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Changing Social Attitudes Toward Disability: Perspectives from historical, cultural, and educational studies (Routledge Advances in Disability Studies)
by David BoltWhilst legislation may have progressed internationally and nationally for disabled people, barriers continue to exist, of which one of the most pervasive and ingrained is attitudinal. Social attitudes are often rooted in a lack of knowledge and are perpetuated through erroneous stereotypes, and ultimately these legal and policy changes are ineffectual without a corresponding attitudinal change. This unique book provides a much needed, multifaceted exploration of changing social attitudes toward disability. Adopting a tripartite approach to examining disability, the book looks at historical, cultural, and education studies, broadly conceived, in order to provide a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approach to the documentation and endorsement of changing social attitudes toward disability. Written by a selection of established and emerging scholars in the field, the book aims to break down some of the unhelpful boundaries between disciplines so that disability is recognised as an issue for all of us across all aspects of society, and to encourage readers to recognise disability in all its forms and within all its contexts. This truly multidimensional approach to changing social attitudes will be important reading for students and researchers of disability from education, cultural and disability studies, and all those interested in the questions and issues surrounding attitudes toward disability.
Changing Social Attitudes Toward Disability: Perspectives from historical, cultural, and educational studies (Routledge Advances in Disability Studies)
by David BoltWhilst legislation may have progressed internationally and nationally for disabled people, barriers continue to exist, of which one of the most pervasive and ingrained is attitudinal. Social attitudes are often rooted in a lack of knowledge and are perpetuated through erroneous stereotypes, and ultimately these legal and policy changes are ineffectual without a corresponding attitudinal change. This unique book provides a much needed, multifaceted exploration of changing social attitudes toward disability. Adopting a tripartite approach to examining disability, the book looks at historical, cultural, and education studies, broadly conceived, in order to provide a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approach to the documentation and endorsement of changing social attitudes toward disability. Written by a selection of established and emerging scholars in the field, the book aims to break down some of the unhelpful boundaries between disciplines so that disability is recognised as an issue for all of us across all aspects of society, and to encourage readers to recognise disability in all its forms and within all its contexts. This truly multidimensional approach to changing social attitudes will be important reading for students and researchers of disability from education, cultural and disability studies, and all those interested in the questions and issues surrounding attitudes toward disability.
Changing Spaces of Education: New Perspectives on the Nature of Learning
by Rachel Brooks Alison Fuller Johanna WatersIn today’s modern climate, education and learning take place in multiple and diverse spaces. Increasingly, these spaces are both physical and virtual in nature. Access to and use of information and communication technologies, and the emergence of knowledge-based economies necessitate an understanding of the plurality of spaces (such as homes, workplaces, international space and cyberspace) in which learning can take place. The spaces of policy making with respect to education are also being transformed, away from traditional centres of policy formation towards the incorporation of a wider range of actors and sites. These changes coincide with a more general interest in space and spatial theory across the social sciences, where notions of simultaneity and diversity replace more modernist conceptions of linear progress and development through time. This volume proffers a unique perspective on the transformation of education in the 21st century, by bringing together leading researchers in education, sociology and geography to address directly questions of space in relation to education and learning. This collection of essays: examines the changing and diverse spaces and concepts of education (occurring simultaneously at different scales and in different parts of the world) explores where education and learning take place discusses how spaces of education vary at different stages (compulsory schooling, tertiary and higher education, adult education and workplace learning) inspects the ways in which the meanings attached to education and learning change in different national and regional contexts. Changing Spaces of Education is an important and timely contribution to a growing area of concern within the social sciences and amongst practitioners and policy-makers, reflecting an urgent need to understand the ways in which both education and learning are being reconfigured, not just nationally, but also internationally and transnationally. It is essential reading for final-year undergraduates, postgraduates and researchers in geography, sociology, education and policy studies, with an aim, too, of informing policy and practice in this area.
