Fostering Academic Excellence

This book contains a general introduction to the education of academically able students. It provides a solid background of basic knowledge and a survey of research and theory for educational theorists, student teachers, practising teachers, administrators and planners. It offers insights into relevant practical problems as well as guidelines for classroom practice. The significance of this material is outlined for the various levels of the educational system from the individual classroom to the regional planning level. The book is not, however, designed to offer set answers and pat solutions, but to provide rationale for the creative work of teachers and administrators.

Accessible, practical, and empowering, this book gives school professionals the tools to put students in charge of their own learning. Going beyond traditional "study skills" guides that focus on the mechanics of homework completion and test taking, the authors address the underlying psychological factors that influence academic success and lifelong learning. They provide step-by-step guidance and data-based interventions for helping each student develop a repertoire of problem-solving strategies in the areas of motivation, emotional responses to learning, behavior, time management, organization, memory, reading, writing, math, and more. In a large-size format with lay-flat binding to facilitate photocopying, the volume includes dozens of reproducible handouts and forms. This book is in The Guilford Practical Intervention in the Schools Series.

"In this book, academic librarians examine how their libraries are responding to the changing needs of students to provide support in key areas such as advancing the quality of learning, fostering inclusion, and driving down costs"--

This book presents and examines key issues not only on addressing changing student demographics and needs but also on aligning institutional and student expectations, connecting student-oriented services systemically, organizing and fostering student services for learning, and creating and delivering services for students to achieve success on campus. While the essential supportive role student services plays in student retention and success is generally understood, this book provides several constructive approaches and key indicators that service providers can use to challenge their campuses for better results in achieving student success. While this book does not define what student success is for all institutions or suggest that one size fits all institutions, it does emphasize that student learning and achieving student success on campus is everyone’s business. The chapter contributors share their wisdom on and experience in creating a student-centered culture and emphasize student services as the primary approach for putting students first in the campus community. Written for student service providers, academic departments, and others responsible for the support, direction, and coordination of services to students—vice presidents, deans, directors, and department chairs—readers will learn how to encourage a variety of desired outcomes, including student persistence, satisfaction, learning, and personal development. Also included is a systems perspective that will help readers evaluate and align services for students with the goals of both the students and the institution.

This book examines the critical role that teachers play in supporting at-risk student populations to stay in school and successfully complete their graduation requirements. Thompson addresses how high schools may support marginal students in achieving success by the implementation of teacher self-efficacy and a positive classroom environment. The study identifies ways in which administrators at all levels can support teacher’s professional development and student success through reinforced accountability and consistency. The study also addresses how to grow and strengthen students to not only to stay in the traditional school setting, but to ensure the process will prepare students to be academically, socially, and emotionally ready for college and a career. Fostering this environment requires collaboration and teamwork from teachers, administrators, and parents. Students will demonstrate academic achievement when the school environment is positive, equitable, safe and rigorous.