Bestselling author and noted rigor expert Barbara Blackburn shares the secrets to getting started, maintaining momentum, and reaching your goals. Learn what rigor looks like in the classroom, understand what it means for your students, and get the keys to successful implementation. Learn how to use rigor to raise expectations, provide appropriate support, and meet the Common Core State Standards - whether or not rigor is mandated in your district! This book is filled with practical, use-the-next-day strategies for all grade levels and subject areas. Use the ideas to raise the level of learning for all of your students!
Also Available! Correlation Table linking topics in Rigor Made Easy to the Common Core!
Myths About Rigor
Defining Rigor
Chapter 2: Raise the Level of Content
The Common Core State Standards
Selecting Appropriate Text
Multiple Sources of Information
Depth, Not Coverage
Conclusion
Points to Ponder
Chapter 3: Increase Complexity
Digging Deeper
Quality Questions
Ratchet Up Reviews
Take It Up a Notch
Conclusion
Points to Ponder
Chapter 4: Give Appropriate Support and Guidance
Modeling
Gradual Release
Working With Struggling Learners
Extra Help and Support
Conclusion
Points to Ponder
Chapter 5: Open Your Focus
Begin With Discovery
Choices
Perspectives
Connections
Conclusion
Points to Ponder
Chapter 6: Raise Expectations
Student Motivation
Beliefs and Actions
Ensuring Rigor for EACH Student
Celebrating Progress
Conclusion
Points to Ponder
Chapter 7: Challenges and Adventures
I'm Just Not Sure
I Don't Know Where to Start
I Don't Have Enough Time, Support, or Resources
I'm Facing Resistance
What About Grading and Assessment?
Conclusion
Points to Ponder
References
Biography
Dr. Barbara Blackburn has dedicated her life to raising the level of rigor and motivation for professional educators and students alike. What differentiates Barbara’s 12 books are her easily executable, concrete examples based on decades of experience as a teacher, professor, and consultant. Barbara’s dedication to education was inspired in her early years by her parents, Bob and Rose. Her father’s doctorate and lifetime career as a professor taught her the importance of professional training. Her mother’s career as a school secretary shaped Barbara’s appreciation of the effort all staff play in the education of every child.Barbara has taught early childhood, elementary, middle, and high school students and has served as an educational consultant for three publishing companies. She holds a master’s degree in school administration and is certified as a teacher and a school principal in North Carolina. She received her Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. In 2006, she received the award for Outstanding Junior Professor at Winthrop University. She recently left her position at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte to write and speak full time.In addition to speaking at state and national conferences, she also regularly presents workshops for teachers and administrators in elementary, middle, and high schools. Her workshops are lively and engaging and filled with practical information. She can be reached through her Web site, www.barbarablackburnonline.com.
"Rigor Made Easy" is full of specific ideas that teachers can easily implement in their classrooms to increase rigor."
—Eric Williams, Superintendent, York County School Division, Yorktown, VA