The Educator Success Series consists of over 120 interactive online modules that provide strategies on how to tailor a teacher’s classroom instruction to address specific student needs. The program aligns with National Staff Development Council (NSDC) standards.

Modules can be purchased as stand-alone units, with a minimum order of 10 units. For district or Local Education Agency (LEA) purchases, special pricing may be available. Please register to request a quote.

For ease of searching, the modules have been grouped into professional learning libraries:

• Classroom Instruction
• Best Teaching Practices Series
• Differentiating Instruction
• Effective Questioning Strategies
• Motivating Materials and Strategies for Readers
• Planning & Building Lessons
• Planning Essentials for Classroom Success
• Essentials for Results-Focused Lesson Study
• Working with Professional Learning Teams
• Data Essentials for Improving Student Performance
• ELL & Exceptional Students
• English Language Learners
• Essentials for Teaching Exceptional Students
• Technology & Distributed Learning
• Technology Essentials in the Classroom
• Distributed Learning
• Elementary
• Main Idea, Plot, and Purpose for K-5
• Physical and Chemical Sciences for K-5
• Earth and Space Sciences for K-5
• Number Sense for K-5
• Middle
• Reading Strategies for Middle and Secondary Teachers
• Words and Phrases for 6-8
• Main Idea, Plot, and Purpose for 6-8
• Earth and Space Sciences for 6-8
• Geometry and Spatial Sense 6-8
• Algebraic Thinking 6-8
• Data Analysis and Probability for 6-8
• Secondary
• Reading Strategies for Middle and Secondary Teachers
• Main Idea, Plot, and Purpose for 9-12
• Number Sense for 9-12
• Earth and Space Sciences for 9-12

Classroom Instruction

Best Teaching Practices Series

Developing a Classroom Climate

In this lesson you will learn how you can create a classroom climate that promotes learning.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Identify personal strategies which show individual students you value them
• Articulate strategies to create a classroom community
• State ways students can contribute to creating a positive, comfortable environment in the classroom
• Determine and set clear expectations for classroom behavior

Comparing and Classifying

In this lesson you will learn how to encourage your students to use the two processes of comparing and classifying to improve achievement.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Define comparing and classifying
• Explain why the processes of comparing and classifying have a positive influence on student achievement
• Give examples of each of the two processes
• Implement the two processes in your classroom teaching

Metaphors and Analogies

In this lesson you will learn how to encourage your students to use the two processes of creating metaphors and analogies to enhance learning.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Define metaphor and analogy
• Explain why the processes of creating metaphors and analogies have a positive influence on student achievement
• Give examples of each of the two processes
• Implement the two processes in your classroom teaching

Summarizing

In this lesson you will look at various ways of showing your students how to summarize effectively.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Explain the process of effective summarizing
• Define rule-based, summary frames, and reciprocal teaching strategies
• Explain how to summarize using each of the strategies

Note Taking

In this lesson you will examine different note taking formats which your students can adopt.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Indicate what research says about effective note taking
• Distinguish between informal outline, webbing or mind-mapping, and combination notes
• Model different ways of note taking

Reinforcing Effort and Providing Recognition

In this lesson you will learn how to convey to your students the importance of effort which in turn will enhance achievement.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• State the reason for differentiating between effort and achievement
• Distinguish between effective and ineffective recognition
• Integrate various reward systems in your classroom
• Describe various types of token systems which may be used as rewards

The Classroom Environment

In this lesson you will learn how to create a classroom that promotes student learning.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Set classroom temperature for optimum learning
• Understand the need for clean, fresh air in the classroom
• Determine best light for the classroom
• Secure sufficient hydration for student learning
• Use memory strategies and active learning to improve student learning
• Decorate a classroom to enhance student learning

Homework and Practice

In this lesson you will learn why homework is valuable and how to maximize assignments to enhance student learning and achievement.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Identify various instructional strategies used to improve student learning
• Identify short and long term academic benefits of homework
• Identify the non-academic benefits of homework for students
• Develop a homework policy
• Know age and grade appropriate homework limits
• Explain the role of parents in homework assignments
• Differentiate types of homework including practice, preparation, and extension
• Monitor and evaluate homework assignments

Non-Linguistic Representations

In this lesson you will learn how to enhance student learning through the use of non-linguistic tools.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Differentiate between linguistic and non-linguistic representations
• Understand why non-linguistic representations enhance student learning
• Create graphic organizers
• Make physical models
• Draw pictures and pictographs
• Generate mental pictures for students
• Engage in kinesthetic activities to improve learning

Cooperative Learning

In this lesson you will learn how to enhance student learning through the use of cooperative learning.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Identify the benefits of cooperative learning in the classroom
• Determine the optimum size of a cooperative learning group
• Describe the optimum learner composition for an effective cooperative learning group
• Indicate when cooperative learning groups should be used
• State when independent learning is most beneficial
• Cite the student skills required for successful cooperative learning

Teacher Expectations

In this lesson you will learn how to establish expectations for classroom behavior that will enhance teaching and learning.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Identify positive expectations for all students
• Model positive behaviors in the classroom
• Develop a positive environment for your classroom
• Encourage and reward student work and effort
• Affirm positive beliefs through visual displays
• Teach students to respect their own learning and the learning of others
• Teach students how to identify and record positive behavior and good work
• Link school procedures and routines to parents through communication

Setting Objectives and Providing Feedback

In this lesson you will learn how to enhance student learning by setting objectives and providing feedback on their work.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Set objectives to focus student work
• Set objectives to not impede student thinking and creativity
• Encourage students to personalize objectives
• Provide effective, timely feedback
• Provide feedback orally and by using a rubric

Generating and Testing Hypotheses

In this lesson you will learn how to enhance student learning by teaching students to generate and test hypotheses about what they are learning.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Differentiate between inductive and deductive thinking
• Generate hypotheses to improve student learning
• Test hypotheses to improve student learning
• Teach students to generate hypotheses
• Teach students to test hypotheses
• Describe how the scientific process can be used across the curriculum
• Develop a framework for decision making

