PROFESSIONAL GROWTH BOOKS

Transcription

1 PROFESSIONAL GROWTH BOOKS The North American Division of Education is happy to bring you the annual listing of the Professional Growth Books. Some of these books are written by non- Adventist authors and, therefore, may not fully reflect Seventh- day Adventist philosophy. However, we believe there is value in these books which have been selected to inspire, bring insight, and challenge your thinking. To secure a Professional Growth Certificate for the school year, you should read the five issues of the Journal of Adventist Education, at least one book from Group B, and at least four additional books from two or more other headings. Some books may have been listed under two headings and will count for either group. One book of your choice which could be classified under any of these headings may be substituted for a book on this list. GROUP A READER S CHOICE In Pursuit of Elegance: Why the Best Ideas Have Something Missing, by Matthew E. May, Broadway Books, 2009, 216 pages. Soft-cover List Price $14.00 May s book focuses on the new concept of Design Thinking, which takes the broad view that the designer approach to solving problems goes far beyond the traditional role and rather expands the thinking process to include creativity and logic. Furthermore, it is May s view that this technique of Design Thinking can be used in practically any area of leadership, decision making, story- telling, or problem solving. Learning to utilize this creative process and logic in the thinking and problem solving process is in May s view what he calls elegance. The book follows along 7 key design lessons: 1. What isn t there can often trump what is 2. The simplest rules create the most effective order 3. Limiting information creates intrigue 4. Subtraction and restraint promote customer co- created value 5. Limited resources are the very source of sustainable innovation 6. Doing something isn t always better than doing nothing 7. Break is an important part of any breakthrough

2 The End of Molasses Classes, by Ron Clark, Touchstone, A Division of Simon and Schuster, 2011, 332 pages. Hard-cover List Price $23.00 Amazon $12.77 Ron Clark not only has written an award winning book of 101 extraordinary solutions for parents and teachers for getting our kids unstuck (referring to the sub title); he has written a book that you will enjoy reading as he discusses The Ron Clark Academy, a school he co- founded in Atlanta, GA. The experiences and developments that made it possible for him to write these 101 short chapters also show the school s core values and principles. The role of the parents and the community are not left out as he shows how to create the right climate and culture. This description might sound familiar, but you will soon discover this is no commonplace educational book. The Heartbeat of Adventism: The Great Controversy Themes in the Writings of Ellen White, by Herbert Edgar Douglass, Pacific Press Publishing Association, 2010, 414 pages. Hard-cover List Price $22.99 Amazon $17.24 Herbert Douglas utilizes his significant experience and knowledge of scripture and the writings of Ellen White to eloquently capture the world view scope of the Great Controversy as it applies to the Bible. Through the use of a graphically friendly method of using highlighted text, he very effectively divides the book into twenty- one thematic divisions focused on the Great Controversy theme and Biblical issues including end time prophecies. The theology is strong, and the use of Ellen Whites quotes from her more than 70 written works makes the book useful as a devotional book, study guide, or compendium of inspirational Biblical truth. While not entirely necessary, the writer takes some effort in the Preface to graphically defend Ellen White against her accusers primarily using White s own writings. This does not detract from the book, but the old adage works here..those who believe White s writings do not need the explanation, and those who do not believe her, probably will not start believing her anyway.

