Occasional Reports

Designing Effective Activity Centers for Diverse Learners: A Guide for Teachers at all Grade Levels R. Soleste Hilberg, University of California, Santa Cruz Ji-Mei Chang, San Jose State University Georgia Epaloose, Zuni School District (2004) $20 A step-by-step reference guide for designing and implementing activity centers in K-8 classrooms. The book can be used in conjunction with teacher education courses or by individuals who want to learn to provide differentiated instruction through this approach on their own. The book provides a brief overview of theory, explaining why this approach is effective and important and then immediately goes into the how-to's of implementing activity centers. At the core of the theory of practice are CREDE's Five Standards for Effective Pedagogy. All five standards are addressed throughout the book. A rich array of cross-curricular classroom examples are provided to help the reader visualize the concepts. These examples are drawn from more than 14 years of field testing by instructors and CREDE researchers. Included are strategies for effective differentiated instruction for diverse learners. $20. Visit CALStore to order.   The Dual Language Program Planner: A Guide for Designing and Implementing Dual Language Programs Elizabeth R. Howard, Natalie Olague, and David Rogers (2003) $15 A collection of tools for implementing programs, including discussion prompts, graphic organizers, and quizzes for a dual language program planning team to work through together. To order, visit CALStore.   Proceedings of the First Annual Conference for Educators of Newcomer Students Edited by Beverly A. Boyson, Bronwyn Coltrane, & Deborah J. Short (2004) $18.50 A 66-page overview of the 2002 conference. The proceedings offer summaries of more than 35 presentations by researchers, educators, and policy makers. Presentations focus on design, curriculum and instruction, and professional development in elementary and secondary newcomer programs. Visit CALStore to order or download proceedings.   Research Evidence: Five Standards for Effective Pedagogy and Student Outcomes Tharp et al (2003) This report provides quantitative data as well as examples on the effects of the use of the Five Standards on student achievement. Read. Download pdf. A National Study of School Effectiveness for Language Minority Students Long-Term Academic Achievement Wayne P. Thomas & Virginia P. Collier (2002) $30 This long-awaited report presents the findings of the longitudinal study that examined the long-term academic achievement of students who participated in different language support programs. The report describes the research design and provides data from the five districts that took part in the study. It documents results in more than 150 pages of tables and figures and makes recommendations for educational policy at all levels. Purchase through CalStore. Using the SIOP Model: Professional Development Manual for Sheltered Instruction Deborah Short, Justine Hudec, & Jana Echevarria (2002) $75 This manual is designed for teacher educators and professional developers who wish to teach others to use the SIOP Model of sheltered instruction in their classrooms. It is a companion piece to the video The SIOP Model: Sheltered Instruction for Academic Achievement. In 11 sections, the manual presents strategies, tools, and activities for instruction of the SIOP components. It also provides black line masters for presentations and workshops. Purchase through . The Role of Classroom Assessment in Teaching and Learning Lorrie A. Shepard (2000) $12 This occasional report develops a framework for understanding a reformed view of assessment, where assessment plays an integral role in teaching and learning. The author explains how classroom assessment practices must be transformed in two ways in order to help students learn. First, the content and character of assessments must be improved by representing important thinking and problem-solving skills in each of the disciplines. Second, the gathering, use, and view of assessment information by teachers and students must become a part of the ongoing learning process. (48 pp., $8.00) Purchase through CalStore.