What are you reading for professional reasons and why?

[Tracey]

How was the book?

[Tracey]

Jessica wrote: "I am currently reading Pathways to the Common Core and hoping some other educator is reading it will be in Goodreads, because I need to talk it through to digest it!"



Well, I started reading this book and I really despise it. I was really excited about the Common Core but this book is deflating my interest. I think I am overwhelmed with the fact that I have to address the Common Core in ELA and Math in five grade levels because of the program I teach. I am responsible for all content areas for 12 children grades 2-5 next year, teaching content in grades 2-6 (with the help of a part-time person). Not excited. This book made me realize the real challenges I am going to face.

The book is not giving me real tangible ideas. I want implementation strategies. This book appears to be more about the philosophy of Common Core, the why of Common Core. I think I need more than Pathways, I need specific steps!

[Pam]

I have just started reading "Professional Capital" by Andy Hargreaves & Michael Fullan. I'm finding it interesting so far but it does make you wonder why nothing much has changed in the way schools & systems are run when some of this research has been around for a while. I'm looking forward to getting more into the book and reading about how leadership can work to "transform teaching in every school".

[Joy]

I understand you...! You want specific steps? Here's one I wrote about that I can use with just about any text: http://kirrscholars.blogspot.com/2013... Our district has been great about the specific steps - at least for our ELA department at the middle school... Close reading - that's all it is for us! ;-) Good luck!

[Tracey]

I finally finished the Pathways book. I enjoyed certain sections more than others, that is for sure. The book gave me more food for thought, which I appreciate after reading.

Thanks for the link! I will look at it! I found a few more books, too, that I think will help me.

I found this book and I am really excited! http://www.amazon.com/Common-Curricul...

Common Core Curriculum Maps in English Language Arts, Grades K-5

I teach in a gifted program grades 1-5. I teach the same students everyday - all subjects. I will have 12-13 students next year and I am really anxious about how to incorporate all of the common core in each grade level in each subject. (I have a part-time colleague who teaches social studies and literature). So Common Core isn't my real frustration, implementing common core in 5 grade levels is!

[Nikki]

Jessica wrote: "I am currently reading Pathways to the Common Core and hoping some other educator is reading it will be in Goodreads, because I need to talk it through to digest it!"
I've just started this book. I love Lucy Calkins, she is one of my educational gurus. She explains everything in a real world, plain spoken manner. She writes it, I read it!

[Tracey]

I have been reading books in the "Getting Ready for the Common Core Handbook Series". I am enjoying these books more than Pathways to the Common Core.

[Tracey]

I have also read:

How Children Succeed
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13...
Great book! Discussed a lot of what we already know as teachers. Some students come to school with the grit and desire to learn, while others do not.


Bad Science
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32...
I was unimpressed with this book. I guess because I am already careful about what I teach, that I don't continue to teach misconceptions.


School Reform
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13...
Informative book about different educational issues in today's world. This is a collection of journal and research articles.

Secrets of a Buccaneer Scholar http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62...
Found this book interesting. Another book that continues to show us the traditional school is not made for all learners.

[Hanna]

Tracey wrote: "I have also read:

How Children Succeed
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13...
Great book! Discussed a lot of what we already know as teachers. Some students come to schoo..."

Thanks for sharing these books! What is suggested in "Secrets of a Buccaneer Scholar?" for alternative settings? What are your viewpoints on nontraditional learning environments?

[Kimberlyn]

I am currently reading De-Testing and De-Grading Schools: Authentic Alternatives to Accountability and Standardization.

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17...

The book is edited by Joe Bower, whose blog (For the Love of Learning) I read regularly. The introduction is by Alfie Kohn. Both of them have also written chapters for the book. The first half of the book makes the case against standardization, high-stakes standardized tests, and the corporate education reform movement. The second half of the book makes a case against using tests as the main method of assessment and grades in general (the book is pro-ungrading).

[Lisa]

I just finished reading "What Every Kindergarten Teacher Needs To Know" by Margaret Berry Wilson (responsive classroom series) because I am starting my first full-time teaching job next month (after 4 years of subbing and impact-teaching). I'm looking forward to my own classroom finally and being a first-time K teacher.

[Cheryl]

Currently reading The Book Whisperers by Donalyn Miller. Chose to read this book because I believe that students should be given a choice in what they are reading in school. Lets help kids love reading as much as we do!

[Tracey]

Hanna wrote: "Tracey wrote: "I have also read:

How Children Succeed
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13...
Great book! Discussed a lot of what we already know as teachers. Some student..."

Being that I teach in a non- traditional environment, I am all for finding environments that work for students. I even support students going after the GED is school is just working for them, in order to get them to move on to com. college, tech schools or colleges/universities. I support online schools, home schools, private and public - whatever works best for the child. America has so many choices, and there is a reason!

[Tracey]

Secrets of a Buchaneer Scholar was about a person, the author, who totally rebelled against traditional schooling, and living with is family. He ended up living in a motel at the age of 14 or so because he couldn't stand his step-dad. He made his own food in a microwave for the most part all throughout high school.

He did his own 'thing' regarding education and ended up self-teaching. The problem was that he may have learned a lot, but the way he did it, did not provide certificates, diplomas, etc. While we can all learn a lot, places of employment do want proof, so to speak. His life is a bit different, non-traditional work life, but one is not surprised once the book is read.

He beats to a different drummer.

[Lina]

I just finished The Power of Our Words by Paula Denton and I'm starting The First Six Weeks of School, which are part of The Responsive Classroom approach. Has anyone else read these books or followed The Responsive Classroom and have any advice for a 2nd year teacher?! The Power of Our Words was a summer reading assignment for all the teachers at the Friends School where I teach.

[Cristina]

I am currently reading "Reading in the Wild" by Donalyn Miller. I just finished her book "The Book Whisperer" and have been very inspired to make some changes to my reading instruction.

[Jordin]

Our school is doing a book study on "The Leader In Me" by Stephen Covey. I am starting to read The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families". Has anyone read any Stephen Covey?