3 GROUP B DEVOTIONAL AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH Pictures of Jesus in the Stories He Told, by David B. Smith, Pacific Press Publishing Association, 2011, 224 p. Soft-cover List Price $16.99 What a creative writer David Smith is! He has taken the familiar parables of Jesus and set them in today s context, while making the meaning so clear and showing pictures into the heart and soul of Jesus. Buying a Farm from Jed Clampett is the title of one of the chapters. Throughout this book one understands that life is unfair and biased - in man s favor. Not only do we see God in a new light and see how we are so highly favored, we are shown how to pass this on to others. This is another book you will definitely enjoy reading. Pursued by a Relentless God, by Shawn Brace, Pacific Press Publishing Association, 2011, 157p. Soft-cover List-Price $14.99 Using many personal anecdotes and experiences as a pastor, father, and husband, Shawn Brace talks passionately about the importance of Grace to the Christian, and tells how far our Lord has gone and will go to save us. Much of his inspiration for the book traces back to a casual reading of the Old Testament, when Brace re- discovered the truth of a loving rather than an angry God. One example was taken from the book of Psalms, written by David when David testifies that God cares for and provides for his people much like shepherds do for their flocks. Much of the inspiration for Brace s basic thesis of God pursuing man was taken from the Psalms when David proclaims that goodness and mercy, the very essence of God s character, will follow him all the days of his life. Brace describes in beautiful detail how this idea of God pursuing man is described in Biblical stories and parables, particularly in the Old Testament. Finally, Brace shows how this concept is so typical of God s intentional love for man that He ultimately pursues him to the point where he even takes on his flesh and blood in the person of our Savior Jesus Christ. This thoroughly personal view of God s love for man is beautifully written and promises to bring much inspiration to the reader. The book also brings to life a powerful argument for God s grace and the limitless extent to which He will go to save us and bring us back to complete relationship with Him.

4 Waiting and Longing: Being Ready for the Return of Jesus, Whenever it Happens, by Randy Roberts, Pacific Press Publishing Association, 2003, 126 pages. Soft-cover List Price $11.99 Randy Roberts, who pastors the Loma Linda, SDA Church, wrote this book based on Jesus own words regarding his second coming as recorded in Mathew 24 and 25, focusing on watchfulness and preparation. Specifically, it deals with how we should watch for His return with action rather than simply watch through the act of gazing into the sky. Throughout the book, Roberts uses his own experiences as a child expressing his early fears about not expecting to grow up because of the eminent return of Jesus. As an adult, however, Roberts eloquently expresses the resentment and disappointment of many who have watched the signs and the sky, but have not seen Jesus. While he does not present an exhaustive list of the realities that Christians should look for, Roberts presents various practical and realistic ways that Christians should watch, including doing good, knowing Jesus better, using the Bible, and caring for others. All of these acts, according to Roberts interpretation of Jesus words signify the true nature of Watching for His imminent return. His inclusion of a listing of discussion questions focused on each chapter provides a thoughtful and practical way for the book to be used for Bible study or devotional purposes. Furthermore, the book is written in an easy- to- read style. We Shall Be Changed, by Christy K. Robinson, Editor, Review and Herald Publishing Association, 2010, 375 pages. Hard-cover List Price $15.99 Amazon $12.47 A daily devotional book from The Quiet Hour Ministries, written by nearly 50 different men and women from all walks of life from students to vice- presidents. The book begins and ends with devotionals written by the editor; in fact, about one fourth of the excerpts are written by her. On each page, the love of God shines through and you will experience a positive change. This devotional book you will want to keep and read from time to time as so many relevant topics are covered. The contributors are a list of many of our long- time friends; Del Delker, Wayne Hooper, Edna and William Loveless, Judy and Joedy Melashenko, Bill Tucker, Hyveth Williams and many more.

5 GROUP C SPIRIT OF PROPHECY From the Heart, by Ellen G. White, Review and Herald Publishing Association, 2010, 377 pages. Hard-cover List Price $15.99 Amazon $12.47 Even though Mrs. White wrote many letters and books, this devotional was completely compiled from the 5000 articles written in church journals. The topics are so numerous and inclusive that one is sure to find a path to Jesus no matter where he or she is on life s journey. Her rich knowledge of the Bible is evident on every page as the life of Christ shines through. The Prophet and the Presidents, by Gilbert M. Valentine, Pacific Press Publishing Association, 2011, 383 pages. Soft-cover List Price $22.99 This is a distinctively different type of history detailing Ellen White s relationships with early Seventh- day Adventist leadership. It presents a unique view of how the prophet and the leaders of the church interacted between the late 1800 s and the early 1900 s, described as a period of explosive growth where leaders competed for scarce resources of the new church. Valentine establishes the foundation for such interaction by relating the story of how the Prophet Nathan interacted with Bathsheba to save the life of Solomon during a revolt against King David. He describes with intricate details how Whites interaction with administrative leadership was more tangled when her husband was president, leading to blurring of roles. His most colorful language details many instances of problems with the publishing arm of the church. This is a significant book which is broad in its scope and deep in historical fact. The book eloquently recalls the story of struggles and joys as well as pain and sorrow in the development of the SDA church. It is guaranteed to increase appreciation of how divine providence led and shaped the growth and development of the Adventist church.

