ReviewIf you have ever read a Kelly Gallagher book then you know about the sheer brilliance, research, planning, and thought that goes into his work. If you have never read a Kelly Gallagher book, but are familiar with his name then you finally get to experience the essence of him. If you have no idea who Kelly Gallagher is then welcome. Enjoy this book for all it is and reap the benefit of now understanding Kelly Gallagher. A lot of this book was a repeat of what Gallagher has mentioned in past books and in his Twitter feed. The book breaks apart the CCSS for English and provides a unique perspective by complimenting it with excellent detail and showcasing the great aspects, but also shining a light on the no-so-great parts. One of the themes of the book is that we, as educators, should not become attached to the CCSS because a new set will roll into town eventually and have the potential to be something completely different. He reviews and assesses practices that align with the CCSS, but are also in the best interest of our students. The book is hot off the press (2015), takes a critical approach to the CCSS, and provides a lot of excellent examples of ideas that I want to implement now. I killed a lot of highlighters in this book highlighting everything I wanted to remember and keep in my back pocket. This book is a must read and is Monumental! Classroom ImplicationsWhile I wouldn't reference this book as an excellent read to my students, this book would be a great mentor text to further what the Activist Learner represents. The book dives into Gallagher's inquiry into what truly is best for our students. It also is a great mentor text for teachers. Teachers can use this book and follow its format, adding personal classroom experience in letters to department chairs, building and district administration, lawmakers, parents, etc. The audience that could be reached with this book is huge! So What?As mentioned above in the overview section, I would love to have the writers of the Common Core State Standards read this book with a critical lens towards their product. To be a fly on the wall during the reading of the book, bookclubs between themselves, and/or discussions with Kelly Gallagher and the teachers trying to navigate through the standards would be amazing. As long as everyone approached the book and discussion with a clear, open mind, I think the conversation could begin to move forward in two directions - 1). What's next? and 2). What is in the best interest of our students? Yeah, that's right, Kelly Gallagher. I added a word there - "our." My students differ from your students. Your students and their needs, wants, goals, desires, dreams, etc. are different than my students. I have to keep in mind what is in the best interest of my demographic. Continuing the ConversationWhat are your thoughts on the Common Core State Standards? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Feel free to comment below!
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The Avalanche of Books
As an educator and avid reader, I am constantly hearing about books. I feel like I am being chased by a giant, rolling avalanche of titles and authors. Rating System
5 books - New fave! Read it now!
4 books - Shelf worthy 3 books - Quality read, but ... 2 books - Borrow it 1 book - Skip it Archives
December 2017
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