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ASCD Releases Three New Publications for Educators in October

  • 10/14/14

Alexandria, Va. — ASCD, a global community dedicated to excellence in learning, teaching, and leading, is pleased to announce a new professional development publication and two ASCD Arias™ titles that enable educators to transform school climate and learning. Educators will gain insight on how to make positive changes, hire effective teachers, and promote innovative thinking that will motivate students to succeed.

New Professional Development Publication
Sparking Student Creativity: Practical Ways to Promote Innovative Thinking and Problem Solving: Educational consultant and researcher Patti Drapeau provides researched-based strategies and tools to encourage creative thinking in today’s standard-based, critical-thinking focused classroom. Educators will learn how to align creativity and assessment in daily classroom practices, develop a Creativity Road Map to guide instruction, and design lessons that prompt and support creative thinking. Drapeau also includes 40 "grab and go" ideas to help teachers explore creative content instruction and motivate students to learn in innovative ways. Read a sample chapter. ($26.95 print; $25.99 e-book)

“I believe the key to student achievement is using creativity,” said Drapeau. “As a former educator, I understand the obstacles teachers and administrators face when both students and schools don’t achieve yearly progress and growth. Rather than using scripted lessons, I encourage all educators to use creativity as a tool to ask innovative questions that hook students’ interest in learning. I recommend teachers require students to think critically and creatively, solve problems creatively, and produce creative products.”

New ASCD Arias™ Publications
An ASCD Arias publication is about 50 pages long and answers a crucial and timely "How do I . . . ?" question. Available in print and e-book formats, these titles contain original, stand-alone content that educators can read in one sitting and immediately apply to their practice. These convenient and succinct publications offer the expertise of education thought leaders, experienced practitioners, and researchers.

  • Effective Teacher Interviews: How do I hire good teachers?: Jennifer L. Hindman, a researcher and specialist in human resources and professional development for administrators at the College of William and Mary, provides practical advice for identifying the best candidate for open teaching positions. Educators will learn how to assemble, lead, and train an interview team; develop meaningful, legal interview questions; and match candidates’ skills to the school's needs. Using these interview strategies and tips, educators will be better prepared to select and hire teachers who can make a positive difference in their schools. ($12.99 print; $6.99 e-book)
  • School Climate Change: How do I build a positive environment for learning?: Visual Learning Trainer Peter DeWitt and ASCD’s Whole Child Program Director Sean Slade explain how to use four elements critical to a school’s climate—engagement, empowerment and autonomy, inclusivity and equity, and environment—to make positive changes in a school. The book also addresses timely issues, such as violence and bullying, and shares ways to create a welcoming and safe school environment that nurtures students’ social-emotional needs. ($12.99 print; $6.99 e-book)

Visit www.ascdarias.com to learn more about our short-format ASCD Arias imprint. To learn more about our books or to read sample chapters from these and other publications, visit www.ascd.org/books. For more information about ASCD, visit www.ascd.org.

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