6 GROUP D BACKGROUND FOR TEACHING Creating the Opportunity to Learn, by A. Wade Boykin and Pedro Noguera, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, 2011, 231 Pages. Soft-cover List Price $27.95 Amazon $24.00 The sub- title of this book, Moving from Research to Practice to Close the Achievement Gap, really sets the stage or prepares the reader for this insightful publication. It discusses the multidimensional aspects of the gap and gives the most promising approaches for closing the gap by analyzing the research and explaining what has worked. It also explains why in some states the gap has widened and why in some states progress is being made. The most wonderful feature is how it shows what can be done in our schools to close the gap. Focus, by Mike Schmoker, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, 2011, 237 pages. Soft-cover List Price $27.95 Amazon $17.87 One of the reviewers of this book says you will say hallelujah once you read and adhere to the content contained in the pages of this book. This is another book on closing the achievement gap. Unlike the previously mentioned book which is research driven, this author encourages the reader to FOCUS on content area instruction like reading, writing, science, and math. Research is a part of this book, however. You will rediscover the joy of teaching one thought did you know that an essay is the best way to assess a student s ability to write? Many nuggets of information like this are contained in this book, so much so that you will join the reviewer and say hallelujah. Literacy Tools in the Classroom, by Richard Beach, Gerald Campano, Brian Edmiston, and Melissa Borgman, foreword by Jerome C. Harste, Teachers College Press, 2010, 182 pages. Soft-cover List Price $24.95 Amazon $23.70 Here we have the term literacy tools. Guess we d better see what this author means. (We will encounter this term in yet another of this year s books.) Tools any artifact, idea or process that people use when they read or write or otherwise use language to communicate meaning. Read this book to learn how to use literacy tools to engage in critical inquiry, create spaces, enact identities, establish agency, and discover what these terms mean. This book focuses on

7 grades 5-12 but can be used across all levels to showcase students strengths and develop purpose- driven activities. GROUP E TEACHERS PERSONAL GROWTH Drive, by Daniel H. Pink, Riverhead Books, The Penguin Group, 2009, 242 pages. Hard-cover List Price $26.95 Amazon $10.88 Drive has the distinction of becoming a New York Times Best Seller, which it quite easily lives up too with big powerfully written concepts and science- based ideas about what motivates one in business, education, government, and politics. Others describe the book in such terms as rare and provocative, strong, science based case for what motivates us, right on the money, audacious and powerful, and thought provoking. By far, my favorite description was the following: the book was so entertaining that you forget you are learning. Pink makes a strong case with research- based evidence that our historical carrots and stick approach to motivation is the wrong approach for people in the 21 st century. He cites examples of successful companies that are using his techniques for optimum employee motivation. One example is the choice of working in a toll booth for $100,000 per year or working as an architect for $75,000 per year. Most recipients chose the latter, not for the money difference, but for the intrinsic rewards of complexity, autonomy, and a relationship between effort and reward. Experiments with puzzles confirmed earlier tests that human beings are motivated more by internal forces novelty and challenge than external rewards like money. To test his emerging theories about the power of internal motivation principles, Pink draws fascinating contrasts between the development of two electronic encyclopedias, one with the backing of a multi- billion dollar corporation, hundreds of scientists, computer geeks, and consultants all getting paid, and the other with no corporate backing and thousands of volunteers none of whom got paid. Microsoft s Encarta hit the market with great success and thrived for over 16 years, but is now defunct. The other is Wikipedia, the electronic resource which in just a few years has become the largest, most widely used online encyclopedia in the world with more than 13 million articles in 260 languages and still growing! This is a totally entertaining book with loads of practical, user- friendly examples and useful resources for further learning. His toolkit for motivation was a real find. This book was a joy to read!

