Results Now: How We Can Achieve Unprecedented Improvements in Teaching And Learning (Paperback)

by Michael J. Schmoker (Author)
Key Phrases: professional learning community, curricular chaos, viable curriculum, The Startling State of Literacy Education, Doug Reeves, Deborah Meier (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

According to author Mike Schmoker, there is a yawning gap between the most well-known essential practices and the reality of most classrooms. This gap persists despite the hard, often heroic work done by many teachers and administrators. Schmoker believes that teachers and administrators may know what the best practices are, but they aren’t using them or reinforcing them consistently. He asserts that our schools are protected by a buffer—a protective barrier that prevents scrutiny of instruction by outsiders. The buffer exists within the school as well. Teachers often know only what is going on in their classrooms—and they may be completely in the dark about what other teachers in the school are doing. Even principals, says Schmoker, don’t have a clear view of the daily practices of teaching and learning in their schools.

Schmoker suggests that we need to get beyond this buffer to confront the truth about what is happening in classrooms, and to allow teachers to learn from each other and to be supervised properly. He outlines a plan that focuses on the importance of consistent curriculum, authentic literacy education, and professional learning communities for teachers.

What will students get out of this new approach? Learning for life. Schmoker argues passionately that students become learners for life when they have more opportunities to engage in strategic reading, writing with explicit guidance, and argument and discussion.

Through strong teamwork, true leadership, and authentic learning, schools and their students can reach new heights. Results Now is a rally cry for educators to focus on what counts. If they do, Schmoker promises, the entire school community can count on unprecedented achievements.

Product Details

• Paperback: 196 pages
• Publisher: Association for Supervision & Curriculum Deve (July 30, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416603581
• ISBN-13: 978-1416603580
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #7,068 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Literacy & PLCs, November 22, 2006

By	Timothy Haugh (New York, NY United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

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.

15 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars The Real Truth, January 11, 2008

By	Rural SpEd Teacher (Small Town America) - See all my reviews

Mr. Schmoker tends to write "tongue in cheek" and make several broad generalizations about the current state of the educational system. While he does make one or two worthwhile points, overall, his book is distasteful and offensive to the majority of teachers across America who are "doing it right."

I find it interesting that the author, while portraying himself as an "expert" at educational reform, has not had his book peer reviewed by competent and recognized educational authorities...instead he relies upon endorsements from educational consultants who may or may not have ever taught in public school and high level administrators who have left the teaching arena to pursue management. It is interesting that his book calls for a "top-down" leadership approach, and is endorsed only by high level administrators. Perhaps the author should study the works of Peter Northouse who is a respected authority on both the theory and practice of leadership.

This book is dangerous to the lay reader...not because it promotes educational ideology, but because it portrays an ideology that directly conflicts with the standards of best practice that is taught to the best teachers in our country. When lay readers like school board members or parents read this book, they react negatively and feel that their school is in a dire circumstance...because they do not know the difference between effective, time honored practices and educational fads the change every ten years or so.

Finally, this book is a death warrant to special educators because it totally speaks against differentiating curriculum and using multi-modality approaches to teaching children who aren't able to learn from standard curricula in the mainstream classroom. These students may need to learn through kinesthetic activities or alternative approaches that the author seems to shun.

Readers are encouraged to carefully disseminate the material and research best practices before they adopt the stringent reforms that the author calls for.

9 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Schmoker Review, May 29, 2007

By	Ami K. Hervert "Ami K. Hervert" (Omaha, NE, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.