Building Success on Success: Teaching Struggling Students in Math

In this book Bill Hanlon provides examples and recommends highly effective and practical instructional and assessment strategies that classroom teachers can immediately implement and that school administrators can readily observe. These high yield strategies build on accepted practices and directly address the needs of struggling students or students living in poverty. The common sense approach assists classroom teachers in organizing their instruction by connecting preparation and instruction to student notes, homework, test preparation, and assessments so students study more effectively and efficiently resulting in increased student performance. Hanlon also emphasizes the importance of student-teacher relationships and the implementing a success-on-success model.

Table of Contents:
Preface Introduction Ch. 1 Math Unlike Other Subjects Ch. 2 Belief Systems & Student Achievement Ch.3 Protocols & Expectations Ch. 4 Preparation Affects Everything Ch. 5 Instruction Really Matters Ch. 6 Writing it Down Ch. 7 Making Homework Worthwhile Ch. 8 Test Prep, Light at the End of the Tunnel Ch. 9 The Test, Where the Rubber Hits the Road Ch. 10 Cultivating Parent & Community Support Ch. 11 Teacher Evaluations Ch. 12 Summing it Up

About the Author :
Bill Hanlon, is a noted speaker, an author, educator, consultant and coach for schools, former Director of the Southern Nevada Regional Professional Development Program, and is a national presenter for organizations such as AASA, ASCD, ALAS, NMSA, NASSP, NSBA, and NCTM. He was the coordinator of Clark County School District's Math/Science Institute and was also responsible for K-12 math audits, h served as vice president of the Nevada State Board of Education, Regional Director of the National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) and as a member of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) States Partnership Board.

Review :
Rarely do we see an author who provides a clear, decisive message and who offers an open construct that supports mathematics teachers and their administrators. This book is for those who have stepped up to enjoy what it means to be a mathematics educator in today's classroom. Hanlon easily steps us through "6 + 1", dives deep into the components of an effective lesson, and provides a mirror that helps us reflect on our practices and the adult actions that must be taken for ALL students to be successful. If you are looking for straight talk and a no-nonsense approach to mathematics education, this is it. I have always known that Math is unlike any other subject. Personally, I believe Math is the best subject there is and love learning more and teaching it to others. Your book; however, has opened my eyes as to how others see Math and the reasons why they refer to Math as the worst subject and dislike dealing with it. Your book addresses so many questions/concerns students, parents, teachers, and administrators among others have been asking for years. One of those questions being, why is Math so difficult to conquer? This powerful book stresses how crucial it is for all of us to be on the same page and do our part to break the vicious cycle that makes Math one if not the most hated subject. There's no reason why we can't make learning and understanding Math obtainable goals for everyone. It's imperative that others read this book to assist them in identifying the different ways they can have a positive impact on students' performance in mathematics. It's time for Math to be seen for what it is; a wonderful subject that is simple to master as long as everyone involved collaborates to reach the set goal. Wow, finally an effective “how to” book on teaching mathematics. This is a must read for college students, teachers, administrators, and every parent who has a child taking mathematics. Not only is this an outline on mathematical practice, but also a blueprint and philosophy that can be utilized for teaching any subject. Bill Hanlon’s approach to instructional practice cuts through the “nonsense” and provides “common sense” to a subject that is often mistaught. As a former high school mathematics teacher and principal, I would have loved to have this book as a resource for the entire staff. I am so glad to see a book that talks about instruction. Teachers in-services today are all about curriculum products from a vendor or software. Teachers need to focus on instruction and common sense ways to work with students that are in this book. What to teach has been decided a long time ago, how to teach it is the real issue. More than half of the book is dedicated to expectations, preparation and direct instruction which are the things that most new and struggling teachers need help with. Bill Hanlon is a great presenter to staff and now has a very well done setup book to follow. This is a must read for a math teacher to setup and prepare their classroom.