Cue, Questions, and Advance Organizers

In this lesson you will learn how to enhance student learning by using cues, questions, and advance organizers.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Use cues and questions to activate prior knowledge
• Understand how using cues and questions enhance student understanding
• Understand and use all levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy
• Use advance organizers to activate prior knowledge
• Create a concept map
• Create a K-W-L chart

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Differentiating Instruction

Background and Connections

In this lesson you will learn the foundation for, definition of, and connections to differentiated instruction.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Define differentiated instruction
• Describe the need for differentiated instruction
• Explain when to differentiate instruction
• Describe the importance of diagnosis
• Identify the characteristics and principles of differentiated instruction
• List three frameworks supporting differentiated instruction

Implementing Differentiating Instruction

In this lesson you will explore some components of differentiated instruction and some common differentiation strategies.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Know how to begin differentiating how you teach
• Understand the importance of assessment in differentiation
• Identify three kinds of assessments
• Comprehend motivation’s role in differentiation and overall learning
• Understand the reason fairness must be addressed in the classroom
• Identify distinctions in four ways of differentiating
• Utilize several effective strategies to differentiate instruction

K-6 Strategies: I

In this lesson you will learn a variety of strategies for differentiating instruction in the K-6 classroom. These tools will help you reach a wider spectrum of students.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Utilize multiple, age-appropriate strategies for differentiating instruction in grades K-3 and 4-6
• Understand the special needs of adolescent students
• Establish effective student groups
• Provide opportunities for students to develop their discussion skills
• Foster critical thinking skills using group activities
• Begin and expand on topics using brainstorming, charting, and webbing strategies
• Use modeling and reciprocal teaching methods to clarify text and develop reading skills

K-6 Strategies: II

In this lesson you will explore strategies to use to differentiate instruction in K-6 classrooms.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Provide students with a variety of ways to demonstrate their learning, including group performance and graphic representations
• Utilize concrete strategies to encourage and deepen thinking skills
• Help students develop their self-assessment skills
• Inspire creative expression using a variety of written responses
• Create learning environments that facilitate both group and individual work

7-12 Strategies: I

In this lesson you will review the unique needs of 7-12 students and explore a variety of strategies to use in the classroom for differentiating instruction so that you can reach a wider spectrum of students.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Utilize differentiating instruction in 7-12 classrooms
• Identify ways to organize material to clarify information
• Develop several ways to brainstorm ideas
• Employ a strategy to focus students as they read
• Comprehend the benefits and uses of read-alouds
• Draw upon strategies for forming opinions
• Differentiate between webbing and charting
• Identify the principles and standards for problem solving from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM)
• Apply research skills for students

7-12 Strategies: II

In this lesson you will review strategies to use in classrooms for grades 7-12 for differentiating instruction so that you can reach a wider spectrum of students.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Use group performance for shared learning and the development of social skills
• Build critical thinking skills using individual inquiry methods
• Utilize graphic representations to engage kinesthetic learners
• Cultivate self assessment skills using written response techniques

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Effective Questioning Strategies

The Purpose of Questions

This lesson looks at how effective questioning by teachers can improve student learning and achievement. It reviews the purposes of skilled questioning, and provides guidelines for how to use effective questioning techniques in the classroom.

After completing this lesson you will understand how:

• Skilled questioning techniques can improve student learning and achievement
• Skilled questioning techniques can be used to shape lesson planning and classroom learning
• Skilled questioning techniques can identify previous learning and be used to build a foundation for deeper understanding
• Skilled questioning techniques can teach students critical thinking skills
• Skilled questioning techniques can engage and motivate students to learn

Classifying Questions

This lesson introduces many types of questioning techniques, each with their own unique characteristics and uses. We will examine how to classify questions, and provide tips and examples of how to use various types of questions to improve student understanding, interest, and achievement.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Identify the cognitive levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy
• Understand how to use the Aschner-Gallagher’s questioning model to enhance teaching and learning in your classroom
• Classify types of questions including: open, closed, convergent, divergent, focusing, redirecting, narrowing, verifying, supporting, clarifying, lower and higher level
• Feel confident using effective questioning strategies to build critical thinking skills and extend understanding of content in students

Research on Questioning

This lesson looks at research into questioning as a learning strategy.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Analyze research about questioning strategies used in the past century and identify trends
• Identify critical areas of questioning research and their impact on classroom teaching
• Identify questioning strategies that can improve student understanding and achievement, and when to use them
• Understand and use the concept of questioning sequencing
• Understand the benefits of wait-times, and how to use them to enhance student understanding and achievement
• Understand the complexity of higher- and lower-level questions, and when and how to use them effectively
• Recognize the link between learner objectives and questioning strategies

Effective Teacher Questioning

This lesson looks at how to design and develop lesson plans to include effective questioning strategies. It provides templates for student and teacher activities to learn and use effective questioning strategies.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Design, develop, and incorporate effective questioning strategies into lesson plans and classroom practices
• Vary questioning techniques to reach all students and expand their learning
• Create physical, social, and emotional environments for more effective questioning
• Design questions for maximum understanding, and as a trigger for higher-level thinking by incorporating wait-times, probing, elaboration, redirection, and supporting techniques
• Know the research supporting the importance of teaching students how to question effectively
• Teach students effective questioning techniques by welcoming student questions, embedding questions whenever appropriate, and providing opportunities for practice

Assessing Questioning Skills

This lesson guides you through the process of assessing your skill at using effective questioning techniques. It provides strategies to use for both individual and collaborative practice, and for objectively recording, evaluating and enhancing your questioning skills.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Guide yourself and your colleagues through the process of developing your questioning skills, using observation and collaboration
• Develop question logs, reflective journals, and scripted notes to assess and enhance questioning skills
• Conduct peer reviews to assess and improve questioning skills

