Focus: Elevating the Essentials to Radically Improve Student Learning

by Mike Schmoker

Overview

In this 2nd edition of Focus: Elevating the Essentials to Radically Improve Student Learning, Mike Schmoker extends and updates the case that our schools could be on the cusp of swift, unparalleled improvements. But we are stymied by a systemwide failure to simplify and prioritize; we have yet to focus our limited time and energy on the most essential, widely acknowledged, evidence-based practices that could have more impact than all other initiatives combined. They are: simple, coherent curricula; straightforward, traditional literacy practices; and lessons built around just a few hugely effective elements of good teaching. As Schmoker demonstrates, the case for these practices—and the need for them—has grown prodigiously.

In every chapter, you'll find late-breaking discoveries and practical advice on how to simplify the implementation of new state standards in the subject areas; on the hidden pitfalls of our most popular, but unproven instructional fads and programs; and on simple, versatile strategies for building curriculum, planning lessons, and integrating literacy into every discipline. All of these strategies and findings are supported with exciting new evidence from actual schools. Their success confirms, as Michael Fullan writes, that a focus on the best "high-leverage practices" won't only improve student performance; they will produce "stunningly powerful consequences" in our schools.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781416626343
Publisher:	ASCD
Publication date:	07/16/2018
Edition description:	2nd ed.
Pages:	310
Sales rank:	76,344
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.80(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Mike Schmoker, Ed.D., is a former teacher, administrator and coach. He is the author of several best-selling books, one of which was a finalist for "book of the year" by the Association of Education Publishers. He has authored dozens of articles for educational journals, newspapers, and TIME magazine. In an Education Week survey of national educational leaders, he was identified as among the best sources of practical "nuts and bolts . . . advice, wisdom and insight" on effective school improvement strategies. Dr. Schmoker is a recipient of the Distinguished Service Award by the National Association of Secondary School Principals for his publications and presentations. As a much sought-after presenter, Dr. Schmoker delivers keynotes and consults internationally including throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, China, and Jordan.

Table of Contents

Foreword to the 2nd Edition: The Importance of Evidence
Introduction
Section I: First Things First: What We Teach, How We Teach—and Literacy
1. The Importance of Simplicity, Clarity, and Priority
2. What We Teach
3. How We Teach
Section II: Curriculum, Instruction, and Literacy in the Content Areas
4. English Language Arts Made Simple
5. Social Studies with Reading and Writing at the Core
6. Redefining Inquiry in Science
7. Making Math Meaningful
Conclusion: Why Wait?
Bibliography
About the Author

What People are Saying About This

Gerald Graff

Mike Schmoker gets it right in this trenchant diagnosis of why American schools are failing: Even when the teachers are all good, the school curriculum is a poorly organized clutter that diffuses students' attention rather than focusing it on the essentials they need to learn to be college-ready. Schmoker's book itself is a model of how to cut through the curricular clutter in precisely the way schools need to do.

John Hattie

Schmoker has lit a fire in this book to make clear that there are right ways, across all curricula domains, to promote the acquisition of knowledge, deeper understanding, greater curiosity, and fun in learning.

Sam Wineburg

This is a brave, powerful book, brimming with good ideas and plainspoken common sense. Forswearing the fads of the day, Schmoker reminds us of what the sales force of "new and improved" professional development wants us to forget: We already know what good teaching looks like—and we've known it for a while. The real question is: Do we have the will to make it happen? This powerful book shows us the way