Understanding Standards-Based Education
A Practical Guide for Teachers and Administrators
- Richard Zagranski - Educational Consultant, Chicopee, MA
- William T. Whigham - South Hadley, MA
- Patrice L. Dardenne - Hatfield Public Schools, MA
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.
"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."
"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."
"A very useful handbook for classroom teachers. It is easy reading and has an unassuming instructional style."
"The book is teacher friendly, easy to read, applicable, and general enough to suit teachers from all parts of the country."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
