Michael C. McKenna

When the goal is supporting excellent teaching, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. This popular practitioner resource and text helps readers navigate the many choices involved in developing and fine-tuning a coaching program that offers the best fit for a particular school. The authors draw on current research as well as their extensive experience in K-8 settings. They provide clear guidance (with helpful reproducibles) on:*Major coaching models and how to choose among them.*Applying principles of adult learning and motivation.*The role of reading assessment in coaching.*Balancing classroom-level, grade-level, and whole-school tasks.*Special considerations in middle school coaching.See also The Literacy Coach's Handbook, Second Edition, which offers a complete primer on the role of the literacy coach and what coaches need to know to get started.

This book provides a research-based framework for making differentiated instruction work in the primary grades. It includes scientifically validated techniques for teaching each component of the beginning reading program. The authors describe how to use assessment to form differentiated small groups and monitor student progress; plan which skills to target and when; and implement carefully selected instructional strategies. Vivid classroom examples illustrate what differentiated instruction looks like in action in each of the primary grades. For additional helpful resources, including classroom-ready lesson plans, teachers can purchase the complementary volume, How to Plan Differentiated Reading Instruction: Resources for Grades K-3.

This text gives prospective and practicing teachers a comprehensive understanding of how to teach multiple literacies in elementary and middle school classrooms. All of the literacies--dance, music, visual arts, popular culture, media, and computer technologies--are integrated with reading and writing. Balanced treatment is given to theoretical perspectives and practical applications. The text features authentic cases written by preservice teachers, and commentaries on the cases from practitioners and university professors. The cases are designed to prepare future teachers for the PRAXIS teacher certifying exam and others offered in many states. Three theoretical chapters support the practical applications: *Chapter 1 addresses the benefits of writing and analyzing cases and the specific attributes of exemplary teaching cases, and offers guidelines for teachers to author their own case narratives and questions for analyzing and discussing case issues with peers. *Chapter 2 discusses the role of electronic symbol making and multiple sign systems in children's literacy and how children use symbols to receive and express meaning. *Chapter 3 offers a theoretical framework that helps define and enable teachers to use the new literacies of Internet technology, and provides a strong rationale for expanding traditional definitions of literacy. The practical applications chapters (chaps. 4-12) gradually lead readers toward a deeper understanding of how to conceptualize and structure more complex, integrated lessons. In each of these chapters: *An "Overview" provides up-to-date information about the particular form of literacy discussed in the chapter. *A helpful "What Do You Need to Know and How Do You Begin" section offers ideas and tasks for teachers who wish to nurture their artistic and technological aptitudes, expand their understanding of popular culture media, and increase their knowledge about integrating diverse communication forms into cohesive themed units or instruction. *Exemplary cases--the heart of these chapters--present preservice teachers' candid descriptions of their reflections, confusions, and concerns as they support K-8 students writing and writing development through multiple literacy approaches. *Case-specific questions encourage readers to take an active part in analyzing, documenting, and discussing the particular issues raised. *"Commentaries" by skilled practitioners and university professors provide sound teaching suggestions, scholarly perspectives, and sometimes contrasting solutions to the dilemmas described in the cases. *"Reflections and Explorations" activities help teachers become more actively involved in thinking and learning about multiple literacies. *"Practical Applications" questions engage teachers in considering their own teaching environments and goals as they integrate multiple literacy lessons into their curriculum. *"Suggested Readings" support teachers in constructing more in-depth knowledge about the chapter topics.

This practical book presents an array of research-based instructional strategies for use with struggling readers in the upper-elementary and middle grades. It is filled with proven ideas for engaging students and developing the key components of successful reading: vocabulary, comprehension, word recognition, and fluency. Each chapter reviews techniques for working on specific skills, provides needed materials and teacher-friendly instructional tips, and lists suggestions for further reading. The book's utility is enhanced by its convenient 8½ x 11 format and numerous reproducible charts, graphic organizer templates, and activities.