Changing Spaces of Education: New Perspectives on the Nature of Learning
by Rachel Brooks Alison Fuller Johanna WatersIn today’s modern climate, education and learning take place in multiple and diverse spaces. Increasingly, these spaces are both physical and virtual in nature. Access to and use of information and communication technologies, and the emergence of knowledge-based economies necessitate an understanding of the plurality of spaces (such as homes, workplaces, international space and cyberspace) in which learning can take place. The spaces of policy making with respect to education are also being transformed, away from traditional centres of policy formation towards the incorporation of a wider range of actors and sites. These changes coincide with a more general interest in space and spatial theory across the social sciences, where notions of simultaneity and diversity replace more modernist conceptions of linear progress and development through time. This volume proffers a unique perspective on the transformation of education in the 21st century, by bringing together leading researchers in education, sociology and geography to address directly questions of space in relation to education and learning. This collection of essays: examines the changing and diverse spaces and concepts of education (occurring simultaneously at different scales and in different parts of the world) explores where education and learning take place discusses how spaces of education vary at different stages (compulsory schooling, tertiary and higher education, adult education and workplace learning) inspects the ways in which the meanings attached to education and learning change in different national and regional contexts. Changing Spaces of Education is an important and timely contribution to a growing area of concern within the social sciences and amongst practitioners and policy-makers, reflecting an urgent need to understand the ways in which both education and learning are being reconfigured, not just nationally, but also internationally and transnationally. It is essential reading for final-year undergraduates, postgraduates and researchers in geography, sociology, education and policy studies, with an aim, too, of informing policy and practice in this area.
Changing Teacher Professionalism: International trends, challenges and ways forward
by Sharon Gewirtz Pat Mahony Ian Hextall Alan CribbSignificant changes in the policy and social context of teaching over the last 30 years have had substantial implications for teacher professionalism. As the influence of central regulation and marketisation has increased, so the scope for professional influence on policy and practice has in many cases diminished. Instead, teachers have had to respond to a range of other demands stemming from broader social changes, including greater public scepticism towards professional authority combined with demands for public services that are more responsive to diverse cultural and social identities. This collection of work by leading international scholars in the field makes a unique contribution to understanding both how these changes are impacting on teaching and how teachers might change their practice for the better. The central premise of the book is that if research is going to be helpful in improving professional learning and the quality of teachers’ practice, the full potential of three broad approaches to research on teacher professionalism needs to be brought to bear on these issues: research on the changing political and social context of professional work and practice research on the working lives and lived experiences of teachers, and research on how teachers’ professional practices might be enhanced. In bringing together and drawing out the complementarities of these three approaches, this book represents a ground-breaking collection of work.
Changing Teacher Professionalism: International trends, challenges and ways forward
by Sharon Gewirtz Pat Mahony Ian Hextall Alan CribbSignificant changes in the policy and social context of teaching over the last 30 years have had substantial implications for teacher professionalism. As the influence of central regulation and marketisation has increased, so the scope for professional influence on policy and practice has in many cases diminished. Instead, teachers have had to respond to a range of other demands stemming from broader social changes, including greater public scepticism towards professional authority combined with demands for public services that are more responsive to diverse cultural and social identities. This collection of work by leading international scholars in the field makes a unique contribution to understanding both how these changes are impacting on teaching and how teachers might change their practice for the better. The central premise of the book is that if research is going to be helpful in improving professional learning and the quality of teachers’ practice, the full potential of three broad approaches to research on teacher professionalism needs to be brought to bear on these issues: research on the changing political and social context of professional work and practice research on the working lives and lived experiences of teachers, and research on how teachers’ professional practices might be enhanced. In bringing together and drawing out the complementarities of these three approaches, this book represents a ground-breaking collection of work.
Changing Teachers, Changing Times: Teachers' Work and Culture in the Postmodern Age
by Andy Hargreaves'The rules of the world are changing. It is time for the rules of teaching and teachers' work to change with them.' This is the challenge which Andy Hargreaves sets out in his book on teachers' work and culture in the postmodern world.Drawing on his current research with teachers at all levels, Hargreaves shows through their own vivid words what teaching is really like, how it is already changing, and why. He argues that the structures and cultures of teaching need to change even more if teachers are not to be trapped by guilt, pressed by time and overburdened by decisions imposed upon them.Provocative yet practical, this book is written for teachers and those who work with teachers, and for researchers who want to understand teaching better in the postmodern age.
