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Focus: Elevating the Essentials to Radically Improve Student Learning 2nd ed. Edition

by Mike Schmoker (Author)

262 ratings

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In this 2nd edition of Focus: Elevating the Essentials to Radically Improve Student Learning, Mike Schmoker extends and updates the case that our schools could be on the cusp of swift, unparalleled improvements. But we are stymied by a systemwide failure to simplify and prioritize; we have yet to focus our limited time and energy on the most essential, widely acknowledged, evidence-based practices that could have more impact than all other initiatives combined. They are: simple, coherent curricula; straightforward, traditional literacy practices; and lessons built around just a few hugely effective elements of good teaching. As Schmoker demonstrates, the case for these practices—and the need for them—has grown prodigiously.

In every chapter, you'll find late-breaking discoveries and practical advice on how to simplify the implementation of new state standards in the subject areas; on the hidden pitfalls of our most popular, but unproven instructional fads and programs; and on simple, versatile strategies for building curriculum, planning lessons, and integrating literacy into every discipline. All of these strategies and findings are supported with exciting new evidence from actual schools. Their success confirms, as Michael Fullan writes, that a focus on the best "high-leverage practices" won't only improve student performance; they will produce "stunningly powerful consequences" in our schools.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Schmoker has lit a fire in this book to make clear that there are right ways, across all curricula domains, to promote the acquisition of knowledge, deeper understanding, greater curiosity, and fun in learning. ----John Hattie, Laureate Professor at Melbourne Graduate School of Education

This is a brave, powerful book, brimming with good ideas and plainspoken common sense. Forswearing the fads of the day, Schmoker reminds us of what the sales force of "new and improved" professional development wants us to forget: We already know what good teaching looks like&and we've known it for a while. The real question is: Do we have the will to make it happen? This powerful book shows us the way ----Sam Wineburg, Margaret Jacks Professor of Education, Stanford University

Mike Schmoker gets it right in this trenchant diagnosis of why American schools are failing: Even when the teachers are all good, the school curriculum is a poorly organized clutter that diffuses students' attention rather than focusing it on the essentials they need to learn to be college-ready. Schmoker's book itself is a model of how to cut through the curricular clutter in precisely the way schools need to do. ----Gerald Graff, 2008 president of the Modern Language Association and author of Clueless in Academe: How Schooling Obscures the Life of the Mind

Review

Mike Schmoker gets it right in this trenchant diagnosis of why American schools are failing: Even when the teachers are all good, the school curriculum is a poorly organized clutter that diffuses students' attention rather than focusing it on the essentials they need to learn to be college-ready. Schmoker's book itself is a model of how to cut through the curricular clutter in precisely the way schools need to do. -- Gerald Graff, 2008 president of the Modern Language Association and author of Clueless in Academe: How Schooling Obscures the Life of the Mind

From the Back Cover

In this 2nd edition of Focus: Elevating the Essentials to Radically Improve Student Learning, Mike Schmoker extends and updates the case that our schools could be on the cusp of swift, unparalleled improvements. But we are stymied by a systemwide failure to simplify and prioritize; we have yet to focus our limited time and energy on the most essential, widely acknowledged, evidence-based practices that could have more impact than all other initiatives combined. They are: simple, coherent curricula; straightforward, traditional literacy practices; and lessons built around just a few hugely effective elements of good teaching. As Schmoker demonstrates, the case for these practices""and the need for them""has grown prodigiously.

In every chapter, you'll find late-breaking discoveries and practical advice on how to simplify the implementation of new state standards in the subject areas; on the hidden pitfalls of our most popular, but unproven instructional fads and programs; and on simple, versatile strategies for building curriculum, planning lessons, and integrating literacy into every discipline. All of these strategies and findings are supported with exciting new evidence from actual schools. Their success confirms, as Michael Fullan writes, that a focus on the best "high-leverage practices" won't only improve student performance; they will produce "stunningly powerful consequences" in our schools.