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Motivating Materials and Strategies for Readers

Using Environmental Print

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Explain motivational materials
• Define environmental print
• State some facts about environmental print
• Describe how environmental print is linked to effort
• Identify various examples of environmental print
• State the meaning of complex cues
• Articulate what emergent literacy refers to
• Connect motivation to environmental print

Gathering Environmental Print

In this lesson you will find some ways to gather and use environmental print materials.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Explain why environmental print is used in school
• Define ways that signs, logos, and labels can be used as literacy learning tools
• Describe how to integrate environmental text into your classroom
• List some sources of environmental print
• Identify how to access images from the Internet
• See a sample of a letter to send to parents requesting environmental print
• State creative ways to obtain environmental print sources
• Describe some ways to use environmental print across the grades

Environmental Print in K-3

In this lesson you will learn how to use environmental print in the K-3 classroom.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Explain how environmental print is beneficial in the K-3 classroom
• Define receptive and productive tasks
• Describe how to integrate newspapers and comics into the curriculum
• Express how comics can be used to fuel the imagination of students
• List a number of magazines that are geared toward youngsters in K-3
• Identify many kinds of environmental print items in the home
• Describe some fun alphabet activities to use with environmental print

Environmental Print in 4-8

This lesson will focus on the types of materials and strategies that can be employed for middle years students to connect learning more closely with real life.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Explain how environmental print materials can be used in the middle school years
• Define “tween”
• Describe middle school student characteristics and needs
• Identify benefits of environmental print for middle school students
• List a variety of magazines that are geared toward 4-8 students
• Identify many kinds of environmental print items in the home

Environmental Print in 9-12

In this lesson you will be introduced to the use of environmental print in the 9-12 classroom.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Explain why environmental print is useful
• Describe how environmental print materials can be used
• Describe how to integrate newspapers, comics, and magazines into curriculum
• List a variety of magazines that are geared toward 9-12 students
• Identify ways to use community resources as environmental print
• State how students as mentors can use environmental print for younger students
• Explain the benefits of authentic environmental print projects

Issues Surrounding the Use of Environmental Print

In this lesson you will gain an understanding of some potential issues related to using environmental print, and of how to deal with them effectively.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Explain how environmental print can be truly effective
• Describe three key realities about change
• Identify how to deal with resistance from students
• State ways to work with resistant parents and colleagues
• Create a list of activities for parents to do at home with their children
• Describe successful ways to inform administration about environmental print
• Produce a list of environmental print resources

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Planning & Building Lessons

Planning Essentials for Classroom Success

Starting Right

This lesson looks at the importance of establishing a purposeful classroom environment, what topics to consider, and examples of how to use the resources of other educators as well as your own when building that climate.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Build a safe environment for all students
• Create a stimulating learning environment
• Learn from and observe mentors
• Self-monitor to improve your teaching and learning skills

The Classroom Climate

This lesson looks at activities you can do before school begins, the first day, the first week, and throughout the year to create and maintain a positive and purposeful learning environment for you and your students.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Know when and how to meet your students and their families
• Create a comfortable physical environment
• Post messages that inspire confidence in students
• Build student profiles
• Develop student communities
• Establish routines and develop independence in students
• Stay healthy

Planning the Physical Environment

In this lesson you will learn how to enhance student learning by designing a stimulating and purposeful classroom environment.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Arrange student seating for maximum learning and flexibility
• Arrange teacher furniture and supplies for maximum efficiency
• Organize student and teacher displays
• Introduce plants and animals to your classroom
• Organize storage for students
• Set up learning stations and interest centers
• Establish designated places for completed and marked work

Planning and Maintaining Classroom Management

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Determine teacher and student responsibilities for classroom management
• Develop student behavior expectations
• Understand contemporary theories on why students misbehave
• Recognize and categorize student misbehaviors
• React to student misbehaviors
• Determine consequences for student misbehavior
• Use social conferences and action plans to correct student misbehavior
• Know the importance of setting classroom routines to good student behavior
• Establish classroom routines for effective learning and out-of-class activities
• Teach the social skills needed for effective student group work

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Essentials for Results-Focused Lesson Study

History and Definition

In this lesson you will examine the history, definitions, purposes, and benefits of collaborative lesson study so that it can become an analytical approach to consider as you seek ways to improve your practice.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Define lesson study
• Describe the gap between various nations regarding educational improvements
• Describe the purpose of collaborative lesson study
• List specific strategies that teachers use for lesson study
• Compare traditional professional development with collaborative lesson study
• Identify four key purposes that motivate lesson study
• Describe the foundations of and benefits to lesson study
• Define the role of a reflective practitioner

The Lesson Study Cycle

In this lesson you will examine who is involved in the collaborative lesson study process and how lesson study works.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• List and explain the three main steps to forming a team for lesson study
• Describe the role of the outside adviser
• Define the phases of the lesson study cycle
• Identify the five key learning pathways that lesson study can strengthen
• Explain some dynamics involved in collaborative lesson study

Observation Component

In this lesson you will examine details associated with the observation component of collaborative lesson study.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Describe the purpose of observation
• Identify the foundation for effective observation dialogue to occur
• List essential requirements for observations
• Describe the role of the observers
• Explain the benefits of observation
• Review observation protocol

Questions for Reflection on Practice

In this lesson you will examine the importance of using questions as an approach to deeper and richer reflection in the process of lesson study.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Describe the significance of questioning
• List six criteria for powerful questions
• Describe how to develop good questions
• List some good questions to ask for reflective purposes during lesson study
• Explain the reason for using essential questions
• Ask questions about questions

