Hi there! Thanks for your interest in the book club I'm putting together. My goal is to provide a free, high-quality professional development opportunity around great books for educators around the world. The club will include an asynchronous discussion platform (so that we can write and interact on what we're reading) and synchronous sessions for discussing the book via video.
To be sure that you're in the know on the latest updates for the club, input your email address here. As of now, just make sure you've got a copy of the book(s) you've selected.
Spring 2020 — Season 1
For the Spring 2020 season we're exploring the two books listed below. Your first step is ordering one or both of them — whichever you prefer.
Please note: I've selected these books because they are explanatory, evidence-informed, and provocative. That last quality means that even though I don't always agree with what the authors argue or imply, my thinking is nonetheless profitably provoked by the quality with which they present their cases. In short, you too may not agree with everything these authors say, but I hope you'll sense their earnestness and the overall helpfulness of what they've produced.
Book 1: Natalie Wexler's The Knowledge Gap: The Hidden Cause of America's Broken Education System–and How to Fix It
In this book, Natalie Wexler takes an investigative journalist's approach to understanding the way we teach now, the way that we got here, and how we can change. Along the way, she builds a strong case for re-examining widespread misunderstandings about the fundamentals of learning. In short, Wexler helps us leave behind a status quo wherein our beliefs about teaching and learning remain misaligned with cognitive science and reducing the opportunity gap.
These will be critical tasks for us as we seek to remedy the long-term effects of the covid closures.
The book is great for:
- PK-6 teachers, administrators, coaches, and parents;
- district-level administrators or personnel;
- any educator who seeks a strong, foundational grip on why knowledge-lite curricula and skills-heavy approaches deaden motivation and worsens the opportunity gap.
Prospective readers can get a taste at:
- this article for The Atlantic is where I first encountered Wexler (forgive her the title; it was first something gentler like, “The Case for Teaching Kids Stuff”);
- this podcast interview on VrainWaves is lovely and lively.
Book 2: David Didau's Making Kids Cleverer: A Manifesto for Closing the Advantage Gap
In this book, UK educator David Didau builds an exhaustive, multi-disciplinary case for why the advantage gap exists and what the science of learning teaches us about doing better at fixing it. I don't know of a more comprehensive or tightly argued book on this topic. He begins with what the purpose of an education is (“making kids cleverer”) and then delves deeply into the science of learning to make his case for how schools can best ensure that all students receive a world-class education. It's important to note that Didau is a former classroom teacher, and as such he is rightly against impossible expectations for teachers. It's also important to realize that if you can't stand analytical books, you'll probably prefer Wexler's over this.
I selected this book because, like Wexler's, it will arm us with the knowledge we'll need to engage effectively with the long-term effects of the covid closures.
The book is great for:
- Teachers, administrators, and coaches of students grades 6 through college;
- district-level administrators or personnel;
- any educator who seeks an intensive, logically arranged, exhaustive treatment of the science of learning and how it can be applied to schooling.
Prospective readers can get a taste at:
- this talk for ResearchED Netherlands helps you get a sense for Didau's distinct style;
- this summary of the book on David's blog;
- this book review at Schoolsweek.
FAQs
Can I read both books?
Of course, you ravenous reader you.
Does it cost anything to be in the club?
Nope.
May I make a financial contribution to support Dave's work?
How lovely of you. Of course.
May I enroll my whole staff in the club?
Most definitely. Email support@davestuartjr.com for details.
Will continuing ed credits be available?
This will vary by school and state. If there is certain documentation you need to get something like this (e.g., an agenda, a syllabus, estimated hours), let me know at support@davestuartjr.com.
How do I access the club discussion platform?
Make sure that you are on the club email list. If you are on the list but haven't received an email for access instructions, email support@davestuartjr.com.