About the Author

Mike Schmoker, Ed.D., is a former teacher, administrator and coach. He is the author of several best-selling books, one of which was a finalist for "book of the year" by the Association of Education Publishers. He has authored dozens of articles for educational journals, newspapers, and TIME magazine. In an Education Week survey of national educational leaders, he was identified as among the best sources of practical "nuts and bolts . . . advice, wisdom and insight" on effective school improvement strategies. Dr. Schmoker is a recipient of the Distinguished Service Award by the National Association of Secondary School Principals for his publications and presentations. As a much sought-after presenter, Dr. Schmoker delivers keynotes and consults internationally including throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, China, and Jordan.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ ASCD
Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 16, 2018
Edition ‏ : ‎ 2nd ed.
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Print length ‏ : ‎ 310 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1416626344
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1416626343
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.7 x 8.9 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #68,457 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #195 in Education (Books)
- #487 in Instruction Methods

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Michael J. Schmoker
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Mike Schmoker
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Dr. Mike Schmoker is a former school administrator, English teacher and football coach. He has written several bestselling books and dozens of articles for educational journals, newspapers and for TIME magazine. His most recent book is the expanded 2018 edition of FOCUS: Elevating the Essentials to Radically Improve Student Learning. His previous bestseller, Results NOW, was a finalist for “book of the year” by the Association of Education Publishers.
He is the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award by the National Association of Secondary School Principals for his publications and presentations. In a 2018 Education Week survey of national school leaders, he was ranked among the best sources of “practical advice, wisdom and insight” on effective school improvement.
Schmoker has consulted and keynoted throughout the US, Canada, Australia, China and Jordan. He now lives in Tempe, Arizona with his wife Cheryl.
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Customers find the book to be a must-read for educators, with one mentioning it provides specific guidance for teaching. The book receives positive feedback for its interest, with one customer noting that the first chapter was engaging.

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6 customers mention "Education level"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's educational content, with several noting it is a must-read for educators, and one mentioning it provides specific guidance.

"...This book was recommended to me by a well respected instructional coach...." Read more

"...at the classroom walls, start using proven strategies and see academic progress, before adding a plethora of “innovative” techniques not properly..." Read more

"Must read for al teachers!" Read more

"...Has great point and ideas for a better education system." Read more

3 customers mention "Interest"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book interesting, with one mentioning that the first chapter was engaging and another noting it serves as a great refresher.

"Interesting to start, but it is a bit long winded. The author talks a lot about his own experiences and some from outside sources...." Read more

"I was assigned this book for my class; the first chapter was mostly engaging; however, it just got worse after that...." Read more

"Great refresher..." Read more

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Crystal Babb
Great refresher
Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2024
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It's always a good idea to get refocused to then focus on the material that matters. This book was recommended to me by a well respected instructional coach. I've marked it up, taken notes and looking forward to implementing the strategies.

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Shopper
Education simplified.
Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2021
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The first chapter gives clear, ample information about how to use simple concepts for successful students. It is confirmed that educators can stop throwing spaghetti at the classroom walls, start using proven strategies and see academic progress, before adding a plethora of “innovative” techniques not properly proven nor productive. Read on!

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Peterbh
Write lots - just do it
Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2019
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The message still resonates, but the chapter on science instruction strayed way off course.

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Amazon Customer
Speedy delivery!
Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2022
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I was very happy with my order!

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Rory
Clear and Specific guidance for educators
Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2021
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This book was great in the fact it provided research and and data to support the views on education.

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joe romo
Great reset button for teachers!
Reviewed in the United States on June 7, 2021
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Must read for al teachers!

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Marrissa Ciccarone
Interesting read
Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2018
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I used this book for one of my classes. Has great point and ideas for a better education system.

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Christopher Jansen
Interesting if you like and agree with the author
Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2021
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Interesting to start, but it is a bit long winded. The author talks a lot about his own experiences and some from outside sources. It does not however hold my attention very well because it feels like he tried to pick out the biggest possible words to explain himself. If you want to fall asleep read this book. 😴

I wish I would have gotten the kindle version bc then it have the read it to me option on my kindle. If Amazon offered a book and kindle deal I would have gotten that bc I like having text books that I can make notes in. I WON'T pay full price for the kindle too so now I'm stuck reading this dull book.

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