Koncocoo

Best Education Administration

The Innovator's Mindset: Empower Learning, Unleash Talent, and Lead a Culture of Creativity
If we want innovative students, we need innovative educators. Connect with other innovative educators Support teachers and leaders as learners Tap into the strength of your learning community Create ongoing opportunities for innovation Seek more effective methods for measuring progress And, most importantly, embrace change and use it to do something amazing. With numerous examples of practical strategies that school leaders can implement tomorrow, George has created a guide to help infuse innovative practices in schools and classrooms.
Reviews
"The Innovator's Mindset: Empower Learning, Unleash Talent, and Lead a Culture of Creativity. The Innovator's Mindset by George Couros is a must read for anyone looking to shift their mindset within the education setting."
"It is really for anyone interested in others' learning. If you are a teacher, parent, or student - anyone that cares about learning - you can find something valuable."
"Most importantly, the book discusses very practical ways to become an innovative and growing professional, open to change, and willing to lead systemic movements for progress in education."
"I wore out my highlighter and nodded my head while screaming 'YES" as tears of joy streamed down my face."
"The personal stories and background he provides,the style in which the book is written, plus the humorous references and other anecdotes throughout, really engage the reader and make it meaningful and enjoyable to read."
"As someone who is wanting to move into administration, these ideas are the types of ideas I hope to carry into my future role. Follow George Couros on Twitter and become connected with thousands of other educators looking to be innovative and change the face of education."
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Lost at School: Why Our Kids with Behavioral Challenges are Falling Through the Cracks and How We Can Help Them
From the renowned authority on education and parenting, “an in-depth approach to aid parents and teachers to work together with behaviorally challenging students” ( Publishers Weekly )—now revised and updated. • Tools to identify the problems and lagging skills causing challenging behavior. • Explicit guidance on how to radically improve interactions with challenging kids and reduce challenging episodes—along with many examples showing how it’s done. • Practical guidance for successful planning and collaboration among educators, parents, and kids. Zero-tolerance policies in school that take swift and harsh action against children for misbehavior are in danger of attaching labels and stigma to children with behavior problems, according to Greene, psychiatrist and author of The Explosive Child (1998).
Reviews
"My team and I are using this book for our book club!"
"Using contents from this dynamic book to educate and support families whose children's behaviours are not understood."
"Loved this book!"
"This is an excellent book for counselors, teachers and parents to develop a new paradigm for solving problems that lead to challenging behavior."
"All new teachers should read this book!"
"written in a narrative format rather than clinical, but a great insight into classroom "discipline" problems."
"Engaging and makes you feel like you can do it, even if you make some mistakes along the way."
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Brainwashed: How Universities Indoctrinate America's Youth
Brainwashed is the explosive exposé of the leftist agenda at work in today's colleges, revealed by firebrand Ben Shapiro, a recent UCLA gratudate, syndicated columnist, and one of today's most exciting new conservative voices, who's been on the front lines of the battle for America's young minds. This book proves once and for all that so-called higher education continues to sink lower and lower into the depths of liberal madness as close-minded professors turn their students into socialists, atheists, race-baiters, and sex-crazed narcissists. You'll get up close and personal with the Marxist loons, moral relativists, multicultural zealots, and American-haters who are corrupting young minds. Brainwahed reveals the ignominious lows to which higher education has sunk. Ben Shapiro has been a nationally syndicated columnist with Creators Syndicate since 2002 and is the bestselling author of Brainwashed and Porn Generation .
Reviews
"Anybody who challenges or second guesses this book, let me say, I could've written the same book because I too have seen exactly the same things."
"I am the only student that has ever protested against communism in the history of the university."
"was reassuring to my young relative who is in an ivy league school and has been quite distressed about the extremity of the left wing political positions rampant there--no freedom of speech if you disagree even slightly with the left wing political thought-- very scary."
"His presentation has matured since then."
"It's loaded with information students need to know before they enter an institution that will control and limit their ability to think critically and independently about the future of this country as well as their own."
"Overall his points are well made and his examples are not only strong from personal experience, but also from statistics and government studies as well, making his points virtually impossible to argue against. It's about time we start addressing the corruption and power from the toxic radical Left that's controlling the media, entertainment, and tech industry...and of course academia."
"Shapiro hits it on the nose in describing the leftist environment of far too many college campuses."
"This book has me absolutely in awe!"
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Best Education Administration

