Mental Models for English Language Arts describes strategies, gives visual representations, analogies and stories that assist in the development of accurate internal symbols. Each mental model is designed to move the student closer to a deeper and richer understanding of the standards and abstract concepts necessary for success in the academic setting, as well as meaningful interaction with the world. Mental Models can help students move from the abstract to the concrete, learn and retain abstract information quickly, and understand the structure, purpose, or pattern of a body of knowledge.
Ruby K. Payne is an American educator and author best known for her book A Framework for Understanding Poverty and her work on the culture of poverty and its relation to education. Payne received an undergraduate degree from Goshen College in 1972. She holds a Ph.D. in educational leadership and policy studies from Loyola University in Illinois, and is the founder of aha! Process, Inc., a company that informs schools, companies and other organizations about poverty.