Rigor in Your Classroom: A Toolkit for Teachers

by Barbara R. Blackburn

Overview

Teachers are required to increase the rigor for students, but how? This book by bestselling author and rigor expert Barbara Blackburn has the answer! It is a treasure chest of more than 200 practical and highly-effective tools that can be used across grade levels and subject areas to increase student rigor, leading your students to higher engagement and deeper learning.

Topics covered include…

• Asking higher-level questions
• Scaffolding to help all students achieve success
• Differentiating instruction and using modifications
• Fostering independence through gradual release of responsibility
• Increasing text difficulty and teaching close reading
• Setting high expectations
• Changing students’ views of success
• Encouraging effort and goal-setting
• Creating an environment that is conducive to learning
• Using effective grading policies and assessment tools
• Working with parents, colleagues, and administrators
• And much, much more!

Rigor in Your Classroom will be your go-to resource throughout the school year, as you continually return to it to try new tools with your students. Bonus: The tools are accompanied by graphic organizers, charts, templates, and reproducibles for easy implementation.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415732871
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	05/01/2014
Pages:	240
Sales rank:	429,939
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Dr. Barbara Blackburn is the bestselling author of fourteen books and is a sought-after national and international consultant. She was an award-winning professor at Winthrop University and has taught early childhood, elementary, middle, and high school students.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Meet the Author

Introduction

Chapter 1: Understanding Rigor

Chapter 2. Raise Expectations through High Standards

Chapter 3. Raise Expectations through Questioning and Adult Behaviors

Chapter 4. Increase Depth of Instruction

Chapter 5. Give Support

Chapter 6. Options for Assessment

Chapter 7: Reinvigorate the Environment

Chapter 8: Extend Your Reach

References

Editorial Reviews

"Barbara breaks down the myths about rigor and shows that it’s really about putting students first. She provides useful tools for setting clear expectations and scaffolding instruction so that all students can reach higher levels of learning."

—Annette Breaux, internationally-recognized education expert, speaker, and author of the bestselling book, Seven Simple Secrets

"Blackburn has provided us with an expansive treasure chest of gems—one right after the other—filled with practical, relevant ideas, guides and strategies to ensure that teachers are equipped with the tools and inspiration to promote learning at the most rigorous levels. Readers will want to tab page after page of wise and practical strategies throughout the book. It will become just like your very favorite cookbook full of time-tested favorites. This book is a must for teachers new to the profession and veterans alike."

—Dr. Theresa M. Campos, Senior Manager, Leadership Development, Houston Independent School District, TX

From the Publisher