Play Audiobook Sample
Focus: Elevating the Essentials to Radically Improve Student Learning Audiobook
Play Audiobook Sample
(3.06) - 353 listener ratings
Quick Stats About this Audiobook
Total Audiobook Chapters:
Longest Chapter Length:
Shortest Chapter Length:
Average Chapter Length:
Audiobooks by this Author:
Publisher Description
In this 2nd edition of Focus: Elevating the Essentials to Radically Improve Student Learning, Mike Schmoker extends and updates the case that our schools could be on the cusp of swift, unparalleled improvements. But we are stymied by a systemwide failure to simplify and prioritize; we have yet to focus our limited time and energy on the most essential, widely acknowledged, evidence-based practices that could have more impact than all other initiatives combined. They are: simple, coherent curricula; straightforward, traditional literacy practices; and lessons built around just a few hugely effective elements of good teaching. As Schmoker demonstrates, the case for these practices—and the need for them—has grown prodigiously.
In every chapter, you'll find late-breaking discoveries and practical advice on how to simplify the implementation of new state standards in the subject areas; on the hidden pitfalls of our most popular, but unproven instructional fads and programs; and on simple, versatile strategies for building curriculum, planning lessons, and integrating literacy into every discipline. All of these strategies and findings are supported with exciting new evidence from actual schools. Their success confirms, as Michael Fullan writes, that a focus on the best "high-leverage practices" won't only improve student performance; they will produce "stunningly powerful consequences" in our schools.
This audiobook is expertly read by Kim Handysides, and was produced and published by Echo Point Books & Media, an independent bookseller in Brattleboro, Vermont. Audio engineering by Allie McSwain.
Download and start listening now!
"We all want our students to be authentic readers, writers, and articulate communicators. Schmoker continues to remind us the need to be clear, simple and authentic with our curriculum, assessment and instruction. I appreciate this work because the message is concrete. We need to place our energy on what is taught, how it is taught, and authentic reading and writing experiences."
— Katherine (5 out of 5 stars)
Focus Listener Reviews
-
" This book validates workhshop teaching. Kids need to be thinking. Reading, writing, math and science...FOCUS! "
— Jennifer, 2/15/2014 -
" While this book didn't tell me something I didn't already know (Tom Newkirk got there first with Holding Onto Good Ideas in a Time of Bad Ones), Schmoker conveyed his premise in a very compelling fashion. It was well-researched. Hopefully it will be well-received by my colleagues. "
— jmjester, 2/13/2014 -
" Wow, another great read for teachers. Would love to read with staff members since a lot of what it suggest would work best school wide. "
— Kristin, 1/29/2014 -
" Great book with wonderful ideas on how to make teaching more effective. In a word- KISS (keep it simple silly/stupid) "
— Sharon, 1/16/2014 -
" What I love about this book is that Schmoker weighs the scattered, overwhelming explosion of standards, data, and best practices to make a unified argument about how to improve instruction. He doesn't leave anything out, just weaves the strands together into a useful fabric. "
— Petter, 1/16/2014 -
" Hope I end up with more than one star! "
— Melissa, 1/14/2014 -
" Shmoker's ideas are right on...less fluff...more reading and writing! "
— Lindsey, 1/7/2014 -
" Mike's latest book is an excellent reminder that getting back to basics by refocusing our efforts on best literacy practices is taking one giant leap forward in education. Check out my blog, The Essential Review, where you can read and respond to my review of Focus at drcarolwetzel.com. "
— Carol, 12/21/2013 -
" Great book with the practical suggestion that schools should FOCUS on what will work to help students... just three things. You have to read the book to find out what they are. "
— Stephanie, 12/8/2013 -
" I felt like this book confirmed my thoughts and my classroom practices. "
— Kate, 12/5/2013 -
" Another strong effort by Schmoker, who preaches the need to stick to the basics and keep it simple. Literacy is the key to everything in his world. "
— Dave, 9/15/2013 -
" I enjoyed reading this book and comparing his recommendations to current practice. Great book for administrators. "
— Ouida, 4/25/2013 -
" Although required reading and a bit redundant, this book had some good points. "
— Jlemerson27, 3/17/2013 -
" This is the next book for the Education Week Book Club otherwise I might not have chosen it. Yet, it is now a favorite and one that I definitely want us to use to guide us as we develop Esperanza's curriculum. "
— Barbara, 3/9/2013 -
" Take it with a grain of salt. I agree with a lot of Schmoker's arguments, but I think there is a balance. He does not mention creativity and innovation as 21st century skills, to me, this was an important omission. "
— Emily, 2/4/2013