Implementation of Lesson Study

In this lesson you will examine some of the details that should be considered prior to engaging in the process of collaborative lesson study.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Provide examples of transferable learning that can occur with lesson study
• Define timelines needed for lesson study
• Describe potential challenges with lesson study implementation
• List some questions that can be asked when lesson study begins
• Describe the role of the school administration in lesson study
• Explain how to motivate others to be involved with lesson study

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Working with Professional Learning Teams

Understanding Teams

In this lesson you will be provided with an introduction to basics about team building in seven key areas.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Define collegiality, congeniality, and collaboration
• Describe why teams are effective entities
• Describe the importance of collaboration and autonomy
• List characteristics of traditional and contemporary teams
• Compare two basic types of teams
• Identify the value of teamwork to efficiency and effectiveness
• Describe the bare essentials of a successful team

Components of Effective Team Building

In this lesson you will examine essential factors in team building.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Define trust as it relates to a high performance organization
• Describe the five key components of trust
• Compare characteristics of discussion and dialogue
• List three conditions for dialogue
• Identify the use of appreciative inquiry
• Explain how to enhance conversations
• Describe two examples of visual displays
• Define collaboration
• List the responsibilities of an effective team facilitator

Functions of Teams

In this lesson you will become acquainted with the elements of teaming that deal with purpose, focus, and steps along the way that will foster the success of the life of a team.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Define purpose and vision
• Describe the SMART framework for goal-setting
• Describe norms of conduct for effective group interactions
• List three essential questions teams can ask themselves to create focus
• Identify the need for monitoring
• Define reflecting
• Explain the benefits of celebrating team accomplishments

Leading Teams

In this lesson you will learn what it takes to be an effective team leader.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Identify characteristics of action-oriented team leaders
• Differentiate between leaders, managers and facilitators
• Define motivation and its influence on teams
• Describe four team interaction styles
• State the meaning of team motivation and six factors that affect teams
• List twelve meaningful motivators that encourage teams to move forward

Resolving Team Building Challenges

In this lesson you will examine various elements of conflict in teamwork and ways to overcome the challenges.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Define conflict, including examining three levels of conflict
• Identify five common sources of conflict
• Explain five ways in which individuals address and resolve conflict
• Describe the common visible and invisible barriers to school teams
• State the role autonomy has in conflict
• Determine how to manage challenges and conflict
• Identify the importance of professionalism to team building

The Future of Teams

In this lesson you will have a brief overview of the future outlook for teams. It centers on a shift in thinking, team building, staff development, professional learning communities, and maintaining teams.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Explain the reason a change in thinking about professional teams is valuable
• Define professional learning
• Describe the importance of maintaining teams in schools
• Identify four key factors which sustain the momentum of teams

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Data Essentials for Improving Student Performance

The Basics

In this lesson you will learn the basics of student achievement data.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Define data
• Cite the uses and types of data
• Identify sources and forms of data
• Explain how student achievement data can be used to bring about change

Standardized Tests

In this lesson you will learn the different types of standardized tests and the language used to analyze performance data.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Differentiate between norm and criterion-referenced tests
• Identify multiple scoring formats and their uses

Disaggregating Data

In this lesson you will examine why data is disaggregated, when it should be disaggregated, and how we can use it to improve student achievement.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Answer why data is disaggregated
• Know when it is appropriate to disaggregate data
• Know how to disaggregate data

Organizing Data

In this lesson you will review and evaluate the use of graphs, tables, and charts to display and analyze students’ performance scores.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Review the use of graphs, tables, and charts to display students’ achievement results
• Evaluate the use of graphs, tables, and charts to display students’ achievement results

Technology Tools for Data Collection

In this lesson you will learn the uses of a data warehouse, and how to choose an appropriate one to manage your students’ achievement results.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Examine the uses of a data warehouse
• Evaluate a data warehouse
• Choose a data warehouse

An Inquiry Model for Data Analysis

This lesson examines how to use student achievement data to develop strategies to improve classroom teaching and learning.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Collect relevant data
• Ask questions when analyzing student achievement
• Link analysis of student achievement data to school improvement
• Set school and student goals for improvement

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ELL & Exceptional Students

English Language Learners

Language Acquisition Research

In this lesson you will be introduced to language acquisition research through statistics, factors affecting English Language Learning, and facts about ELL from researchers.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Recognize how demographic statistics can help schools adapt and adjust to cultural changes within their communities and society at large
• Understand the different components of language acquisition
• Appreciate the difficulties faced by English Language Learners
• Use ELL facts from research to adapt and adjust the school setting

English Language Development Standards

This lesson provides an overview of three areas in the discussion of standards:

1. The role of standards
2. English Language Development (ELD) standards
3. The Teachers of English to Students of Other Languages (TESOL) standards

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Understand the use and purpose of standards in developing an educational plan
• Explain TESOL and its values
• Describe the organization of the TESOL standards
• Share with colleagues important aspects of English Language Learners and ELD Standards, including the TESOL standards

Understanding Cultures

In this lesson you will learn to define culture, to realize the importance of cultural awareness, and how to encourage cultural understanding and awareness.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Differentiate between cultural knowledge, cultural awareness, and cultural sensitivity
• Understand the key aspects of culture
• Know how cultural awareness can enhance the learning experience for all students and teachers in the school community
• Use a cultural framework to develop an awareness of culture as well as a means for sharing diverse cultures within the classroom

Sheltered Instruction

In this lesson you will learn how to provide sheltered instruction to ELL students.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Use the SIOP model to enhance instruction and teacher effectiveness
• Teach language throughout content
• Recognize three categories of words, and use 13 methods of keeping academic vocabulary “active” in your classroom
• Understand the components of cooperative learning
• Teach the roles of cooperative learning
• Use various methods of cooperative learning for both instruction and student assessment

Teaching Literacy Skills to English Language Learners

This lesson provides information about four main areas related to reading and writing strategies for ELL:

