Secrets to supervising for instructional improvement! More than ever, effective supervision is vital to instructional improvement and this new edition of a bestseller pinpoints the process and techniques that matter most. Featuring 42 qualitative and quantitative observation tools, this new edition includes: New observation tools centered on diversity New case studies on alternative approaches to supervision A new chapter on creating transformational change More on technology topics such as blogs and online courses New scenarios highlighting English Language Learners and exceptional students Emphasis on empowering teachers to reflect and improve upon instruction

-- Dean H. Hepworth, professor emeritus, School of Social Work, Arizona State University

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.

Provides information on how to transform a supervisory system into a performance-based model that connects to student achievement and teacher professional development.

This CHOICE award-winning author has teamed up with national school resource experts to write a comprehensive book on supervision and improvement of learning. Everything you need to know about supervision and student learning, professional development, coaching and evaluation, standards, and creating an environment for professional growth are covered. The book starts with a history of supervision and then addresses models and standards for effective teaching, state and federal frameworks, supervision and evaluation for effective instruction, and strategies for effective professional learning and growth plans. Benefits and Features of Book: A comprehensive book covering all aspects of teacher supervision and professional development including an original framework for instruction. Each chapter objectives are aligned with the new ELCC, ISLCC, TLEC, and InTASC for accreditation and Learning Forward standards on professional learning. Many federal and various state data sources are included. Each chapter contains a comprehensive case study and exercises for practical application. Provides a blend of academic, theory and practical perspectives on how to implement and execute supervision and evaluation. Several handy resources are included in the appendixes.

In Effective Supervision, Robert J. Marzano, Tony Frontier, and David Livingston show school and district-level administrators how to set the priorities and support the practices that will help all teachers become expert teachers. Their five-part framework is based on what research tells us about how expertise develops. When these five conditions are attended to in a systematic way, teachers do improve their skills: * A well-articulated knowledge base for teaching * Opportunities for teachers to practice specific strategies or behaviors and to receive feedback * Opportunities for teachers to observe and discuss expertise * Clear criteria for success and help constructing professional growth and development plans * Recognition of the different stages of development progressing toward expertise. The focus is on developing a collegial atmosphere in which teachers can freely share effective practices with each other, observe one another's classrooms, and receive focused feedback on their teaching strategies. The constructive dynamics of this approach always keep in sight the aim of enhancing students' well-being and achievement. As the authors note, "The ultimate criterion for expert performance in the classroom is student achievement. Anything else misses the point."