Changing Teaching and Learning in the Primary School (UK Higher Education OUP Humanities & Social Sciences Education OUP)
by Rosemary Webb“With care, and in partnership with others, it may yet be possible to overcome contemporary dilemmas and to provide the high quality, rounded and fulfilling education for all to which so many aspire. This book helps considerably in understanding contemporary problems and challenges in primary education – it is important, timely and deserves to be widely read.” Andrew Pollard, Institute of Education, LondonWhat is the impact of New Labour’s education policies on primary schools? What are the main lessons to be learned from recent research on primary schools?What are the implications for the future of primary education? In this topical book, leading academics in primary education evaluate New Labour’s Education policy. They draw on the findings of the latest research to discuss the impact of policies on primary school practice and on the views and experiences of primary school teachers and pupils. Current issues and initiatives are analysed to identify the extent to which policy is shaped by past events, trends and assumptions. The contributors consider the future of primary education, offer recommendations at school, LEA and national level, and make suggestions for future research. Changing Teaching and Learning in the Primary School emphasises the central importance of taking children’s perspectives into account when making changes in policy and practice. By focusing predominantly on teaching and learning at Key Stage 2, the book addresses the imbalance between the range and depth of information offered on pre-school and infant education and that available on junior teaching. This is key reading for students on primary initial teacher training programmes, Education Studies students, primary school teachers and classroom assistants, as well as education researchers and school leaders.
Changing the Conventional University Classroom (Innovations in Higher Education Teaching and Learning #44)
by Enakshi Sengupta and Patrick BlessingerChanging the Conventional University Classroom highlights the interesting interventions practiced around the world by higher education instructors who were forced to make necessary changes in the conversion from face-to-face educational instruction to the use of online and virtual platforms owing to the COVID pandemic. Chronicling how academic staff and instructors were pushed to utilize modern technology and virtual exchange platforms to create meaningful classroom discussions and facilitate lively interactions between learners and faculty members, the chapters showcase the importance of quality assurance and reveal how educators prioritized regular monitoring of students’ interaction, performance, and involvement in class. Collated in this collection of contemporary research, each chapter provides insight into the rapid evolution of educational approaches during the pandemic. Scholars demonstrate how these changes to the conventional way of teaching have shaped the field of education, and how technology is expected to bring further radical improvements in the near future.
Changing the Conventional University Classroom (Innovations in Higher Education Teaching and Learning #44)
by Enakshi Sengupta Patrick BlessingerChanging the Conventional University Classroom highlights the interesting interventions practiced around the world by higher education instructors who were forced to make necessary changes in the conversion from face-to-face educational instruction to the use of online and virtual platforms owing to the COVID pandemic. Chronicling how academic staff and instructors were pushed to utilize modern technology and virtual exchange platforms to create meaningful classroom discussions and facilitate lively interactions between learners and faculty members, the chapters showcase the importance of quality assurance and reveal how educators prioritized regular monitoring of students’ interaction, performance, and involvement in class. Collated in this collection of contemporary research, each chapter provides insight into the rapid evolution of educational approaches during the pandemic. Scholars demonstrate how these changes to the conventional way of teaching have shaped the field of education, and how technology is expected to bring further radical improvements in the near future.
Changing the Educational Landscape: Philosophy, Women, and Curriculum
by Jane Roland MartinChanging the Educational Landscape is a collection of the best-known and best-loved essays by the renowned feminist philosopher of education, Jane Roland Martin. Trained as an analytic philosopher at a time before women or feminist ideas were welcome in the field, Martin brought a philosopher's detachment to her earliest efforts at revolutionizing the curriculum. Her later essays on women and gender further showcase the tremendous intellectual energy she brought to the field of feminist educational theory. Martin explores the challenges and contradictions posed by the very concept of women's education, and also recognizes how the presence of women necessitates the rearticulation of not only the curriculum but also the standard ideologies in education.
Changing the Educational Landscape: Philosophy, Women, and Curriculum
by Jane Roland MartinChanging the Educational Landscape is a collection of the best-known and best-loved essays by the renowned feminist philosopher of education, Jane Roland Martin. Trained as an analytic philosopher at a time before women or feminist ideas were welcome in the field, Martin brought a philosopher's detachment to her earliest efforts at revolutionizing the curriculum. Her later essays on women and gender further showcase the tremendous intellectual energy she brought to the field of feminist educational theory. Martin explores the challenges and contradictions posed by the very concept of women's education, and also recognizes how the presence of women necessitates the rearticulation of not only the curriculum but also the standard ideologies in education.