What Great Teachers Do Differently: 17 Things That Matter Most
In the second edition of this renowned book, you will find pearls of wisdom, heartfelt advice, and inspiration from one of the nation’s leading authorities on staff motivation, teacher leadership, and principal effectiveness. With wit and understanding, Todd Whitaker describes the beliefs, behaviors, attitudes, and interactions of great teachers and explains what they do differently. Todd is a professor of educational leadership at Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Indiana, and he has spent his life pursuing his love of education by researching and studying effective teachers and principals.
Reviews
"It was a short and easy read, had some good anecdotal material, I learned some things I really liked from it, and it's something I'll be happy to keep on my shelf for years to come."
"If you need some teaching inspiration in a jiffy this is the book for you."
"Every teacher should read this book."
"Gave this to a friend who is a great teacher (awarded teacher of the year) and she is going to present it at a meeting for other teachers."
"Every teacher should read this."
"Had heard about this writer and his ideas a lot of what he talks about is common sense but after fifteen years of teaching it is good to review what I am doing and how my results impact the kids very good read for any experienced or brand new teacher."
"As well as makes me realize that I am a great teacher."
"I love this book."
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Best Federal Education Legislation

Reign of Error: The Hoax of the Privatization Movement and the Danger to America's Public Schools
From one of the foremost authorities on education in the United States, former U.S. assistant secretary of education, an incisive, comprehensive look at today’s American school system that argues against those who claim it is broken and beyond repair; an impassioned but reasoned call to stop the privatization movement that is draining students and funding from our public schools. Refusing to embrace the formulas of left and right, she attacks politically correct speech codes as intelligently as she criticizes the free-market faith in competition. And this skepticism animates her broader critique in Reign of Error , a book that dispels the clouds of reform rhetoric to reveal the destructiveness of the privatization agenda.” —Jackson Lear, Commonweal. “No matter what side of the debate the reader is on, Ms. Ravitch provides a thought-provoking look at some of the major challenges facing public education today.” — Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “Ravtich’s critique of the corporate reformers’ manufactured agenda, along with the truly progressive alternatives she offers, shows us a way to begin the long haul toward improving democracy’s classrooms.” —Joseph Featherstone, The Nation. “Diane Ravitch [is] arguably our leading historian of primary and secondary education.” —Andrew Delbanco, The New York Review of Books. Ravitch’s candor stands in stark contrast to the bromides of the corporate reformers, who have pretty much left any attempts at integration out of their schemes.” —NEA.org (National Education Association). You will never find a more succinct and compelling book than Reign of Error , with a crystal clear analysis of the way in which our schools are being driven into the ground by the Billionaire Boys club of Gates, Broad, Walton, Murdoch, and Bloomberg, and other ideologues and opportunists eager to join in. Buy the book.” — The Huffington Post “I knew a lot about what happened to black public schools in Mississippi, but had concerns about how to go about building a better system. In Reign of Error , she reveals the shocking lack of evidence behind many of the radical experiments being forced on our public school children and families by tragically misguided politicians and non-educators. Most important, she lays out a vision of evidence-based, authentic education reforms that hold great promise for America to lead and inspire the world again. What Silent Spring and The Fate of the Earth did for the environmental and antinuclear movements, this book should do for the cause of improving America's public schools." “Diane Ravitch’s Reign of Error takes the myths surrounding public education head on and provides her readers with logic and reasoning sorely missing from the current debate. Ravitch also takes on the Billionaire Boys Club with swipes at their handmaidens of destruction, including Michelle Rhee, Joel Klein, and Wendy Kopp, and the book provides the solutions that will change the trajectory away from so-called destructive innovation towards equitable, high quality education for all children.”. —Karen GJ Lewis, president of the Chicago Teachers Union.
Reviews
"She also calls for small class size, banning for-profit charter schools, cooperation between charter schools and other public schools and providing the social and medical services poor children need to do well in school."
"Ms. Ravitch has my vote for Superintendent of Schools, has my support to become the next Education Department Secretary, and has my thanks for tirelessly working to correct the mistakes caused by educational privatization, online "education," and modern forms of charters that are misleading and abusive towards public schools."
""Reign of Error: The Hoax of the Privatization Movement and the Dangers to America's Public Schools. ". Even despite the fact it was a bit dry and tedious on occasions, I found a lot of good information in it. I don't think there is anything wrong with Public Schools that a little time, money and interested people can't fix. All of my family have attended them from my Mother and Father both, in the early part of the last century to my Grandchildren the last of whom graduated in 2010. Then the privatization vultures move in for the kill and shove part of those funds to 'for profit schools' which they tout as being a cure-all for something they have deliberately created (an educational crisis). They are deliberately setting public schools up to fail when they start taking funds away. It's one the politician's oldest tricks when they want to get rid of a public institution...start starving it to death of funds to operate. Only a complete fool would try and sell the idea that economic advantages and poverty doesn't have something to do with children's abilities to learn. Where a lot of these people think Government can't do anything right...as far as I am concerned private businesses are far bigger screw ups. And there have been some huge ones from the privatization of the Iraq war that cost the taxpayer billions in wasted tax dollars that were thrown at a nonexistent problem, to the disaster I see in education these days."
"As a public school teacher and a strong advocate for public education, I believe this information must reach the general public."
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Best Charter Schools