1. Literacy skills
2. Literacy goals
3. Specific reading strategies
4. Specific writing strategies

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Understand that time, practices, and patience are required to achieve literacy
• Divide literacy skills into categories
• Provide an effective reading program using literacy goals
• Use the Pre-, During-, and Post-reading Activity Framework
• Correctly identify the level of reading readiness of your ELL before assigning reading materials
• Understand the skills needed for basic writing
• Incorporate many strategies for developing ELL academic writing proficiency

ELL Assessment

This lesson offers guidance in four areas:

1. Forms of assessment
2. The importance of assessment
3. Issues in ELL assessment
4. What should be assessed in the ELL classroom

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Use a variety of forms of assessment
• Determine which type of assessment to use to determine readiness, pinpoint gaps in learning, highlight weaknesses in instruction, program, or test construction
• Identify categories of skills essential for ELL assessment
• Address special needs associated with ELL assessment regarding frequency, type of assessment, scope, method, interpretation of results, accommodations, training, and feedback
• Implementing various methods for assessing listening, speaking, reading, writing, and vocabulary

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Essentials for Teaching Exceptional Students

History of Educational Inclusion

In this lesson you will learn the philosophy behind the move to inclusion of special students, and the resulting adjustments to the school environment.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Explain the chronology of inclusion for exceptional children
• Define exceptional children
• Recognize types of disabilities
• Understand the role of the teacher

The Individual Education Program (IEP)

In this lesson you will learn the standard components of an IEP and IEP team, and the role of the regular classroom teacher in the IEP process.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Define IEP
• Know the steps involved in creating an IEP
• Explain the IEP team’s responsibilities
• Use guidelines for providing a least restrictive environment
• Understand the importance of accommodation and modification

Teaching for Inclusion

In this lesson you will gain an understanding of the pivotal role of the classroom teacher in providing a least restrictive environment, and learn strategies to help adapt and modify the classroom environment for the exceptional student.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Implement an IEP
• Develop an evaluation scheme for exceptional students’ IEPs
• Employ classroom management strategies to manage student behavior
• Apply teacher centered and reciprocal teaching methods
• Use a portfolio as both an assessment and a formative evaluation tool

Low Incidence Disabilities

In this lesson you will learn how to support exceptional students with low incidence disabilities in the regular classroom.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Define several types of low incidence disabilities
• Implement the special requirements needed for each disability
• Acquire important information from specialists for a particular student

Accommodating Exceptional Students

In this lesson you will learn how to adjust your classroom to address the needs of the specific learning disability of your student(s).

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Create a supportive environment to optimize learning
• Acquire essential student information quickly
• Recognize specific behaviors that indicate problem areas
• Improve the exceptional student’s self-advocacy skills
• Implement strategies for alleviating problems with writing, spelling, written expression, and math skills

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Technology & Distributed Learning

Technology Essentials in the Classroom

Planning ICT Integration

In this lesson you will learn what preliminary work needs to be done before determining the nature of ICT integration appropriate for your school.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Cite the goals of federal legislation with respect to integrating technology into the curriculum to improve student achievement
• Using the STaR rubric, determine the level of your school staff’s ICT ability
• Explain four other key components of ICT integration

Classification of Technology-Related Activities

In this lesson you will learn which technology-related activities are associated with the Entry, Intermediate, Advanced, and Target levels of the STaR Chart.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Describe skills, attitudes, and activities found at each of the four levels
• Prepare a chart showing the level of ability with respect to technology of the various groups (administrators, teachers, and students) at your school

ICT Integration Components

In this lesson you will learn the meaning of the five ICT integration components and obstacles facing each of them.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Distinguish between each of the five integration components
• Identify the specific factors related to each of the five integration components
• Understand the obstacles to the successful integration of ICT in each component area
• Observe how the five components are interrelated
• Relate the five integration components to your school

Critical Success Factors

In this lesson you will learn the critical success factors necessary for planning learning and technology integration.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Identify critical success factors related to planning for ICT integration
• Recognize the range of stakeholders involved in supporting technology education
• Understand the necessity for laying the groundwork before beginning a strategic plan

Strategic Planning

In this lesson you will become acquainted with the components of a strategic plan that are relevant for ICT integration planning.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• List the components of a strategic plan
• Identify valuable aspects of each component of a strategic plan
• Create various components of a strategic plan
• Describe how the parts of a strategic plan are interrelated
• Develop a strategic plan for ICT integration at your school

Infrastructure and Support for ICT Delivery

In this lesson you will become aware of ICT integration needs around infrastructure and support in schools.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Ask and answer questions about needs and approaches to technology use
• Describe the capacity and connectivity of the systems in place
• Understand the most critical factor in making deployment decisions
• Describe a number of ways that technology can be distributed across a school
• Identify the pros and cons to four general physical configuration options
• Describe three networking configurations
• List advantages and disadvantages to networking computers
• Define various ICT-specific terms

ICT Professional Development

In this lesson you will examine professional development for ICT to determine the best direction for your school to take to accommodate and support the professional development needs of your staff.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Identify reasons the success of ICT professional development is unclear
• List some characteristics for a successful ICT training and development program
• Differentiate between the three most common professional development content areas
• Describe specific activities for common types of professional development practices

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Distributed Learning

Is Distributed Learning for You?

