Archive for June, 2009
Learning Policy: When State Education Reform Works
Posted on June 30th, 2009 in Education Textbooks Reviews | 2 Comments »
Average Rating: 
Author:
- Professor David K. Cohen
- Professor Heather C. Hill
- Heather Hill
ISBN: 0300089473
Number Of Pages: 224
Number Of Pages: 224
Languages:
Original Language: English
Unknown: English
Published: English
Original Language: English
Unknown: English
Published: English
Product Description:
Education reformers and policymakers argue that improved students' learning requires stronger academic standards, stiffer state tests, and accountability for students' scores. Yet these efforts seem not to be succeeding in many states. The authors of this important book argue that effective state reform depends on conditions which most reforms ignore: coherence in practice as well as policy and opportunities for professional learning. The book draws on a decade's detailed study of California's ambitious and controversial program to improve mathematics teaching and learning. Researchers David Cohen and Heather Hill report that state policy influenced teaching and learning when there was consistency among the tests and other policy instruments; when there was consistency among the curricula and other instruments of classroom practice; and when teachers had substantial opportunities to learn the practices proposed by the policy. These conditions were met for a minority of elementary school teachers in California. When the conditions were met for teachers, students had higher scores on state math tests. The book also shows that, for most teachers, the reform ended with consistency in state policy. They did not have access to consistent instruments of classroom practice, nor did they have opportunities to learn the new practices which state policymakers proposed. In these cases, neither teachers nor their students benefited from the state reform. This book offers insights into the ways policy and practice can be linked in successful educational reform and shows why such linkage has been difficult to achieve. It offers useful advice for practitioners and policymakers seeking to improve education, and to analysts seeking to understand it.
Education reformers and policymakers argue that improved students' learning requires stronger academic standards, stiffer state tests, and accountability for students' scores. Yet these efforts seem not to be succeeding in many states. The authors of this important book argue that effective state reform depends on conditions which most reforms ignore: coherence in practice as well as policy and opportunities for professional learning. The book draws on a decade's detailed study of California's ambitious and controversial program to improve mathematics teaching and learning. Researchers David Cohen and Heather Hill report that state policy influenced teaching and learning when there was consistency among the tests and other policy instruments; when there was consistency among the curricula and other instruments of classroom practice; and when teachers had substantial opportunities to learn the practices proposed by the policy. These conditions were met for a minority of elementary school teachers in California. When the conditions were met for teachers, students had higher scores on state math tests. The book also shows that, for most teachers, the reform ended with consistency in state policy. They did not have access to consistent instruments of classroom practice, nor did they have opportunities to learn the new practices which state policymakers proposed. In these cases, neither teachers nor their students benefited from the state reform. This book offers insights into the ways policy and practice can be linked in successful educational reform and shows why such linkage has been difficult to achieve. It offers useful advice for practitioners and policymakers seeking to improve education, and to analysts seeking to understand it.
Available at Amazon
List Price: USD 45.00
Lowest Used Price: USD 37.47
Lowest New Price: USD 43.99
List Price: USD 45.00
Lowest Used Price: USD 37.47
Lowest New Price: USD 43.99
Customer Reviews
Excellent book
This is a book that should be read by educators, researchers, and policymakers. Cohen and Hill have done a superb job in chronicling math reform policies in CA and their impact on teachers and the students they teach. As their story unfolds one is able to identify the critical elements of professional development that should be (need to be) included any time a state policy is to be implemented statewide.
Medical Education in Oklahoma: The University of Oklahoma College of Medicine and Health Sciences Center, 1964-1996
Posted on June 30th, 2009 in Education Textbooks Reviews | 2 Comments »
I attended the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine longer ago than I care to recall, but I am personally familiar with many of the doctors and incidents depicted in this well-researched and interestingly written book. It contains more facts per page than anything I have ever read (with the possible exception of the Yellow Pages), but that's the way it should be in a history that documents the key years of an institution that changed from a small medical outpost on the prairie to--as the authors brand Oklahoma taxpayers' expectations--a "Harvard on the plains" medical complex. While the school perhaps never achieved that level of academic excellence, it certainly rose far higher than the Oklahoma state legislature and it's turf-protecting politicians had any right to expect, given their meager level of support both financial and political. Politics aside, the 50's and 60's were great times to be living in Oklahoma City, and this book brings back many of my fondest memories--and reminds me of the many brilliant and industrious men and women I met and worked with at the Medical Center. The book captures it all beautifully, and I highly recommend it for anybody interested in the subject.
