Making Schools Work: Bringing the Science of Learning to Joyful Classroom Practice (Hardcover)

Contents

Foreword  xiii

Acknowledgments  xvii

1.  Why Now?  1
Looking Ahead  5

2.  The Science of Success  7
At a Glance  7
Introduction  7
The How of Learning  11
What Children Learn: A Breadth-of-Skills Approach Through the 6 Cs  24
Where the How Meets the What of Learning  31

3.  Case Study 1: The 6 Cs Go to an Independent School in Pennsylvania  34
At a Glance  34
Introduction  34
A Theme-Based Approach as One Embodiment of the 6 Cs System  38
Themes, the 6 Cs, and the Principles of Playful Learning  48

4.  Case Study 2: Designing for Equity in a Michigan School District  49
At a Glance  49
Introduction  50
Using Human-Centered Design After Exploring the Underlying Barriers  52
Results: The System Shifts Toward Success for All  67
Next Steps to Intensify Learning  68
Slow Down to Speed Up  69

5.  Case Study 3: Statewide Scale-Up of Playful Learning in New Hampshire Kindergarten Classrooms  71
At a Glance  71
Introduction  71
Motivation for Change  73
Evidence-Based Approach for Change  74
Impacts and Outcomes  80
Guided Play in COVID-19 Classrooms  83
Further Investment in Guided Play and Coaching  83
Conclusion  85
Chapter 5 Supplemental Resources  86

6.  Bringing It Home: Adapting the Model for Your School  97
Step 1: Get Buy-In  101
Step 2: Educate  101
Step 3: Co-Design  102
Step 4: Try It Out  103
Step 5: Broaden Your Scope  103
Step 6: Assess How It Is Going  104
Step 7: Home and School  105
Step 8: Have a School- or Grade-Wide Conclusion  105

7.  Authentic Assessment to Support the Science of Learning  106
At a Glance  106
Introduction  106
Motivation: Why Engage in Assessment?  107
Measurement of the Knowledge and Skills That Matter  108
Developmentally Appropriate Assessment  109
Summative and Formative Assessment  110
There Is More Than One Type of Authentic Assessment  115
Clantete: Using Authentic Assessment to Support the 6 Cs  122
Radnor Middle School: Authentic Assessment to Support Student Learning  123
Conclusion  124

8.  Jumping Over School Walls: The 6 Cs and Learning Principles Are Everywhere  125
At a Glance  125
Introduction  125
Enter Playful Learning Landscapes: Informal Learning at Its Best  126
Media: The Learning Principles and the 6 Cs Work Here, Too  129
Conclusion  134

9.  Re-Imagining Education at Your School  135
Introduction  136
The 6 Cs Prepare Students for Success  136
How Can We Help Children Remember What They Learn So That It Is Sticky?  138
How Do We Teach in a Way That Supports Transfer?  139
How Do We Move From the "Memorize and Spit-It-Out-on-the-Test" Model to One in Which Students Are More Engaged in Their Learning?  139

Appendix A: Visual Chapter Synopses  145

Appendix B: Recommendations for Further Study  159

References  163

Index  179

About the Authors  185