Importance of Persistence

I just read a blog about a new book coming out.  The material about the importance of persistence ties to Marzano's work about reinforcing effort.  I pre-ordered my copy, here's an excerpt of the blog entry:

In his new book How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character, author Paul Tough makes the case that persistence and grit are the biggest indicators of student success. Being resilient against failure, he says, is the fundamental quality we should be teaching kids, and he gives examples of where that’s being done.

Superstar Teachers

 What will it take for you to feel like this today?  I know that you make a difference, and that you do so everyday.  For example, today, somewhere, one of your former students is using something they learned from you.  For those teaching year-round, one of your current students is thinking about something you said.  And for many of you, your future students are thinking and wondering, what will my new teacher be like?  Don't forget--you are a star!
Super Teacher Accomplishing Results!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

E-Newletter on Vocabulary

Did you receive my June/July newsletter on vocabulary strategies? If not, sign up here.  I'll be sending it out again next week. 

Memorial for the Victims of the Aurora, Colorado Tragedy

From the Denver Post:

Local artist, Mark Rantal, has also showed his support for this tragedy by creating a memorial ribbon for the victims of the shootings that took place at midnight screening of “The Dark Knight Rises” in Aurora, Colorado – this ribbon will forever be a symbol and memory of those lives that were lost in such a senseless act of violence.

Great Rigor Resources

My friend, Cybraryman, has just put up a new page of rigor resources.  Some are mine, but there are lots of others to choose from! 

Rigor and the Common Core from SREB

I just returned from the Southern Regional Education Board's National Staff Development Conference--a fabulous conference with great teachers and leaders.  One of my sessions was on the Common Core--the Floor or the Ceiling?  We discussed how the standards alone are not enough; it's what you do with them that matters.  We also talked about the Lexile Framework and the appropriate use of it with the Common Core.  For more on that topic, download the free white paper here. 

Links for the Common Core State Standards

Happy Fourth of July week.  I hope you will take some time to relax and enjoy the week.  One quick link for the week--I was sent this blog entry with 50 links for the Common Core--it's a fairly comprehensive list, so check it out.