Born to Rise: A Story of Children and Teachers Reaching Their Highest Potential
Born to Rise is the inspiring account of Deborah Kenny’s pursuit of social justice for our nation’s most vulnerable children. “One woman’s tragedy turns into triumph for hundreds of Harlem schoolchildren in Kenny’s personal and professional memoir… the anecdotes of successful teachers (Kenny’s “rock stars”) at work and students whose lives were truly turned around by her work prove persuasive and uplifting.” ( Publishers Weekly ). “Parents and principals trying to understand what makes successful schools work ought to read Born to Rise.” ( New York Times ).
Reviews
"I just finished the book and did two uncharastristic things: I grabbed a box of kleenex and went to Amazon to write a review. TY, and Mel for his generations of mentorships, has created scores of unbelievalable leaders, scholars, and business people."
"When will NYSED start really listening to people like Deborah Kenny and implement changes in the public school system that truly work to empower teachers and students alike? After a decade of poor professional development, little or no administrative support, dwindling family & parent involvement, and shrinking budgets, I feel tired of swimming upstream. Now, after all this time, they may implement some of these changes, but I am afraid it may bring an end to music and the arts in our school, as they are not valued as much as "core" subjects."
"While Deborah Kenny's personal story is moving in its own right, the book is important because it also raises crucial questions about the failure of our school systems."
"Now, when I think of charter schools, I smile and think of Deborah Kenny and Born to Rise."
"This was a very inspirational boojk and I applaud the author and her dedicated staff and her children for sharing this journey with the reader Some who cares very deeply about the educational welfare of her children and the students in NYC and the country didn't give up despite the hassles and the bureaucratic red tapes she went to to make her mission a huge realizaion for the future of education in this country and found a wonderful group of people who were able to teach these wonderful young people and give them hope for their successful future!!!"
"I think this is a great example of how as a leader, she invests in her team members and creates a great learning community."
"She, like many other entrepreneurs with laser like focus (which Deborah has), has managed to run schools that are successful for teachers and students that fit the mold of the school they created."
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Best Experimental Education Methods

