The Distance Learning Playbook, Grades K-12

Starred review from December 1, 2020

Educators Fisher, Frey, and Hattie offer a lifeline to those who are involved in distance teaching and are struggling to keep students on track and engaged. Relying on the principles of Visible Learning, a concept created by Hattie in which teachers "become evaluators of their own teaching," the authors have designed a playbook that leads teachers from self-assessment to action in order. Scaffolded modules cover almost all aspects of teaching, including the first days of school, the development of relationships, and assessment. Valuable embedded tools push teachers to build on their knowledge, reflect, and plan. Videos with further context are available with the scan of a QR code. "A View from the Early Years" sidebars from early learning specialist Claudia Readwright showcase how the same concepts work with the youngest learners. Clear and easy to navigate, the book features useful charts, forms, and questions. Many of the resources are available for download with the digital code on the companion website. An appendix includes some templates and is followed by extensive references and a complete index. As the subtitle emphasizes, this title is more than just for distance learning-it offers teachers in any setting a road map and powerful tools to ensure they are connecting with students. VERDICT The pandemic and the need for entire schools to rely on distance learning may fade, but components of good teaching will not. Teachers will turn to this work again and again. This dynamic selection is the one volume every educator needs.-Laura Fields Eason, Danville H.S., KY

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