Changing the Face of Engineering: The African American Experience
by Willie Pearson John Brooks Slaughter Yu TaoFor much of America’s history, African Americans were discouraged or aggressively prevented from becoming scientists and engineers. Those who did enter STEM fields found that their inventions and discoveries were often neither recognized nor valued. Even today, particularly in the field of engineering, the participation of African American men and women is shockingly low, and some evidence indicates that the situation might be getting worse.In Changing the Face of Engineering, twenty-four eminent scholars address the underrepresentation of African Americans in engineering from a wide variety of disciplinary and professional perspectives while proposing workable classroom solutions and public policy initiatives. They combine robust statistical analyses with personal narratives of African American engineers and STEM instructors who, by taking evidenced-based approaches, have found success in graduating African American engineers.Changing the Face of Engineering argues that the continued underrepresentation of African Americans in engineering impairs the ability of the United States to compete successfully in the global marketplace. This volume will be of interest to STEM scholars and students, as well as policymakers, corporations, and higher education institutions.
Changing the Game: William G. Bowen and the Challenges of American Higher Education
by Nancy Weiss MalkielHow a visionary university and foundation president tackled some of the thorniest problems facing higher educationAs provost and then president of Princeton University, William G. Bowen (1933–2016) took on the biggest and most complex challenges confronting higher education: cost disease, inclusion, affirmative action, college access, and college completion. Later, as president of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, he took his vision for higher education—and the strategies for accomplishing that vision—to a larger arena. Along the way, he wrote a series of influential books, including the widely read The Shape of the River (coauthored with Derek Bok), which documented the success of policies designed to increase racial diversity at elite institutions. In Changing the Game, drawing on deep archival research and hundreds of interviews, Nancy Weiss Malkiel argues that Bowen was the most consequential higher education leader of his generation.Bowen, who became Princeton’s president in 1972 at the age of 38, worked to shore up the university’s financial stability, implement coeducation, and create a more inclusive institution. Breaking through the traditional Ivy League demographics of white, Protestant, and male, he embraced equal access in admissions for women and men and actively sought to enroll Black, Hispanic, and Asian American students. To “increase the intellectual muscle of the faculty,” he used targeted recruiting and enforced higher scholarly standards. In 1988, Bowen moved on to Mellon, where, among many other accomplishments, he developed digital research tools, most notably JSTOR, and promoted racial diversity through the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship. Attacking problems with tenacity, insight, and deep knowledge, Bowen showed the world of higher education how a visionary leader can transform an institution.
Changing the Odds for Children at Risk: Seven Essential Principles of Educational Programs that Break the Cycle of Poverty (Non-ser.)
by Susan B. NeumanSchools, today, are in the midst of the most major, costly educational reform movement in their history as they grapple with the federal mandates to leave no children behind, says author Susan B. Neuman, former Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education under President George W. Bush. Although some efforts for investing resources will be substantially more productive than others, there is little evidence that, despite many heroic attempts to beat the odds, any of these efforts will close more than a fraction of the differences in achievement for poor minority children and their middleclass peers. As Neuman explains in this insightful, revealing book, schools will fail, not due to the soft bigotry of low expectations, but because there are multitudes of children growing up in circumstances that make them highly vulnerable. Children who come to school from dramatically unequal circumstances leave school with similarly unequal skills and abilities. In these pages, however, Neuman shows how the odds can be changed, how we can break the cycle of poverty and disadvantage for children at risk After laying the critical groundwork for the need for change—excessive waste with little effect—this book provides a vivid portrait of changing the odds for high-poverty children. Describing how previous reforms have missed the mark, it offers a framework based on seven essential principles for implementing more effective programs and policies.Building on successes while being fiscally responsible is a message that has been shown to have wide bipartisan appeal, embraced by both liberals and conservatives. Following Neuman's essential principles, chapters describe programs for changing the odds for children, when the cognitive gaps are beginning to form, in these earliest years of their lives. In a highly readable style, Neuman highlights programs that are making a difference in children's lives across the country, weaving together narratives that tell a compelling story of hope and promise for our most disadvantaged children.