Culturize: Every Student. Every Day. Whatever It Takes.
In Culturize, author and education leader Jimmy Casas shares insights into what it takes to cultivate a community of learners who embody the innately human traits our world desperately needs, such as kindness, honesty, and compassion. "Culturize represents a magnificent manifesto where he gives readers a. bullseye view of practical strategies to improve the learning culture of. any school or district.”. "Filled with insights that only a seasoned leader and teacher could. provide, *Culturize* is an epic read that provides a reason for making. culture be the focus of all the best work we do in our schools. "In *Culturize*, Jimmy Casas equips educators to become the change agents. who transform school culture from average to amazing." “Jimmy knows school culture. Your school culture is too important to miss out on reading. this book. - David Geurin, Author of Future Driven, NASSP National Digital Principal, and Lead Learner at Bolivar High School, Missouri. “Casas amps up the important conversations we all need to have on what it. takes to establish an impactful school culture. Your mindset on culture. will change in a positive way once you open this book.”. “When I heard that Jimmy Casas was writing a book on school culture, I. couldn’t wait to get my hands on it. - Jessica Cabeen, Principal, 2017 Minnesota National Distinguished. Principal, 2016 NAESP Digital Leader for Early Learning, Author and Speaker. “If you are a "student" of school culture, this book must be on your shelf. as a daily reference tool and reflection guide."
Reviews
"The book is not only full of great anecdotes that can serve as a motivation for educators working hard on a daily basis, but more importantly can allow us to see how these intentional acts can impact our students and our schools."
"While initially hesitant, I soon found that Mr. Casas has managed to place my primary concerns and challenges as a building level leader into a reader-friendly book with actionable steps to create a positive culture in our building."
"When school culture refuses to let status quo be the standard, schools are transformed into amazing places where all staff champions for all students, every staff member expects excellence for one another and their students, all staff members carry the banner for their schools, and all staff chooses to be a merchant of home."
"One of the best books I've read on school leadership!"
"This is a book that can and should be read by classroom teachers, principals, superintendents, school boards...heck, anyone who is in the business of educating kids!"
""Press pause and ask yourself what the situation requires..." this simple but insightful example of Jimmy's advice as an educational leader comes through in this beautifully written book about how to Culturize your school."
"No matter what your role is within your organization or how long you may have been in that role, this book will make you rethink and question how you can build a culture in which everyone thrives."
"Jimmy inspires, and what struck me the most was his personal story that was so expertly weaved into his writing."
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Best 45-Minute Education & Reference Short Reads

DIANA GABALDON COMPLETE SERIES READING ORDER: Entire Outlander universe in reading order, Outlander series only, Lord John Grey series, short stories, novellas, all non-fiction, and more!
A comprehensive list of every Diana Gabaldon title designed exclusively for your Kindle. Diana Gabaldon has written dozens of novels, novellas and short stories, some set in her Outlander universe and some not. Everything in the Outlander universe IN READING ORDER A separate list just for the Outlander series A separate list just for the Lord John Grey series All short stories and novellas All stand-alone mysteries and thrillers All graphic novels All non-fiction. We've even included a bonus list of Diana Gabaldon adaptations, so that you can watch the TV series or listen to the musical when you finish a book!
Reviews
"It helped me put all the other books like the John Grey series and the novellas in perspective as to when they all took place in relationship to each other."
"This was comprehensive but I just needed a list of the Outlander series in order."
"Great book to have if you have this series and are getting confused as to the order of "history" ."
"I love that it not only gives the reading order of each series, but is also listed by date so you can see all books in order regardless of series."
"Necessary book for me to keep on track with all the Outlander and other Gabaldon reading series."
"Just what I needed to keep all the books straight and it helps me to know what to read next."
"Knowing what books should be read and when really enhances the Outlander story."
"Very helpful to keep the series in order and up to date."
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Best Philosophy & Social Aspects of Education

The Power of a Plant: A Teacher's Odyssey to Grow Healthy Minds and Schools
In The Power of a Plant, globally acclaimed teacher and self-proclaimed CEO (Chief Eternal Optimist) Stephen Ritz shows you how, in one of the nation’s poorest communities, his students thrive in school and in life by growing, cooking, eating, and sharing the bounty of their green classroom. As Ritz likes to say, “Fifty thousand pounds of vegetables later, my favorite crop is organically grown citizens who are growing and eating themselves into good health and amazing opportunities.”. His story will touch your heart and propel you to plant a seed!”. ― Nona Evans , president and executive director of Whole Kids Foundation. “In his new book The Power of a Plant, Stephen Ritz weaves a beautiful personal tale of how boundless passion, purpose, and hope can move generations of students in New York’s tough South Bronx to realize their untapped human potential. The Power of a Plant outlines the remarkable work he has done to date and provides a blueprint for how educators around the world can implement his learnings effectively.”. ― Tom Colicchio , chef and owner of Crafted Hospitality.
Reviews
"I just got the book yesterday and I'm so glad I did!!"
"Like the glory of stars in the night sky, a mountain panorama, or rolling ocean waves pounding the coast, Stephen Ritz's passion, creativity, love and his personal preservation of the wonder of childhood is one of those times when God tips his hand."
"The book is also an excellent illustration of how different aspects of sustainability complement each other: Growing food locally using natural methods will protect the environment, educate the community, improve people's diets and bring money to the growers."
"Stephen's wisdom is rich and deep, but it is his compassionate pursuit of justice and empowerment of marginalized persons and communities that resonates within my spirit and my heart and indeed my very being. Reading this incredible testimony and history of a life well spent only had served in making me devoted and more engaged in the global Good Food Machine which Stephen and his inspired minions of supporters are and creating."
"This should be required high school reading for how to find satisfying life work."
"We find the catalyst that reaches them and speaks to them and we use it and leverage it to make them problem solvers, critical thinkers, analyzers, mathematicians and scientist and so much more."
"A must read book."
"His passion for teaching and building relationships with children and the community is inspiring!!"
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Best Teacher & Student Mentoring

