe’s powerful web analytics tool. You’ll learn the quickest way to: Create metrics Run and set options for reports Measure the effectiveness of marketing campaigns Engage and retain customers Track customers through the conversion funnel Share reports and set up dashboards