The Way We Were...the Way We Can Be: A Vision for the Middle School Through Integrated Thematic Instruction

A comprehensive & powerful blend of brain research findings & practical "how-to's." The book begins with a clear, concise, understandable overview of recent brain research translated into the necessary ingredients of a "brain-compatible" learning environment through using the integrated thematic instruction (ITI) approach developed by Susan Kovalik. Rich with step-by-step procedures & examples describing how to develop integrated curriculum at the classroom level, the reader is taken through an in-depth discussion of creating a year-long theme, identifying key points (what is essential to know/do), & inquiries (action-oriented activities for applying learnings to real-world settings). Also included is a new point of view of curriculum which allows us to escape from the centuries old point of view of "disciplines" to achieve integration of curriculum which mirrors real life. Includes an amazingly practical description of how to turn highly brain-antagonistic standardized tests & bell curve grading systems into authentic measurements of life skills/knowledge. For those involved in restructuring, five models for transition to a fully integrated program are presented: from a "go it alone" setting to grade level-wide coordination to double cores run back to back to the "Renaissance Man" model of the self-contained core model. Clearly, ITI is a vehicle for restructuring not only the classroom but also the entire school. This book may be ordered from: Books for Educators, P.O. Box 20525, Village of Oak Creek, AZ 86341. Telephone: 602-284-2389.