8 Motion Leadership, by Michael Fullan, Corwin, A Sage Company, 2010, 85 pages. Soft-cover List Price $19.95 Amazon $14.99 A great little 85- page book. The first chapter titled The Skinny is full of good ideas, in fact the entire book is full of good ideas. The Skinny, a term we have all heard, or maybe even used, refers to the bare or naked unadorned facts. This book is just that, in that it shows one how to move forward in leadership in a way that excites and motivates others. You will read about the skinny on change, skinny dipping, a skinny metaphor, skinny change agents; you will even read about the skinny on skinny. 13 Weeks to Peace, by Jennifer Jill Schwirzer, Pacific Press Publishing Association, 2011, 222 pages. Soft-cover List-Price $15.99 A book for those of us who are suffering from any hurt sustained during our lifetime and do not know how to find peace within. This book is divided into two distinct parts. The first part contains the content area and the second part contains the toolbox. The first part tells how to let Jesus heal your heart and mind while the last section includes what the author refers to as the toolbox. As one refers to and uses the second section, they see and understand that Jennifer uses the toolbox concept much like a carpenter uses an actual toolbox to hold anything and everything regarded as necessary to the carrying out of one s occupation or profession. The tool box section is divided into topics which correspond with the content area in order to have resources available for additional help. I especially like the way religion and psychology are intertwined throughout the book. GROUP F TEACHING AND LEARNING Content Counts!, by Jennifer L. Altieri, International Reading Association, Inc., 2011, 243 pages. Soft-cover List Price $29.95 Amazon $18.70 This book discusses developing disciplinary literacy skills for elementary grades K 6. Reading content in math, science, music, art classes, etc. requires the knowledge and use of different tools in order to be more effective with students. Knowing when to use what tool is a must. Many activities are given

9 for developing literacy skills in all of these areas plus others. Suggestions also are given for when to use a certain tool. Activities are developed using many experiences such as in the reading class, through oral communication, and through writing and visuals. Many ideas can be picked up from the detailed lesson plans in the try it out entries. Developing Readers in the Academic Disciplines, by Doug Buehl, International Reading Association, Inc., 2011, 308 pages. Soft-cover List Price $29.95 Amazon $28.00 A book primarily for teachers of middle and high school students exploring the importance of disciplinary literacy instruction in science, mathematics, history, social studies, English, music, art, and other subjects. In short, I would say that disciplinary literacy means to adjust the thinking and tools you are using from class to class to fit the material being taught so the learner can read and understand the lesson. For instance: a science textbook would not use the same techniques to reach the learner as a math textbook would. This book demonstrates with many examples which techniques to use and why. Good Questions for Math Teaching : Why Ask Them and What to Ask (Grades 5-8,) by Lainie Schuster and Nancy Canavan Anderson, Math Solutions, 2005, 195 pages. Soft-cover List Price $26.95 Amazon $ Schuster and Anderson are both elementary classroom teachers who write as part of a team for Math Solutions, a national corporation focused on producing classroom- tested lessons and teaching expertise from world- acclaimed professional development consultants and math educators. This particular book was modeled on an earlier book by members of their team which focused on grades K- 6. The authors approach their task by first describing what constitutes Good Questioning or Open Ended Questions. Based on credible research, they provide techniques for how teachers can help focus learning on the process of thinking while attending to the study of content (Dantonio and Beisenherz, 2010). With practical examples and specific models and graphs, they emphasize how and why teachers of mathematics should seek for students not only to understand what they think, but also to be able to articulate how they arrived at those understandings. While the subject matter is at the elementary level, (grades k- 8), the concepts employed (algebraic thinking, data analysis and probability, measurement, etc.) thorough- out the book are challenging and interesting, even for the seasoned teacher of math.