Changing the Subject: Innovations in Science, Maths and Technology Education
by J. Myron Atkin Paul BlackChange in education is too often a process which enthusiasts, ranging from top policy makers to groups of teachers, plan and drive forward, but in which they all find unexpected pitfalls. Every innovation depends on the commitment of schools and teachers to make it work. But often that commitment is lacking, or is less than total, or it turns to fustration as events develop. This book is based on a set of stories from teachers and education professionals in thirteen OECD countries. Twenty-three case studies of educational innovation in science, mathematics and technology have involved school teachers, inspectors, academics (both subject specialists and educational researchers), policy makers and advisors. The case studies come from Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Scotland, Spain, Switzerland and the USA. Drawing on this rich variety of material the authors concentrate on the origins and purposes of innovation within and across the science, mathematics and technology curricula. They consider the conceptions of the three subjects, along with issues of teaching, learning and assessment, and explore the involvement of both teachers and students. They reflect on the various strategies adopted to cope with or bring about change, and offer valuable insights to advisors, developers, policy makers and practitioners, both in schools and outside. The writing team includes Paul Black, King's College London; Mike Atkin, Stanford University; Raymond Duval, University of Lille; Edwyn James, Consultant, OECD; John Olson, Queen's University of Kingston, Ontario; Dieter Pevsner, Consultant, London; Senta Raizen, National Centre for Improving Science Education, Washington; Maria Saez, University of Valladolid, Spain; and Helen Simons, Southampton University. Published in association with the OECD
Changing the Subject: Innovations in Science, Maths and Technology Education
by Paul Black J. Myron AtkinChange in education is too often a process which enthusiasts, ranging from top policy makers to groups of teachers, plan and drive forward, but in which they all find unexpected pitfalls. Every innovation depends on the commitment of schools and teachers to make it work. But often that commitment is lacking, or is less than total, or it turns to fustration as events develop. This book is based on a set of stories from teachers and education professionals in thirteen OECD countries. Twenty-three case studies of educational innovation in science, mathematics and technology have involved school teachers, inspectors, academics (both subject specialists and educational researchers), policy makers and advisors. The case studies come from Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Scotland, Spain, Switzerland and the USA. Drawing on this rich variety of material the authors concentrate on the origins and purposes of innovation within and across the science, mathematics and technology curricula. They consider the conceptions of the three subjects, along with issues of teaching, learning and assessment, and explore the involvement of both teachers and students. They reflect on the various strategies adopted to cope with or bring about change, and offer valuable insights to advisors, developers, policy makers and practitioners, both in schools and outside. The writing team includes Paul Black, King's College London; Mike Atkin, Stanford University; Raymond Duval, University of Lille; Edwyn James, Consultant, OECD; John Olson, Queen's University of Kingston, Ontario; Dieter Pevsner, Consultant, London; Senta Raizen, National Centre for Improving Science Education, Washington; Maria Saez, University of Valladolid, Spain; and Helen Simons, Southampton University. Published in association with the OECD
Changing Theories And Practices Of Discipline
by Roger SleeBehaviour problems" in our schools occupy a considerable part of the education agenda and media attention. The major thrust of the literature has been on the provision of "new classroom management approaches". Too often these "packages" are inappropriate to the specific context of the school and its pupils. There are no "quick-fix" solutions. In this book, Slee proposes a critical re-examination of the school discipline issue. In doing so, he provides an overview of policy change; an examination of the major schools of thought on student discipline; a reconsideration of the context in which young people, teachers and schools now find themselves; and practical responses for addressing all levels of discipline policy making.
Changing Theories And Practices Of Discipline
by Roger SleeBehaviour problems" in our schools occupy a considerable part of the education agenda and media attention. The major thrust of the literature has been on the provision of "new classroom management approaches". Too often these "packages" are inappropriate to the specific context of the school and its pupils. There are no "quick-fix" solutions. In this book, Slee proposes a critical re-examination of the school discipline issue. In doing so, he provides an overview of policy change; an examination of the major schools of thought on student discipline; a reconsideration of the context in which young people, teachers and schools now find themselves; and practical responses for addressing all levels of discipline policy making.
Changing Times In Teacher Education: Restructuring Or Reconceptualising?
by Marvin F. Wideen Peter P. GrimmettPressures for reform in teacher education have begun to take on the same sense of urgency as school reform. Those faculties of education who have been strong advocates for change in the schools now find themselves the subject of similar pressures from governmental policy makers. Attempts at change have taken place in many different countries and jurisdictions around the world.; This book details, through a series of international vignettes, how teachers are responding to the changing times and social contexts in which they do their work. The authors hold the view that changes are inevitable in teacher education but what is not clear is who will control the changes and whether the end result will actually improve the preparation of teachers. The theme of the book is that the reform of teacher education should be informed by intelligent debate and that any attempt to restructure teacher preparation should result from a careful reconceptualisation of it purposes and processes.
