Most Helpful Customer Reviews
37 of 39 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Literacy & PLCs, November 22, 2006
This review is from: Results Now: How We Can Achieve Unprecedented Improvements in Teaching and Learning (Paperback)
In Results Now, Michael Schmoker explains what he believes to be the route to achieving unprecedented gains in student achievement. His conclusions center around two main points: literacy and professional learning communities (PLCs). He believes that the key to success in all areas is the ability to read. In addition, he believes that teachers already have the knowledge they need to make great strides in aiding student achievement if they would only create the structures that would allow them to share their knowledge effectively.
Like many educational pundits, Schmoker has some great ideas. Certainly, there is much to be said for the importance of literacy across the curriculum. There is also a lot of truth to his assertions that many language arts classes, particularly at the younger ages when literacy is beginning to form, have become only incidentally about reading and writing. The overabundance of "artistic expression" (i.e. drawing pictures) in the place of actively engaging in literary activities is a problem, as is the reliance on skill/drill activities (read "worksheets"). Instead, Schmoker pushes for dominance of activities that have the students actively reading and writing.
Some of his commentary on professional development was interesting as well. As an educational consultant, I too have seen first hand how the "educational initiative of the moment" has had nothing but negative impact on school districts. There is something to be said for Schmoker's belief that, if teachers could just be pulled together in an effective way to share their expertise and best lessons, they could have a huge impact on student achievement. I must also note that his focus less on the evil of standardized tests as opposed to our ability to help students succeed on these tests was, admittedly, refreshing.
Unfortunately, like many educational pundits, his tone in prose can make his suggestions bitter pills to swallow and his idealism is a little far-fetched. He has an occasional tendency to slide into a rather condescending tone which is rather off-putting. And, though following his suggestions would likely have a great impact on education, I don't think all problems will be solved by his ideas. Literacy is a key but it will not open all doors across the curriculum and, having worked with teachers trying to form professional learning communities, it's easier said than done. I don't believe even a great PLC will eliminate the need for professional development. Master teachers are always looking to improve. Still, it is fair to say that Schmoker has ideas that are worth considering.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Inspired to Act Now, May 31, 2008
This review is from: Results Now: How We Can Achieve Unprecedented Improvements in Teaching and Learning (Paperback)
In Results Now, author Mike Schmoker presents a compelling argument for improving teaching and learning. He proposes significant impact can be made on student learning through reasonable efforts and adjustment. A deep focus on instruction will bring about the improvements we seek in educational outcomes.
Schmoker acknowledges the brutal facts surrounding wasted time in classrooms. Much of the time, students are engaged in busy work: coloring, drawing, superfluous worksheets, and other such activities that are unrelated to the teaching objective and have nothing to do with reading or writing. If we increase instructional practices that include the use of scoring rubrics, high-yield strategies and higher-order thinking, student achievement will rise.
There are consequences to working in isolation, the traditionally accepted mode of classroom instruction. Schmoker says collaboration is nearly non-existent in the majority of schools. Though certainly since the publication of this book in 2006, collaboration is on the rise as more and more schools engage in the practice of professional learning communities. Through this practice and with strong leadership within professional learning communities, the author suggests improvement in student achievement is guaranteed.
He eloquently advocates for improvements in literacy education, calling for purposeful reading, argumentative literacy, writing, and discussion. Schmoker states a new understanding of literacy is essential to "transform and enliven learning for both students and teachers." A curriculum rich in authentic literacy would include generous amounts of close, purposeful readings, rereading, writing, and talking. In this model, instruction goes beyond decoding and fluency, which are only the first steps of literacy instruction.
The reader is persuaded to improve instruction through effective practices of professional learning communities, thereby increasing student achievement. Schmoker reports that teachers find successful team meetings engage members in reflection, are results-oriented, focus on essential common standards, are social, and honor and empower teachers and their intelligence. In a professional learning community culture, teachers support each others' efforts to become instructional leaders and this leads to a growing momentum in school improvement.
Through Schmoker's words, one will first be inspired to elicit change in our schools, then will be given the tools (found in the appendices) to go do it. Some concepts may be lofty, presented as if we could slide through the change process unscathed. It may not be that easy; however, the intention is worthy of applause.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
10 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Schmoker Review, May 29, 2007
This review is from: Results Now: How We Can Achieve Unprecedented Improvements in Teaching and Learning (Paperback)
Mr. Schmoker's ideas and concerns within "Results Now" are thought provoking and interesting. I found that this book revolves around two grand ideas: literacy instruction and Prfessional Learning Communities. Within those two themes are many practical suggestions for school leaders to use.
As far as literacy instruction, Schmoker is very blunt and forward about what works and what doesn't. I thought it was particularly interesting to read about how so many leaders live in the now and place programs in schools that have no research behind them. I have to agree that this only creates roadblocks to best practices and improving instruction.
I have also been doing research on Dufour's idea of Professional Learning Communities (PLC's). Results Now is a user-friendly handbook that contains an effective overview of PLC's. I am now trying to implement this into my own building and have used this book as a suggested reading for all stake holders.
I found the information on isolation particularly useful. I think Schmoker makes a good point when he points out that that teaching is one of the most isolated and, therefore, safest jobs in the world. Furthermore, he goes on to say that, as leaders, we settle for mediocrity and excellent teachers are no longer a requirement in schools.
Overall, I found this book to be very helpful. It is a no-nonsense approach to significant changes in education. I would recommend it to anyone involved in education.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
|