Average Rating:
Author:
- Mark Allen, M.D. Everett
- Howard Dean Everett
ISBN: 080613268X
Number Of Pages: 448
Number Of Pages: 448
Languages:
Original Language: English
Unknown: English
Published: English
Original Language: English
Unknown: English
Published: English
Product Description:
Medical Education in Oklahoma Volume III chronicles the development of the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (HSC) from 1964 to 1996--a tempestuous period at the University of Oklahoma School of Medicine. During these three decades college and hospital administrators and physicians witnessed conflicts, challenges, and restructuring. Mark Allen Everett and Howard Dean Everett examine the changing face of medicine and the transformation of the HSC, including:
Medical Education in Oklahoma Volume III chronicles the development of the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (HSC) from 1964 to 1996--a tempestuous period at the University of Oklahoma School of Medicine. During these three decades college and hospital administrators and physicians witnessed conflicts, challenges, and restructuring. Mark Allen Everett and Howard Dean Everett examine the changing face of medicine and the transformation of the HSC, including:
* The Medical School deanship. Originally an office that represented the faculty, the deanship evolved into an administrative position, similar to a "CEO" of managed care. * Expanding enrollments. A sudden increase in the size of the student body eroded a sense of esprit de corps among the HSC students and the faculty. * Changing focus. More students were "ushered through" the program in order to meet a growing need for physicians in Oklahoma. * Philosophical conflicts. The change from a "medical center" to * "health science center" created a dual mission--training medical * students and providing patient services--that competed for limited * funds and resources.
Based on newspaper accounts, interviews, Regents' meetings minutes, and the authors' personal recollections, Medical Education in Oklahoma Volume III,, traces the metamorphosis of the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine and Health Sciences Center from an enterprise dedicated solely to scholarship and education into a multi-million dollar medical and research complex.
Available at Amazon
List Price: USD 19.95
Lowest Used Price: USD 8.95
Lowest New Price: USD 19.95
List Price: USD 19.95
Lowest Used Price: USD 8.95
Lowest New Price: USD 19.95
Customer Reviews
A "Must Read" for Med Students, Educators, History Buffs
I found the book to be extremely interesting, and even humorous at times. The book offers a play by play event listing of the establishment of the medical school and tells a candid story of the founders and individuals that were ultimately responsible for what kind of medical facilities, Oklahoma has today. A "must-read" for Medical Students, Educators and generally any History Buff that would enjoy the "inside" story behind the Oklahoma Medical Center. The photographs are a plus.
A Maid for All Seasons, Volume 3: Education at Red Blossom College
Posted on June 30th, 2009 in Education Textbooks Reviews | 2 Comments »
Product Description:
Lisa Carlson's life takes a sudden twist in the third A Maid for All Seasons novel. Darcy Weller, Lisa's friend and mentor, dies in an auto accident and bequeaths Lisa a chain of clothing shops, with Michael Swayne, Lisa's employer, as trustee. Darcy's strict leadership helped Lisa to concentrate, but now even Mr. Swayne's old-fashioned correction methods fail to keep her focused on her job and university education. She becomes moody and argumentative, spoiled by unaccustomed wealth, so Mr. Swayne insists she attend Professor Travis's private college for pampered young ladies. The last thing Lisa wants is another class, especially one where rules are enforced with palm, paddle, and slipper on bare schoolgirl bottoms, but Mr. Swayne convinces her to go. Despite her misgivings, Lisa finds new friends at the college who have similar interests, as well as a similar inability to stay out of trouble, and together they endure the indignity, the sting, and the complicated emotions aroused by the handsome professor's antiquated discipline.
Lisa Carlson's life takes a sudden twist in the third A Maid for All Seasons novel. Darcy Weller, Lisa's friend and mentor, dies in an auto accident and bequeaths Lisa a chain of clothing shops, with Michael Swayne, Lisa's employer, as trustee. Darcy's strict leadership helped Lisa to concentrate, but now even Mr. Swayne's old-fashioned correction methods fail to keep her focused on her job and university education. She becomes moody and argumentative, spoiled by unaccustomed wealth, so Mr. Swayne insists she attend Professor Travis's private college for pampered young ladies. The last thing Lisa wants is another class, especially one where rules are enforced with palm, paddle, and slipper on bare schoolgirl bottoms, but Mr. Swayne convinces her to go. Despite her misgivings, Lisa finds new friends at the college who have similar interests, as well as a similar inability to stay out of trouble, and together they endure the indignity, the sting, and the complicated emotions aroused by the handsome professor's antiquated discipline.