In this lesson you will learn to define Distributed Learning and explore some key aspects of creating a quality program including:

• Define Distributed Learning
• Recognize several DL models and characteristics of programs
• List several key aspects of being an educator and learner within a Distance Learning environment
• Identify and describe the organizational needs and resources of a program
• Design a preliminary plan for developing a quality program

To decide if a Distributed Learning program is for you:

• Have a clear definition and understanding of Distributed Learning
• Articulate the roles of instructor and learner clearly
• Examine the models that may be most effective in meeting learner and organizational needs
• Examine the organization systems and models needed to support a program
• Analyze the needs and resources for initiating a DL program

Where the Bell Doesn’t Toll

This lesson describes the challenge of organizing time in a Distributed Learning environment and offers some time management strategies for instructors. Many of these strategies are also effective in other environments as well.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Identify the key aspects of your job
• Identify some common pitfalls to organizing time in a DL environment
• Identify and describe several time management strategies
• Reflect on some aspects of your personal working style
• List several possible ways you may structure your time to meet the demands of the key aspects of your job

The Teacher Is In

Examining strategies that are successful in a regular classroom and designing different ways to deliver similar strategies can help teachers to bring their personalities and presence into their online classrooms. Developing ways to build relationships with learners, and to demonstrate your personality online as an instructor, takes careful planning.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Describe ways to make an online classroom a place for learners to “go to class”
• Identify some differences and similarities between strategies for relationship building and demonstrating presence in online and face-to-face classes
• Describe strategies to communicate your role as an instructor and to bring your personality into the online classroom
• Examine the importance of providing learners with instructor presence online

If You Build it… What Will Make Them Come?

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Identify reasons why learners may or may not visit a course or classroom regularly
• Critique online classrooms or courses for attributes appealing to learners
• Describe strategies to show learners what visiting the online classroom can offer them

What are Synchronous Tools?

Synchronous tools provide the exciting opportunity to communicate in real time online. There are many uses for these tools when designing and implementing courses.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Define the term “synchronous tool”
• Describe several types of synchronous tools
• Describe ways synchronous tools can be used within online courses and classrooms
• Identify some possible issues when utilizing synchronous tools with learners
• Decide if synchronous tools will meet organizational needs

What are Asynchronous Tools?

Asynchronous tools can offer learners a feeling of connection although they may be miles away from the instructor, learners, and the geographic location where their online course resides.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Define the term “asynchronous tool”
• Describe several types of asynchronous tools
• Describe ways asynchronous tools can be used within online courses and classrooms
• Identify some possible issues when utilizing asynchronous tools with learners
• Decide if asynchronous tools will meet organizational needs

Bringing It All Together

Learning management systems (LMSs) aim to be a “first and final destination” in a distributed learning organization. It is the first place people go and they shouldn’t need to leave, providing all the necessary resources have been structured and provided properly within the LMS.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Define the term “Learning Management System”
• Describe several key features of learning management systems
• Describe the benefits of using a learning management system in a distributed learning environment
• Identify some possible issues when utilizing a learning management system in a distributed learning environment
• Identify characteristics of learning management systems that are most important to the organization

Crossing the Finish Line

Why don’t learners finish their Distributed Learning courses? Distributed learning organizations need to reflect on learner success and how programs are structured to find the answers.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Identify reasons learners may not complete distributed learning courses
• Identify instructional design characteristics that may contribute to completion rates of distributed learning courses
• Explore ways instructors can communicate and support learners in completing courses

How Do We Know They Know?

Distributed learning can potentially offer learners the chance to individualize the strategies they use to learn and to demonstrate their learning. Authentic assessment strategies can help instructors build a relationship and deeper knowledge of learner abilities from a distance.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Define the term authentic assessment
• Describe the benefits related to utilizing an authentic approach to assessment in a distributed learning environment
• Identify issues relating to the implementation of authentic assessment approaches into distributed learning environments
• Describe strategies to incorporate authentic assessment approaches into distributed learning environments
• Evaluate current courses for types of assessment methods being utilized

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Elementary

Main Idea, Plot, and Purpose for K-5

Details and Facts

In this lesson you will learn how to help learners examine text for meaning, and make pieces of facts and opinions within the details.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Develop the ability to identify facts and opinions within the details in text
• Create an understanding of fact versus opinion
• Use detail from the text to develop an understanding of backing up opinions and facts
• Use details and facts from text in note-taking and graphic organizers

Patterns of Organizations

In this lesson you will learn how to teach students to recognize and utilize patterns of organization to improve reading comprehension.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Give examples of common patterns of organization
• Show learners how to identify patterns of organization within text
• Demonstrate how to use graphic organizers to record and make sense of information

Main Ideas and Essential Messages

In this lesson you will learn how to teach learners to recognize the main ideas and essential messages in text, and how they can help them comprehend what they are reading.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Demonstrate how to identify main ideas and essential messages in text
• Demonstrate how finding the main ideas and essential messages can help with comprehending what the text is about
• Demonstrate how to use graphic organizers to identify main ideas and essential messages in text

Character Point of View

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Lead a discussion and activity about reading text written in the first and third person
• Facilitate a role playing activity
• Facilitate an activity where students express themselves from a point of view presented by characters in a story

Character Development

This lesson will focus on the concept of character development, and how to help your students learn to examine characters and comprehend how they grow and change over the course of a story.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Help students identify characters in stories and describe their attributes (both inferential and literal)
• Facilitate an activity where students compare and contrast characters
• Facilitate an activity based on how characters change over the course of a story, and why

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Physical and Chemical Sciences for K-5

Measurement

In this lesson you will learn the most common measurement tools used in the elementary science classroom along with their most common applications. You will also learn about the metric system; a system of units used in all science classrooms.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Identify a metric ruler, double-pan balance, triple-beam balance, and graduated cylinder
• Give examples of the kinds of objects that would be measured with the measurement tools listed above
• Explain how displacement can be used to measure the volume of an object
• Identify and use the appropriate units of measurement when using these measuring tools
• Implement the teaching of measurement using these measuring tools and the appropriate metric units

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Earth and Space Sciences for K-5

The Water Cycle

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Be aware of students’ knowledge before throwing them into the deep end of the water cycle
• Know how to “ground” students in the basic knowledge of evaporation, differences between solids, liquids and gasses, melting and freezing
• Select concepts to emphasize when teaching the water cycle
• Use hands-on methods of inquiry
• Use technology as an additional classroom resource

The Process of Weathering: Here Today, Gone Tomorrow

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Help students identify and understand the process of physical and chemical weathering that breaks down rocks on the Earth’s surface
• Understand mechanical and chemical weathering and how to show them through simple demonstrations
• Introduce the concept of different rates of weathering and demonstrating this in your classroom

Erosion and Sedimentation

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Investigate the effects of forces such as erosion, upon materials
• Understand that good science instruction requires hands-on science investigations in which student inquiry is an important goal
• Use technology to reach beyond the standard textbook
• Teach types of erosion through a variety of in-class demonstrations
• Use simulation activities to engage students in active learning

The Earth’s Surface: Why Does It Change?