10 Literacy + Math = Creative Connections in the Elementary Classroom, by Jennifer Altieri, International Reading Association, Inc., 2010, 197 pages. Soft-cover List Price $29.95 Amazon $18.70 In this second book on our list by Jennifer Altieri, she discusses literacy but specifically with a math point of view. She touches on other areas; in other words other aspects of literacy are developed but math is the main focus. This is a must- read book since most books on literacy do not have a math connection Her broad view of literacy says that it is no longer just being able to read and write but to prepare students for the world in which they live, of which math is an integral part. Jennifer teaches how to develop mathematical skills in the classroom using writing skills, poetry, language arts, and many other subjects in the elementary classroom. Total Participation Techniques, by Persida Himmele and William Himmele, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, 2011, 133 pages. Soft-cover List Price $24.95 Amazon $24.06 This husband and wife team show how to make every student in the classroom (grades 5 12) an active learner, meaning they all actively participate and are cognitively involved at the same time on the same project or topic in progress. There is a unique Total Participation Technique (TPT) model that helps the teacher analyze higher- to lower- level thinking and higher- to lower- levels of participation. The six levels of Bloom s cognitive taxonomy is the tool used to divide lower- from higher- order thinking. In case you have not referred to them recently, the lower levels are Knowledge, Comprehension, and Application. The higher- order thinking classifications are Analysis, Synthesis, and Evaluation. You will become an expert at this taxonomy when you use the TPT strategies put forth in this book which can be modified to be used at any grade level.

11 G UNDERSTANDING STUDENTS Concept Rich Mathematics Instruction, by Meir Ben-Hur, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, 2006, 152 pages. Soft-cover List Price $25.95 Amazon $ 6.50 This book focuses on the relatively new theory of Concept- Rich Instruction which has its base in the constructivist theory of learning, first postulated by Immanuel Kant in the 1700 s. According to Ben- Hur, this theory is most effective when teachers take the responsibility to organize experiences into concepts that determine subsequent learning. The author makes a strong point that teaching for conceptual understanding and not for rote memorization is most important in teaching mathematics. This is especially so when students already come to the math class with misconceptions and fears borne of faulty and poor prior teaching in the subject. An example of Ben Hur s constructivist approach is the example he uses to differentiate between conceptual knowledge and procedural knowledge. He postulates that in most mathematics classes, teachers focus on the ability to use procedures to solve problems, whereas conceptual knowledge involves understanding concepts and recognizing their applications in various situations. Understanding the concept of math better prepares the student to perform the procedures of math problems. While not a particularly easy read, the book is grounded in the belief that all students can learn to think mathematically and solve challenging problems. Number Talks, by Sherry Parrish, Math Solutions, 2010, 390 pages. Soft-cover List Price $65.95 Amazon $43.96 Students in grades K 5 are helped to build mental math and computation strategies by using number talks when the teacher applies the principles used in this book. The author describes number talks as conversations around purposefully crafted computation problems that are solved mentally. Before students can have these number talks they must learn certain strategies such as doubles, near doubles, making tens, compensation, and adding up in chunks, to name a few. Student- teacher dialogues are dispersed throughout the book and are divided into