Available at Amazon
List Price: USD 14.95
Lowest Used Price: USD 2.19
Lowest New Price: USD 57.87
List Price: USD 14.95
Lowest Used Price: USD 2.19
Lowest New Price: USD 57.87
Technology in Its Place: Successful Technology Infusion in Schools (Jossey-Bass Education Series)
Posted on June 30th, 2009 in Education Textbooks Reviews | 2 Comments »
The editors have brought together a series of articles and studies on the deployment and integration of technology in our schools. The book approaches its subject from several perspectives: curriculum development, professional development, and policy and administration. It provides a good, high level survey of these issues, and its thorough and careful documentation provides anyone wishing to dive more deeply in any given area excellent direction for further investigation. It was a quick, interesting, and entertaining read.This book should not be the first choice for those looking for specific and tactical hints on technology integration into curriculum. But it provides an excellent overview of the wide range of issues technology raises for education, and as such would be valuable for administrators and policy makers seeking to broaden their perspective in this area.
Average Rating: 
Edition: 1
ISBN: 0787956821
Number Of Pages: 176
ISBN: 0787956821
Number Of Pages: 176
Languages:
Original Language: English
Unknown: English
Published: English
Original Language: English
Unknown: English
Published: English
Product Description:
Technology in Its Place is a practical resource that features diverse approaches for improving teaching and learning through the use of technology. The contributors are a blue-ribbon panel of experts in the field who cover a broad range of topics including information on administration, strategic planning, leadership, curricular integration, and professional development.
Available at Amazon
List Price: USD 30.00
Lowest Used Price: USD 3.79
Lowest New Price: USD 20.65
List Price: USD 30.00
Lowest Used Price: USD 3.79
Lowest New Price: USD 20.65
Customer Reviews
A student's review
This book consists of ten different chapters which were written by different authors and edited and compiled for publication. The book offers general but solid information about planning for and implementing technology in a K-12 environment. I found the book to be very well organized and easy to read. The basic "soft information" presented in the book is still applicable and useful. However, the date (age) of the book means that most of the resources and references to specific technology are no longer current and appear to be out-of-date. This book is useful in providing historical or background information to technology in schools but a more current resource should be employed to provide a realistic look at the current state of technology integration in schools today.
Communicating for Productivity (Continuing management education series)
Posted on June 30th, 2009 in Education Textbooks Reviews | 2 Comments »
Average Rating: 
Author: Roger D'Aprix
ISBN: 0060415479
Number Of Pages: 180
Number Of Pages: 180
Languages:
Original Language: English
Unknown: English
Published: English
Original Language: English
Unknown: English
Published: English
Available at Amazon
List Price: USD 14.95
Lowest Used Price: USD .1
List Price: USD 14.95
Lowest Used Price: USD .1
Customer Reviews
Second Language Teacher Education: International Perspectives
Posted on June 30th, 2009 in Education Textbooks Reviews | 2 Comments »
Product Description:
The education of second language teachers takes place across diverse contexts, levels, settings, and geographic regions. By bringing together research, theory, and best practices from a variety of contexts (ESL/EFL, foreign language, bilingual and immersion education), this book contributes to building meaningful professional dialogue among second-language teacher educators. Featuring an international roster of authors, the volume is comprised of 18 chapters organized in four thematic sections: the knowledge base of second language teacher education; second language teacher education contexts; collaborations in second language teacher education; and second language teacher education in practice.
Second Language Teacher Education: International Perspectives is an essential professional resource for practicing and prospective second language teacher educators around the world.
The education of second language teachers takes place across diverse contexts, levels, settings, and geographic regions. By bringing together research, theory, and best practices from a variety of contexts (ESL/EFL, foreign language, bilingual and immersion education), this book contributes to building meaningful professional dialogue among second-language teacher educators. Featuring an international roster of authors, the volume is comprised of 18 chapters organized in four thematic sections: the knowledge base of second language teacher education; second language teacher education contexts; collaborations in second language teacher education; and second language teacher education in practice.
Second Language Teacher Education: International Perspectives is an essential professional resource for practicing and prospective second language teacher educators around the world.
