Assignments Matter: Making the Connections That Help Students Meet Standards

by Eleanor Dougherty

Overview

What exactly is an "assignment," and why does it matter? How can educators ensure that their teaching meets the rigorous demands of the Common Core State Standards, so that all students are well prepared for college or careers? Drawing from her extensive experience as a teacher coach, author Eleanor Dougherty answers these questions and many more, with two aims in mind: (1) to guide teachers and administrators in crafting high-quality assignments, and (2) to help educators understand the powerful impact that assignments can have on teaching and learning.

The book explains the critical differences among "assignments," "activities," and "assessments" and thoroughly describes the key elements of an assignment: prompts, rubrics, products, and instructional plans. Readers will learn how to

* Follow a seven-step process for crafting effective assignments;

* Link assignments to units and courses;

* Devise "Anchor" assignments for collaboration and consistency across grades;

* Tap into instructional "touchstones" that can enrich any assignment;

* Create classroom and school environments that support assignment-making; and

* Use assignments as a source of data about teaching and learning.

Equipped with the knowledge and expertise gained from Assignments Matter, readers will be able to create meaningful learning experiences for their students and come to appreciate the author's belief that "assignments may well be the missing link in school reform efforts to improve student achievement."

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781416614401
Publisher:	ASCD
Publication date:	09/01/2012
Pages:	191
Sales rank:	1,148,676
Product dimensions:	6.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.50(d)

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Part 1: Why and What

Chapter 1: Why Assignments Matter

Chapter 2: The Basics

Part 2: In the Classroom

Chapter 3: Crafting an Assignment

Chapter 4: Instruction

Chapter 5: Sequencing Assignments to Design Units and Courses

Part 3: Beyond the Classroom

Chapter 6: Anchor Assignments

Chapter 7: Environments That Make Assignments Matter

Chapter 8: Assignments as Data

Appendixes

Appendix A: Assignment Planning Guide

Appendix B: Unit Plan

Appendix C: Glossary

Appendix D: Sample Assignment Prompts

Appendix E: Resources

References

Index

About the Author