12 two groups, K- 2 and 3-5. The front cover of the book houses a DVD which demonstrates actual classroom situations involved in many of the strategies learned in this wonderful book. It is a bit pricey but well worth it. What If Your ABCs Were Your 123s?, by Leslie Minton, Corwin Press, 2007, 102 pages. Soft-cover List Price $23.95 Amazon $22.79 Many courses are taught in colleges and universities for students to learn how to teach language arts, but not many are taught preparing students to teach math. Leslie Minton shows that many of the strategies used in the teaching of language arts can be used in the teaching of math. This book shows the connection between literacy and numeracy, and shows how with a change of attitude and a little more know how one can become a more effective, confident math teacher. H - ISSUES Wasting Minds: Why our Education System is Failing and What We Can Do About It, by Ronald A. Wolk, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, 2011, 199 pages. Soft-cover List Price $26.95 With a wealth of experience in education as a university professor, teacher, administrator, and consultant, Ronald Wolk has written a book that is one of the most comprehensive of the genre of school reform books to come along in a while. Wolk sets the stage for his perspective on how to improve public schools by borrowing and adapting a line from the UNCF motto about wasted minds. His views about why the system is failing and what can be done about it are not new, but they are comprehensive in scope and powerfully presented. With strong use of the available data and his considerable experience in the field, Wolk s views about how to improve the system should not be taken for granted. Of particular note is his exhaustive analysis of the varied school reform techniques over the past 20 years, including the Get Tough Policy, Test Reform, the Dropout Epidemic, and Early Childhood Education, etc. He also takes aim at the power centers in our school networks, (unions, school boards, politicians, professionals, etc.) and why they resist change of their positions, leading to rigidity in the system and self protection of turf. Interestingly, Wolk

13 observes that the most important element in the power centers, the students, are the only entity with no formal power. Finally, Wolk s conclusions tend to indicate his deep dissatisfaction with the status quo, as he calls for a new beginning, a new creation of schools molded after many of the relatively new and experimental schools he has studied over the past few years. In summary, he says we can t improve the schools we have, thus the need to create new schools. Where are we Going, by Jan Paulsen, Pacific Press Publishing Association, 2011, 127 pages. Soft-cover List Price $13.99 Paulsen writes a book on leadership not from academic research or readings, but based on his lifetime of experiences. He uses a series of reflections on issues that are important to the life of the SDA church. He eloquently describes the many cultural faces of Adventism, how they are different, but also how they have a shared sense of core values. His journey began in Norway during the depression of the 1930 s when the Adventist Church went through a strong growth period and his parents were baptized. He grew up appreciating the values of the church and the writings of Ellen White. Over the ensuing 50 plus years, Paulsen describes his life and growth in the church as a pastor, teacher, missionary college president, theologian, church administrator, and ultimately as President of the World SDA Church. Throughout that journey, Paulsen describes with personal detail the pain and joy experienced at each level of his experience. He articulates many of the crucial issues which have faced the church, many of which have not yet been clarified. These include: women in ministry loss of young people SDA s and other religions cultural barriers in the church leadership challenges He closes the book with visual imagery of the pilgrim s journey, which describes our passage here on this earth on the way to heaven and answers the question posed in the title. While the journey may be long and hard, and memories of the past may cause problems, the ultimate goal of heaven s promises forces us to continue the journey to our ultimate reward.

14 ORDERING BOOKS Publishers All books should be ordered directly from the publisher or the Adventist Book Center, not from the North American Division Office of Education. Prices also have been given, when available, for purchasing books from Amazon.com. Unlike list prices, those for Amazon.com are subject to change. Association for Supervision Pacific Press Publishing Association And Curriculum Development Box Beauregard Street Boise, ID Alexandria, VA (208) (800) Broadway Books Penguin Group, Inc. A division of Random House 375 Hudson street 1714 NE Broadway St New York, NY Portland, OR (212) (503) Corwin Press Review and Herald Publishing Association A Sage Company 55 W. Oak Ridge Drive 2455Teller Road Hagerstown, MD, Thousand Oaks, CA (301) herald.com/ International Reading Assn. Teachers College Press 800 Barksdale Road, PO Box Amsterdam Avenue Newark, DE New York, NY (212) Math Solutions 150 Gate 5 Road Touchstone Sausalito, CA A Division of Simon and Schuster. Inc. (800) Avenue of the Americas New York, NY (866)