Available at Amazon
List Price: USD 51.95
Lowest Used Price: USD 14.95
Lowest New Price: USD 49.12
List Price: USD 51.95
Lowest Used Price: USD 14.95
Lowest New Price: USD 49.12
The Orator's Education, II, Books 3-5 (Loeb Classical Library)
Posted on June 30th, 2009 in Education Textbooks Reviews | 2 Comments »
Author: Quintilian
ISBN: 0674995929
Number Of Pages: 560
Number Of Pages: 560
Languages:
Original Language: English
Unknown: English
Published: English
Original Language: English
Unknown: English
Published: English
Product Description:
Quintilian, born in Spain about A.D. 35, became a widely known and highly successful teacher of rhetoric in Rome. The Orator's Education (Institutio Oratoria), a comprehensive training program in twelve books, draws on his own rich experience. It is a work of enduring importance, not only for its insights on oratory, but for the picture it paints of education and social attitudes in the Roman world. Quintilian offers both general and specific advice. He gives guidelines for proper schooling (beginning with the young boy); analyzes the structure of speeches; recommends devices that will engage listeners and appeal to their emotions; reviews a wide range of Greek and Latin authors of use to the orator; and counsels on memory, delivery, and gestures. Donald Russell's new five-volume Loeb Classical Library edition of The Orator's Education, which replaces an eighty-year-old translation by H. E. Butler, provides a text and facing translation fully up to date in light of current scholarship and well tuned to today's taste. Russell also provides unusually rich explanatory notes, which enable full appreciation of this central work in the history of rhetoric.
Quintilian, born in Spain about A.D. 35, became a widely known and highly successful teacher of rhetoric in Rome. The Orator's Education (Institutio Oratoria), a comprehensive training program in twelve books, draws on his own rich experience. It is a work of enduring importance, not only for its insights on oratory, but for the picture it paints of education and social attitudes in the Roman world. Quintilian offers both general and specific advice. He gives guidelines for proper schooling (beginning with the young boy); analyzes the structure of speeches; recommends devices that will engage listeners and appeal to their emotions; reviews a wide range of Greek and Latin authors of use to the orator; and counsels on memory, delivery, and gestures. Donald Russell's new five-volume Loeb Classical Library edition of The Orator's Education, which replaces an eighty-year-old translation by H. E. Butler, provides a text and facing translation fully up to date in light of current scholarship and well tuned to today's taste. Russell also provides unusually rich explanatory notes, which enable full appreciation of this central work in the history of rhetoric.
Available at Amazon
List Price: USD 24.00
Lowest Used Price: USD 24.25
Lowest New Price: USD 20.00
List Price: USD 24.00
Lowest Used Price: USD 24.25
Lowest New Price: USD 20.00
Further Education Reformed: Shaping the Future (New Millennium Series)
Posted on June 30th, 2009 in Education Textbooks Reviews | 2 Comments »
Edition: 1
ISBN: 0750709065
Number Of Pages: 232
ISBN: 0750709065
Number Of Pages: 232
Languages:
Original Language: English
Unknown: English
Published: English
Original Language: English
Unknown: English
Published: English
Product Description:
Specially commissioned papers by some of the most respected academic currently working in the field of further education, drawing the situation as it is now and looking forward to the developments of the coming years. How is the student population changing? Who goes to college now, and why? What is the place of the FE future? How will colleges relate to the business sector and cooperate with other institutions? Where are colleges going in funding, governance and accountability?
Specially commissioned papers by some of the most respected academic currently working in the field of further education, drawing the situation as it is now and looking forward to the developments of the coming years. How is the student population changing? Who goes to college now, and why? What is the place of the FE future? How will colleges relate to the business sector and cooperate with other institutions? Where are colleges going in funding, governance and accountability?
Available at Amazon
List Price: USD 54.95
Lowest Used Price: USD 22.25
Lowest New Price: USD 45.29
List Price: USD 54.95
Lowest Used Price: USD 22.25
Lowest New Price: USD 45.29
MTEL Health Education (21) Flashcard Secrets: MTEL Test Practice Questions & Exam Review for the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure
Posted on June 30th, 2009 in Education Textbooks Reviews | 2 Comments »
Product Description:
MTEL Health Education (21) Flashcard Secrets study system uses repetitive methods of study to teach you how to break apart and quickly solve difficult test questions on the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure. Study after study has shown that spaced repetition is the most effective form of learning, and nothing beats flashcards when it comes to making repetitive learning fun and fast. Our flashcards enable you to study small, digestible bits of information that are easy to learn and give you exposure to the different question types and concepts. MTEL Health Education (21) Flashcard Secrets covers all of the most important topics that you'll need to know to be successful on test day.
MTEL Health Education (21) Flashcard Secrets study system uses repetitive methods of study to teach you how to break apart and quickly solve difficult test questions on the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure. Study after study has shown that spaced repetition is the most effective form of learning, and nothing beats flashcards when it comes to making repetitive learning fun and fast. Our flashcards enable you to study small, digestible bits of information that are easy to learn and give you exposure to the different question types and concepts. MTEL Health Education (21) Flashcard Secrets covers all of the most important topics that you'll need to know to be successful on test day.
Available at Amazon
Lowest New Price: USD 39.99
Lowest New Price: USD 39.99