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Understand the Learn for Use model in earth sciences
• Understand the problems of teaching geological time and how to overcome them
• Teach how scientists believe the Earth’s land masses were formed
• Facilitate students’ understanding of tectonic plates and their movement, which is essential in the study of the Earth’s constantly changing surface

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Number Sense for K-5

Helping Learners Master Basic Facts

In this lesson we provide suggestions for strategies to help learners become more confident with recalling basic number facts.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Introduce a variety of strategies for solving basic number facts to learners
• Understand some of the reasons learners cannot recall number facts quickly
• Create a selection of teaching materials for basic number facts

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Middle

Reading Strategies for Middle and Secondary Teachers

Introduction to Reading

In this lesson you will receive a brief overview of an introduction to reading from the perspective of teaching in the middle and secondary schools.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Define reading
• Compare myths and truths about reading
• Describe why student reading ability continues to be a national concern
• Identify each of the five stages of reading
• Explain how ‘functional’ literacy is reached
• Articulate the debate between phonics and the whole language approach to reading
• Explain the changing views about reading in grades 7 to 12

Three Interactive Elements of Reading

In this lesson you will learn more details about the three elements involved in reading.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Name the three elements involved in reading
• Explain how each element is connected to the others
• Describe the relationship between prior knowledge and reading comprehension
• State how metacognition is applied to reading
• Define ‘schema’ and how it relates to reading
• Connect writing and collaboration to reading
• Identify where students will learn best
• Articulate the importance of a reader-friendly environment
• Explain the need for teachers to provide explicit instruction on text features

Strategic Readers

In this lesson you will learn about effective reading strategies that are used as students read.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Name the strategies that proficient readers use
• Describe seven strategies of effective readers
• Identify four ways that students struggle with reading
• Differentiate between what struggling and successful readers do when they read
• Link how increased reading opportunities result in student success with reading
• List some good reading opportunities
• Explain balanced literacy
• Describe the need for reading instruction in content areas

Vocabulary Development

In this lesson you will learn the importance of effective vocabulary instruction and learning related to reading.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Explain how content area vocabulary is different from literature-based vocabulary
• List the skills necessary for vocabulary development
• Define semantic word maps
• Describe a strategy to manipulate words and make predictions prior to reading
• Identify a strategy used to recognize relationships between key concepts
• Articulate how the Frayer Model helps students understand
• Define what concept circles provide for students
• Describe how to use semantic feature analysis

Pre- Reading

In this lesson you will acquire a repertoire of effective pre-reading strategies.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Explain the importance of previewing text prior to reading it
• Describe how teachers can introduce topics that are personally relevant to students
• Identify how to make connections with related texts
• State how to use the Building from Clues strategy
• Explain how anticipation guides and K-W-Ls are used

Post-Reading

In this lesson you will acquire a number of effective post-reading strategies to add to your repertoire.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Define “post-reading”
• Explain the use of plot profiles with narrative texts
• Describe the typical elements of story maps
• Identify how concept maps are used
• State the purpose and process for using a Venn diagram
• Articulate how students can understand the printed text and personal experience relationship
• List the steps in the describe, find, and reread strategy
• Describe how students use collaborative summaries and paper bag presentations

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Words and Phrases for 6-8

Clues for Working with Context

By the end of this lesson you will be familiar with the latest research on the best practices associated with teaching vocabulary and the use of context clues.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Design a classroom wide, or preferably school wide, vocabulary initiative that incorporates words from all subject areas
• Develop daily context clue lessons that provide students with scaffolded practice opportunities
• Use existing resources and textbooks and expose students to key words multiple times and provide extensive practice using context clues in subject-driven assignments

Drawing Conclusions and Making Inferences

By the end of this lesson you will be familiar with the importance of teaching your middle school students how to infer, and the ways that inferring will help them become better readers.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Define the concept of inference for your students
• Teach your students to make simple inferences using text samples provided in this lesson
• Help your students practice their ability to draw inferences using materials you already have in the classroom
• Help students discover “real world” opportunities to infer and draw conclusions from text

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Main Idea, Plot, and Purpose for 6-8

Details and Facts

By the end of this lesson you will be familiar with the latest research on the best practices associated with teaching your students to understand, and retain, important details without getting bogged down in the minutia.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Teach the purpose of details using an easy acrostic device
• Give your students a thorough, working understanding of the purpose of details
• Develop daily detail-based lessons to give students more practice opportunities
• Use real world text to reinforce your lessons and help students make those critical connections

Main Ideas and Essential Messages

By the end of this lesson you will be familiar with the latest research on the best practices associated with teaching students to unlock the main idea.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Establish a purpose for reading each time you introduce your students to a piece of fiction or non-fiction
• Teach your students to make predictions regarding the main idea
• Help your students become better main idea detectives and overall readers through the utilization of pre-, during-, and post-reading strategies
• Teach students the difference between stated and implied main idea
• Help students use this knowledge to improve their writing skills through the use of focused main-idea planning

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Earth and Space Sciences for 6-8

Earth’s Dramatic History

In this lesson we provide you with opportunities to learn:

