Saving Our Students, Saving Our Schools : 50 Proven Strategies for Helping Underachieving Students and Improving Schools

by Robert D. Barr

• ISBN13: 9781412957922
• ISBN10: 1412957923
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2007-10-08
• Publisher: Corwin Pr

Summary

This field-tested resource outlines effective approaches for improving student learning, proficiency, and achievement at all levels through learning-focused priorities, results-driven practices, and high academic expectations.

Table of Contents

Preface	p. ix
Acknowledgments	p. xiii
About the Authors	p. xvii
Accept the Challenge to Teach All Students	p. 1
Confront the Challenges	p. 6
Our Schools Have Changed	p. 6
Who Are the At-Risk Students?	p. 9
Compelling Conclusions	p. 12
How Schools Fail Students and Manufacture Low Performance	p. 14
Destructive School Policies, Programs, and Practices	p. 15
The Myths That Perpetuate Ineffective Practices	p. 18
Establish the Commitment to Educate Children and Youth At Risk	p. 23
Take a Stand	p. 24
Lessons Learned	p. 24
Low-Performing Schools Can Improve	p. 26
50 Proven Strategies for Schools and Classrooms	p. 29
Understand the At-Risk Student	p. 30
Unconventional Wisdom: What Works for Experienced Teachers	p. 32
Recognize That Any Student May Become At Risk	p. 33
Predict Youth Behavior Based on Developmental Assets	p. 39
Appreciate the Resilient Student	p. 43
Address the Differences Between Boys and Girls	p. 47
Educate Poor and Culturally Diverse Students	p. 53
Unconventional Wisdom: What Works for Experienced Teachers	p. 57
Connect Culturally for Effective Teaching and Learning	p. 58
Work With the Externally Centered Student	p. 69
Understand the Problems of Low-Income Students	p. 75
Eliminate Ineffective and Destructive Interventions	p. 83
Use Effective Programs for Teaching Low-Income Students	p. 89
Establish Priorities That Focus on Student Learning	p. 95
Unconventional Wisdom: What Works for Experienced Teachers	p. 97
Develop a Comprehensive Plan	p. 98
Build a Profile by Collecting and Using Data	p. 103
Set Goals, Targets, and Timelines	p. 108
Create Time for Collaboration, Planning, and Development	p. 114
Facilitate Continuous Improvement: The Critical Importance of Results-Driven Leadership	p. 119
Collaborate With Parents and Families	p. 125
Unconventional Wisdom: What Works for Experienced Teachers	p. 127
Encourage Parent and Family Engagement	p. 128
Build Effective Partnerships Among Families, Schools, and the Community	p. 134
Create Caring Classrooms, Schools, and Communities of Support	p. 143
Unconventional Wisdom: What Works for Experienced Teachers	p. 145
Create a Community of Support	p. 146
Create a Common Vision	p. 152
Establish Alternative Schools	p. 156
Develop Small Schools and Schools-Within-Schools	p. 162
Provide Effective Transitions	p. 168
Create a Climate of Respect in Schools and Classrooms	p. 173
Unconventional Wisdom: What Works for Experienced Teachers	p. 177
Recognize Early Warning Signs	p. 178
Bully-Proof Classrooms and Schools	p. 183
Create Reentry Opportunities for Expelled Students	p. 188
Expect High Academic Performance	p. 192
Unconventional Wisdom: What Works for Experienced Teachers	p. 195
Motivate Students	p. 196
Teach to Multiple Intelligences	p. 201
Confront Tracking and Retention Practices	p. 206
Initiate Targeted Professional Development	p. 212
Create Career-Theme Schools and High School Academic Majors	p. 220
Help At-Risk Students Pass High-Stakes Tests	p. 225
Teach All Students to Read	p. 234
Unconventional Wisdom: What Works for Experienced Teachers	p. 238
Guarantee That Every Child Learns to Read	p. 239
Implement Effective Literacy Practices and Programs K-12	p. 243
Employ One-on-One Tutoring	p. 250
Start Early	p. 254
Redesign Grades K-3	p. 258
Continuously Assess Reading Progress	p. 262
Select Results-Driven Instructional and Assessment Practices	p. 266
Unconventional Wisdom: What Works for Experienced Teachers	p. 268
Personalize Instruction	p. 270
Recognize the Critical Importance of an Aligned Curriculum	p. 274
Select Research-Based Instructional Practices	p. 278
Use Homework Effectively	p. 286
Require Student Portfolios, Projects, and Performance Exhibitions	p. 291
Incorporate Technology Across the Curriculum	p. 299
Create Assessment-Literate Classrooms	p. 304
Support Social and Emotional Growth	p. 311
Unconventional Wisdom: What Works for Experienced Teachers	p. 314
Create Student Mentoring Programs	p. 315
Establish Service Learning Programs	p. 319
Teach Peer Mediation	p. 324
Build Self-Esteem and Respect Through Student Leadership	p. 329
Use Community Resources and Services	p. 335
Unconventional Wisdom: What Works for Experienced Teachers	p. 337
Embrace the Community as a Classroom	p. 338
Develop Communitywide, Extended-Day Programs	p. 344
Become a Full-Service School	p. 349
Summon the Will to Leave No Child Behind	p. 353
The Inalienable Right to a Quality Education	p. 354
With Liberty and Justice for Some?	p. 354
The Emergent National Consensus: No Child Left Behind	p. 355
Breaking Free From Ignorance	p. 356
The Fifty Strategies	p. 356
50 Strategies Suggested Reading	p. 359
References	p. 381
Index	p. 389
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