A Visual, Step-by-Step Guide for Re-Envisioning Rigor: Powerful Routines for Promoting Student Agency is your blueprint for making student ownership not just possible, but habitual. Grounded in real classrooms and supported by research, this third book in the series transforms agency from a buzzword into a daily practice that supports every learner.
Designed for immediate application, it delivers routines and tools to help students take initiative, monitor progress, collaborate meaningfully, and build lifelong habits of thinking and learning.
Whether you're launching a new routine, leading a PLC, or coaching new teachers, this book makes agency actionable . . . one habit at a time.
- Supports agency through daily habits and intentional practice
- 24+ visual, research-based routines for all levels of learning
- Step-by-step visuals with dashboards for prep, implementation, and impact
- Aligned to the "Need It, See It, Start It, Show It" framework for PLCs and coaching
- Builds small, stackable habits for long-term success
This isn't a guide for compliance; it's a daily playbook for helping students think, collaborate, and lead far beyond the classroom.
Michael McDowell, Ed. D. was a public school educator for eighteen years serving in the roles of classroom teacher, academic and athletic coach, school principal, assistant superintendent of personnel and instruction, and superintendent. During his tenure as a superintendent, his school district received state and national accolades including the National Blue Ribbon Award which recognized their work for student performance and mental health and well-being in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic by the U.S. Department of Education.Dr. McDowell serves on numerous boards, served as a college professor, and worked for non-profit organizations to enhance student learning around the world. Over the course of his career, Dr. McDowell has authored bestselling books, created professional learning programs and workbooks, provided keynotes and workshops, and provided practical tools and resources for thousands of teachers and leaders on almost every continent around the world. A prolific author and consultant, Dr. McDowell is recognized as one of the leading authorities on integrating innovative and impactful practices into schools. Offering keynotes and executive coaching to heads of school around the world, he partners with educational leaders to implement high-leverage strategies that will enhance teaching and learning in classrooms, schools, and systems.
Aaron Eisberg began his career designing and implementing project-based learning in K-5 science classrooms. After teaching in the classroom, Mr. Eisberg spent a significant portion of his career advising teachers, schools, and school systems in the development and deployment of rigorous instructional design, effective assessment, and ensuring high levels of student voice and achievement in K-12 systems. Mr. Eisberg currently works as the Director for the Center for Excellence at New Technology High School, the flagship school of the New Tech Network. As the Director he leads the work of designing new content for faculty, cultivating and curating professional learning for educators around the world, and supporting Napa New Tech High School in strengthening their student-led culture and meeting core academic and 21st Century outcomes. Mr. Eisberg is well regarded in his ability to lead adult professional learning in the utilization of innovative methodologies in today's classrooms.Concurrently, Mr. Eisberg works closely with Hinge Education to bring forward Rigorous Problem and Project Based Learning and Leadership to school systems around the world. He has worked closely with Dr. McDowell to create and implement the best possible professional learning service to faculty and administration. His focus has always been and continues to be on ensuring students substantially improve in their core academic learning and in developing their efficacy to take ownership over their own learning. Aaron brings an experience and knowledge base in authentic project-based learning juxtaposed with sound research based practices that move students' academic achievement forward. Additionally, Mr. Eisberg is one of the longest standing Buck Institute of Education National Faculty members.Aaron received a B.S. degree in Natural Science from Loyola Marymount University and a Masters Degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University Bloomington. He holds a Multiple Subject Credential and single subject credentials in Biological Sciences, Introductory Science and Technology.
