Julia A. Simms

Based on the latest assessment research, this book provides a practical and ethical approach to deepening students’ knowledge and ethically preparing them to demonstrate that knowledge on large-scale standardized tests.

With so many professional learning topics available, teachers sometimes gain expertise in multiple areas without understanding how it all connects to better serve students. This book helps you put it all together—from student engagement to metacognitive skills to standards-based curriculum and more.

Master the art of attention in this book, designed to equip educators with practical student engagement strategies to leverage attention-related concepts for student success. Author Julia A. Simms delves into how teachers can harness the power of focus to create classrooms that empower students to achieve their personal and academic goals.

This book champions competency-based education, outlining its history and benefits. It explores structural components such as organizing systems, foundational changes, student outcomes, agency, and equity, and procedural components such as assessment, instruction, and teacher facilitation. By embracing these principles, educators can create dynamic, student-centered learning environments.

Julia A. Simms explores self-regulated learning through brain-based learning, instructional sequences, and action research. Grounded in educational psychology and the research-based approach of Marzano Resources, this book examines cognitive skills, working memory, and self-efficacy. By implementing these strategies, educators can empower students to take charge of their learning.

Don’t settle for outdated grading practices. This book, guided by 43 essential tenets and split into three parts, provides a research-based framework to help educators design accurate, equitable assessments. Learn how to truly measure student growth and proficiency, moving beyond traditional models.

Coaches and teachers will learn how to improve their craft using research-based strategies proven to heighten their classroom performance and boost student achievement.

Work toward the creation of a successful vocabulary program, guided by both academic and content-area terms taken directly from the mathematics and English language arts standards.

Learn how to ask targeted questions to enhance students’ reasoning skills and increase rigor in classrooms.

Usher in the new era of school reform. The authors help you transform your schools into organizations that take proactive steps to prevent failure and ensure student success. Using a research-based five-level hierarchy along with leading and lagging indicators, youll learn to assess, monitor, and confirm the effectiveness of your schools. Each chapter includes what actions should be taken at each level.