Classroom Techniques for Creating Conditions for Rigorous Instruction

In today's classrooms and schools, rigorous instruction and learning don't just happen by accident. In fact, ensuring rigorous instruction happen consistently, teachers must be willing to pay close attention to their respective learning environments. And that includes having the foresight to plan for the conditions within that learning environment before ever moving on to traditional content planning. Without the appropriate conditions in place, consistent levels of rigorous instruction, learning, and performance are unachievable. Therein lies the practical magic of Classroom Techniques for Creating Conditions for Rigorous Instruction by authors Jennifer Cleary, Terry Morgan, and Dr. Robert J. Marzano. It speaks to the conditions in the classroom that are required to achieve rigorous instruction, and provides teachers of all grade levels and subjects the strategies to get there, including: - Establishing rules and procedures - Recognizing adherence and lack of adherence to rules and procedures - Using engagement strategies when students are not engaged - Establishing and maintaining effective relationships - Communicating high expectations for all students With step-by-step activities for each of its five main strategies, the guide doesn't just provide useful information, it turns that information into actionable insights and templates for bringing solid ideas to life.

Jennifer A. Cleary M.Ed., earned her Bachelors of Science in Business Management from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and completed her education coursework at University of Pennsylvania before moving to Florida to begin her teaching career. After spending several years teaching primary and intermediate students, she earned her Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University, Portland, Oregon. Ms. Cleary shifted her focus to elementary curriculum and instructional coaching support in the curriculum department at the district level. Her passion for education, curriculum, and student growth led her to LSI, where she currently works in content development and product management. Through this work, Ms. Cleary has had the opportunity to work with educators throughout the country in the pursuit of high quality rigorous instruction that results in increased student achievement for all. As an innovative educator and speaker, Terry Morgan's unique approach for increasing teacher expertise is highly sought after across the country. Terry's passion for student success inspires, motivates, and challenges even the most seasoned teachers to reach new heights. His career in K-12 education began shortly after graduating from Loras College with a degree in education. Terry brings expertise to his work from years of experience as a math, science, health and physical education teacher. Striving to impact even more students, he went on to support teachers as an Instructional Specialist in Saint Lucie County, Florida. Currently, Terry serves as a Senior Staff Developer with Learning Sciences International. With LSI, Terry has trained in over 25 districts and with over 10,000 teachers from elementary to the collegiate level. Mr. Morgan engages his audience in deep discussions, expertly relays his experiences in the classroom and in life to connect with teachers, model strategies, and skillfully lead them to reflections about their instructional pedagogy. His work with the teachers, schools, and districts has been the foundation and catalyst for tremendous growth in both teacher effectiveness and student achievement. As his career continues to blossom with Learning Sciences International, Mr. Morgan's new concentration is transforming schools that support economically disadvantaged students. Robert J. Marzano, PhD, is a nationally recognized education researcher, speaker, trainer, and author of more than 30 books and 150 articles on topics such as instruction, assessment, writing and implementing standards, cognition, effective leadership, and school intervention. His practical translations of the most current research and theory into classroom strategies are widely practiced internationally by both teachers and administrators. Dr. Marzano has partnered with Learning Sciences International to offer the Marzano Teacher Evaluation Model, the Marzano School Leadership Evaluation Model, and the Marzano District Leader Evaluation Model. The Marzano evaluation models have been adopted by school districts across the country because they don't simply measure ability, they actually help teachers and leaders grow, improving their instruction over time. Dr. Marzano also co-developed the Learning Sciences Marzano Center Essential Strategies for Achieving Rigor, a model of instruction that fosters essential teaching skills and strategies to support college and career readiness standards. Dr. Marzano received his doctorate from the University of Washington. Learn more about Marzano's research, as well as his products and services at the Learning Sciences Marzano Center.