Unshakeable: 20 Ways to Enjoy Teaching Every Day...No Matter What
Unshakeable will help you incorporate a love of life into your teaching, and a love of teaching into your life. Create curriculum "bright spots" that you can't wait to teach Gain energy from kids instead of letting them drain you Uncover real meaning and purpose for every single lesson Incorporate playfulness and make strong connections with kids Stop letting test scores and evaluations define your success Construct a self-running classroom that frees you to teach Say "no" without guilt and make your "yes" really count Establish healthy, balanced habits for bringing work home Determine what matters most and let go of the rest Innovate and adapt to make teaching an adventure. Unshakeable will help you incorporate a love of life into your teaching, and a love of teaching into your life.
Reviews
"This book provides simple strategies and examples of how to enjoy teaching every day, even when it may seem impossible."
"Angela Watson makes realistic suggestions that teachers can use to bring more positivity to their classrooms and lives."
"I always thought I didn't need a very explicit schedule since I don't have a family but without a schedule I think any free moment I could/ should be doing work."
"I had a rough year last year and this book energized me and made me excited to start anew."
"This is a wonderful book which offers great strategies to help dedicated teachers, who are "in the trenches," regain their focus of what matters most in this esteemed profession!"
"She reminds me to use what I know, and challenge myself to learn more all the tome."
"After several years in tough classrooms, I needed to find joy in teaching again."
"I would recommend this book to all educators, but especially those who need to be re-energized or need a new mindset."
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Best Behavioral Disorders in Special Ed.

The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome
The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome is the definitive handbook for anyone affected by Asperger's syndrome (AS). This book really is a must-have resource for all academic libraries, college psychology classes, parents and relatives of those with AS, clinicians and medical professionals, teachers, and of course, those of us who have AS. There is also a very useful frequently asked questions chapter and a section with useful resources for anyone wishing to find furter information on a particular aspect of AS, as well as literature and educational tools. This is a very informative read which is aimed at not only the professionals, but also the parents, teachers and family members of those people suffering from Aspergers Sundrome. Personally speaking, this was a comfort to me because I fell that I am on the spectrum somewhere and it's enough for me, now, to understand that...The language is never too technical, and has quotations from Hans Asperger (who first diagnosed the condition) as well as excerpts from Aspies themselves - which add another dimension to the book. Attwood has been studying, writing about and speaking about AS for many years, and has gained a reputation for being knowledgable, approachable, and practical in his advice and thoughts. There are lots of specialized cookbooks out there, covering the details of Thai cuisine, or how to use a slow cooker, but the classic Joy of Cooking can get you started and point out where to go next. In 1998, Australian clinical psychologist Attwood published Asperger's Syndrome: A Guide for Parents and Professionals, which quickly established him as an international expert on the condition. Here, he updates research in this rapidly evolving field, offering a wealth of information on childhood, college, long-term relationships, and careers. Particularly helpful are the "Key Points and Strategies" at each chapter's end and the detailed FAQs, glossary, resources, and references sections. His work skillfully brings together the current information on this fascinating condition and is an essential purchase for academic and public libraries.
Reviews
"I was recently diagnosed with ASD, and bought 3 copies of this book to loan to friends/family as I slowly tell them of my diagnosis."
"It was nice to fined one that is so strait forward, easy to read, well organized and full of clinical and personal stories from people who spent their lives dedicated to aspi life."
"This is very informative and medical, but reads easy."
"Great resource for Asperger's Syndrome."
"Very good book--very comprehensive, but not an "easy" read--nor did I expect it to be."
"Well researched and easy to understand."
"This is not casual reading."
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