Changing Times In Teacher Education: Restructuring Or Reconceptualising?
by Marvin F. Wideen Peter P. GrimmettPressures for reform in teacher education have begun to take on the same sense of urgency as school reform. Those faculties of education who have been strong advocates for change in the schools now find themselves the subject of similar pressures from governmental policy makers. Attempts at change have taken place in many different countries and jurisdictions around the world.; This book details, through a series of international vignettes, how teachers are responding to the changing times and social contexts in which they do their work. The authors hold the view that changes are inevitable in teacher education but what is not clear is who will control the changes and whether the end result will actually improve the preparation of teachers. The theme of the book is that the reform of teacher education should be informed by intelligent debate and that any attempt to restructure teacher preparation should result from a careful reconceptualisation of it purposes and processes.
Changing Tomorrow 1: Leadership Curriculum for High-Ability Elementary Students (Grades 4-5)
by Joyce VanTassel-Baska Linda AveryA well-rounded curriculum needs to address the more formalized development of leadership abilities that will ensure that young people acquire the knowledge and skills essential to assuming leadership roles. Changing Tomorrow 1: Leadership Curriculum for High-Ability Students offers instructional activities for high-ability elementary school students based on the Common Core State Standards that emphasize critical and creative thinking skills and gives gifted students an opportunity to apply these skills in an integrative and substantive way. This book includes 10 lessons that address leadership skill development and assignments that require students to research and compile biographical information on six influential men and women drawn from multiple disciplines and diverse backgrounds. Instructional questions, pre- and postassessments, and appropriate rubrics are also included.Grades 4-5
Changing Tomorrow 1: Leadership Curriculum for High-Ability Elementary Students (Grades 4-5)
by Joyce VanTassel-Baska Linda AveryA well-rounded curriculum needs to address the more formalized development of leadership abilities that will ensure that young people acquire the knowledge and skills essential to assuming leadership roles. Changing Tomorrow 1: Leadership Curriculum for High-Ability Students offers instructional activities for high-ability elementary school students based on the Common Core State Standards that emphasize critical and creative thinking skills and gives gifted students an opportunity to apply these skills in an integrative and substantive way. This book includes 10 lessons that address leadership skill development and assignments that require students to research and compile biographical information on six influential men and women drawn from multiple disciplines and diverse backgrounds. Instructional questions, pre- and postassessments, and appropriate rubrics are also included.Grades 4-5
Changing Tomorrow 2: Leadership Curriculum for High-Ability Middle School Students (Grades 6-8)
by Joyce VanTassel-Baska Linda AveryA well-rounded curriculum needs to address the more formalized development of leadership abilities that will ensure that young people acquire the knowledge and skills essential to assuming leadership roles. Changing Tomorrow 2: Leadership Curriculum for High-Ability Students offers instructional activities for high-ability middle school students based on the Common Core State Standards that emphasize critical and creative thinking skills and gives gifted students an opportunity to apply these skills in an integrative and substantive way. This book includes 11 lessons that address leadership skill development and assignments that require students to research and compile biographical information on seven influential men and women drawn from multiple disciplines and diverse backgrounds. Instructional questions, pre- and postassessments, and appropriate rubrics are also included.Grades 6-8
Changing Tomorrow 2: Leadership Curriculum for High-Ability Middle School Students (Grades 6-8)
by Joyce VanTassel-Baska Linda AveryA well-rounded curriculum needs to address the more formalized development of leadership abilities that will ensure that young people acquire the knowledge and skills essential to assuming leadership roles. Changing Tomorrow 2: Leadership Curriculum for High-Ability Students offers instructional activities for high-ability middle school students based on the Common Core State Standards that emphasize critical and creative thinking skills and gives gifted students an opportunity to apply these skills in an integrative and substantive way. This book includes 11 lessons that address leadership skill development and assignments that require students to research and compile biographical information on seven influential men and women drawn from multiple disciplines and diverse backgrounds. Instructional questions, pre- and postassessments, and appropriate rubrics are also included.Grades 6-8