Engaging the Disengaged: How Schools Can Help Struggling Students Succeed

Engaging the Disengaged: How Schools Can Help Struggling Students Succeed

"An inspiring book! Easton′s clear, compelling writing is made more vivid by the wonderful real-life examples." ―Dennis Sparks, Emeritus Executive Director National Staff Development Council "Principals―particularly secondary school principals―should find this book and Easton′s earlier work to be all the basic resources required. It is comprehensive and deals with the critical issues of the day." ―Richard W. Clark, Executive Vice President Institute for Educational Inquiry Create an integrated system of support for struggling students! Based on Lois Brown Easton′s experience working with disengaged learners, this insightful resource helps educators make positive connections with youngsters of all ages who are at risk of failing or dropping out. Featuring the voices of educators and students, this invaluable text covers methods for improving the schoolwide climate in ways that support all students and for creating a learning environment that promotes academic, personal, and social growth. The author illustrates how to make meaningful changes in curriculum and instruction and examines the importance of: Teacher-student relationships - Innovative teaching strategies for struggling learners - Developing self-directed learners - Using appropriate assessments for students with learning difficulties Easton′s book inspires teachers to make a significant change in their school′s culture to engage developing minds and champion all learners, regardless of socioeconomic factors. "Principals―particularly secondary principals―should find this book and Easton′s earlier work to be all the basic resources required. It is comprehensive and deals with the critical issues of the day." -- Richard W. Clark, Executive Vice President Published On: 2007-07-16 "An inspiring book! Easton′s clear, compelling writing is made more vivid by the wonderful real-life examples." -- Dennis Sparks, Emeritus Executive Director Published On: 2007-07-18 "The teacher who knows how to re-engage a child in his or her own learning is a treasure indeed, as is the school that supports such a teacher. Easton tells the stories of these teachers in one such school. They are stories from which all teachers―and principals, school boards, parents, and students―can learn." -- Ted and Nancy Sizer Published On: 2007-07-25 "Easton′s book shares realistic and inspiring examples of the kind of engagement that transforms kids′ lives." -- Horace: The Journal of the Coalition of Essential Schools, Winter 2007 Published On: 2007-11-07 “This insightful and invaluable resource is about changing the culture of schools to be more humane for struggling learners. Filled with real examples, it inspires teachers to create an integrated system of support that can make a significant change in their school’s culture to engage developing minds and champion all learners, regardless of socioeconomic factors.” -- Sirreadalot.org, November 2007 Published On: 2008-01-29 "Should be required reading for any teacher." -- California Bookwatch, December 2007 Published On: 2008-01-29 “This is a very practical text strongly anchored in theory. By looking at the ‘so what’ and ‘what now’ sections at the end of each chapter, teachers have an opportunity to practice some of these lessons. Easton presents an excellent analysis of self-directed learners, and looks at constructivist and traditional classrooms as well as project-based and experiential learning.” -- Education Libraries, Spring 2008, Vol. 30(3) Published On: 2008-05-28 "The author defines engagement as what happens when students ′want to learn and keep learning.′ She strongly believes that it is central to the purpose of education and can occur for all students when ′challenge and skill are well-matched.′ Easton’s book provides a road map for change in school culture, curriculum, and instruction for all grade levels." -- Curriculum Connections, Spring 2008 Published On: 2008-08-07 Lois Brown Easton works as a consultant, coach, and author. She is particularly interested in learning designs for adults and for students. She recently retired as director of professional development at Eagle Rock School and Professional Development Center, Estes Park, Colorado. A project of the American Honda Education Corporation, Eagle Rock School is a year-round, tuition-free, residential high school for students who have not experienced success in traditional academic settings. The school provides educators who visit the Professional Development Center with experiences in innovative education. As director, Easton designed and administered the professional development program for preservice and student teachers; practicing teachers and administrators; university and college students, both graduate and undergraduate; and researchers. She designed and administered an internship program for twelve young educators each year and an alternative licensure program accredited by the Colorado Department of Education. Easton was di