• How the Earth history approach helps student understanding of the “big” ideas they learn in science
• How to address “creationist” ideas in the classroom
• How to teach geological time in a local context
• How to use fossils as attention getters and as a theme for integrated curriculum studies

Continental Drift

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Introduce the concept of continental drift, plate tectonics, Pangaea, and provide hands-on activities for exploration and student discovery
• Have students understand why continental drift is important, and contemplate what would happen if it stopped
• Review some topics to explore with your students to support the theory of continental drift

The Water Cycle

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Teach students to understand how water is a part of their everyday lives
• Teach how the water cycle should be presented within the context of the relationships
• Understand that a student’s comprehension of the cyclic nature of water is influenced by their ability to synthesize its components into a system
• Demonstrate the amount of water on Earth that is available for human consumption
• Present the water cycle as a story
• Use a concept map to clarify the meaning of ideas and terms

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Geometry and Spatial Sense 6-8

Draw, Manipulate, Label, and Construct Geometric Shapes

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Build a common vocabulary for geometry and the symbols for geometric properties
• Use hands-on experiences to draw, manipulate, label and construct geometric shapes
• Create the net of three dimensional shapes
• Develop surface area formulas for right rectangular solids and right cylinders

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Algebraic Thinking 6-8

Developing the Concept of Slope

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Help students examine real world rates
• Rise over run: relate slopes of objects to linear functions
• Use graphs to describe and analyze rate of change
• Relate rates to slopes
• Develop discussion questions

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Data Analysis and Probability for 6-8

Measures of Central Tendency

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Investigate mean, median, and mode
• Use histograms with students
• Understand the effects of changing parameters
• Use Box-and-Whisker graphs
• Analyze data

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Secondary

Reading Strategies for Middle and Secondary Teachers

Introduction to Reading

In this lesson you will receive a brief overview of an introduction to reading from the perspective of teaching in the middle and secondary schools.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Define reading
• Compare myths and truths about reading
• Describe why student reading ability continues to be a national concern
• Identify each of the five stages of reading
• Explain how ‘functional’ literacy is reached
• Articulate the debate between phonics and the whole language approach to reading
• Explain the changing views about reading in grades 7 to 12

Three Interactive Elements of Reading

In this lesson you will learn more details about the three elements involved in reading.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Name the three elements involved in reading
• Explain how each element is connected to the others
• Describe the relationship between prior knowledge and reading comprehension
• State how metacognition is applied to reading
• Define ‘schema’ and how it relates to reading
• Connect writing and collaboration to reading
• Identify where students will learn best
• Articulate the importance of a reader-friendly environment
• Explain the need for teachers to provide explicit instruction on text features

Strategic Readers

In this lesson you will learn about effective reading strategies that are used as students read.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Name the strategies that proficient readers use
• Describe seven strategies of effective readers
• Identify four ways that students struggle with reading
• Differentiate between what struggling and successful readers do when they read
• Link how increased reading opportunities result in student success with reading
• List some good reading opportunities
• Explain balanced literacy
• Describe the need for reading instruction in content areas

Vocabulary Development

In this lesson you will learn the importance of effective vocabulary instruction and learning related to reading.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Explain how content area vocabulary is different from literature-based vocabulary
• List the skills necessary for vocabulary development
• Define semantic word maps
• Describe a strategy to manipulate words and make predictions prior to reading
• Identify a strategy used to recognize relationships between key concepts
• Articulate how the Frayer Model helps students understand
• Define what concept circles provide for students
• Describe how to use semantic feature analysis

Pre-Reading

In this lesson you will acquire a repertoire of effective pre-reading strategies.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Explain the importance of previewing text prior to reading it
• Describe how teachers can introduce topics that are personally relevant to students
• Define brainstorming and how to use it effectively
• Identify how to make connections with related texts
• State how to use the Building from Clues strategy
• Explain how anticipation guides and K-W-Ls are used
• Articulate the uses of the cloze procedure strategy

Post-Reading

In this lesson you will acquire a number of effective post-reading strategies to add to your repertoire.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Define “post-reading”
• Explain the use of plot profiles with narrative texts
• Describe the typical elements of story maps
• Identify how concept maps are used
• State the purpose and process for using a Venn diagram
• Articulate how students can understand the printed text and personal experience relationship
• List the steps in the describe, find, and reread strategy
• Describe how students use collaborative summaries and paper bag presentations

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Main Idea, Plot, and Purpose for 9-12

Deconstructing Plot Development: How Does It All Fit Together?

By the end of this lesson you will be familiar with the terms associated with plot development and will know how to plot them on a bell curve graphic organizer that will serve as a visual reminder for your students.

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Teach the terminology in a way that students can grasp and retain
• Give students a graphic organizer that can be applied to a variety of literary situations
• Develop short practice sessions during which you model the deconstructing of a plot and show students how you do this through the “think aloud” strategy
• Use existing classroom assignments and literary texts to provide students with scaffolded formative and summative assessments.

The resources of this lesson also feature a plethora of text suggestions for additional reading in this area.

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Number Sense for 9-12

An Introduction

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Teach the differences between numbers large and small
• Understand relationships of numbers or number systems
• Number Theory
• Effects of operations

Problem Solving Using Percents, Fractions, and Decimals

This lesson focuses on skills students need to solve real world problems that involve percents.

After completing this lesson you will have instructional strategies for helping students learn how to:

• Identify the meaning of percent
• Write a percent as a decimal
• Write a decimal as a percent
• Change a fraction to a percent
• Determine the percent of a number
• Determine what percent one number is of another
• Calculate a number when a percent is known

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Earth and Space Sciences for 9-12

The Water Cycle

After completing this lesson you will be able to:

• Review what students already know about the water cycle and build upon it
• Help students know and understand their local watershed and water cycle and how they are connected to it
• Teach climate differences and the role water plays in those differences
• Help students gain an understanding of the urban water cycle
• Learn what schools can do to set up and run a water conservation project

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