- Table View
- List View
The Essay Connection: Readings for Writers
by Lynn Z. BloomTHE ESSAY CONNECTION is a provocative, timely collection of rhetorically arranged essays by professional and student writers. It stimulates critical thinking on ethical, social, and political issues, enabling users to make connections and write with an informed viewpoint. Essays range from the personal to the scientific and cover a variety of modes--narration, process analysis, comparison and contrast, and persuasion--to prompt users' interest in different disciplines and genres. Professionally written essays (by scientists, economists, and journalists, among others), as well as, user essays inspire and motivate readers. Unlike excerpts found in other readers, most essays are printed in their entirety, thus serving as better models for user writing. Throughout the text, Bloom offers practical, clear advice on writing that complements the essays. Rich visuals, fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction provide a full set of models to bolster critical thinking, reading, and writing skills. The ninth edition offers more than 30 new essays to stimulate the readers' interest. An expanded argument casebook, as well as, new visuals, poems, and works of creative nonfiction and fiction build on the strengths of previous editions. New material on the Book Companion Website strengthens the readers' writing and reading comprehension skills.
The Essay Connection: Readings for Writers
by Lynn Z. BloomThe Essay Connection presents a provocative and timely collection of rhetorically arranged essays by professional and student writers that stimulate critical thinking on ethical, social, and political issues, enabling students to make connections and write with a more informed point of view. The essays range from the personal to the scientific and cover a variety of modes--including narration, process analysis, comparison and contrast, and persuasion--to prompt students' interest in different disciplines and genres. Both the professionally written essays (by scientists, economists, and journalists among others) and the student ones inspire and motivate students who are taking composition as a requirement. Most essays are printed in their entirety, serving as better models for student writing than the excerpts often found in other readers. Throughout the text, Bloom offers practical, clear advice on the art of writing that compliments the essays. In addition, rich visuals, fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction provide a full set of models to bolster critical-thinking, reading, and writing skills. The Eighth Edition offers more than 30 new essays to stimulate students' interest. In addition, an expanded argument casebook as well as new visuals, poems, and works of creative nonfiction and fiction build on the strengths of previous editions, while new material on the Online Study Center for students strengthens students' writing and reading comprehension skills.
The Essay Connection: Readings for Writers (10th Edition)
by Lynn Z. BloomTHE ESSAY CONNECTION is a provocative, timely collection of rhetorically arranged essays by professional and student writers. It stimulates critical thinking on ethical, social, and political issues, enabling students to make connections and write with an informed viewpoint. Essays range from the personal to the scientific and cover a variety of modes--narration, process analysis, comparison and contrast, and persuasion--to prompt students' interest in different disciplines and genres. Professionally written essays (by scientists, economists, and journalists, among others) as well as student essays inspire and motivate students. Unlike excerpts found in other readers, most essays are printed in their entirety, thus serving as better models for student writing. Throughout the text, Bloom offers practical, clear advice on writing that complements the essays. Rich visuals, fiction, poetry, and creative nonfiction provide a full set of models to bolster critical thinking, reading, and writing skills. The tenth edition offers 22 new selections to stimulate students' interest. An argument casebook as well as new visuals, poems, and works of creative nonfiction and fiction build on the strengths of previous editions. Material on the Book Companion Website strengthens students' writing and reading comprehension skills.
The Essays Only You Can Write
by Irene PapoulisThis book offers a perspective on essay writing that spotlights a writer’s uniqueness. Resisting the perception that personal and academic writing is at odds with one another, it treats the impulse to write “personally” as potential fuel for a variety of writing purposes. The book encourages students to think like academics--pursuing their enthusiasms, trusting their ideas, and questioning their conclusions--by leading them through three main writing assignments: a personal essay, an essay based on texts, and a research essay. Each chapter offers exercises and strategies for various stages in the pre-writing, drafting, and revision processes. Freewriting; extensive attention to planning; devising a structure and order of ideas that both promote and reflect engagement with a topic; developing rhetorical awareness and knowledge of conventions; and an advocacy for expressive, socially-responsible writing--all are central elements of the text’s instruction. By acknowledging the emotions inherent in the writing process, many of which can muddle thinking--I don’t want anyone to see this; what if I make mistakes? what if the writing isn’t good? I don’t want to be critiqued; etc.--Papoulis helps beginning college writers to navigate the psychological as well as the technical roadblocks that can get in the way of their best personal and academic writing.
The Essence of Multivariate Thinking: Basic Themes and Methods (Multivariate Applications Series)
by Lisa L. HarlowBy focusing on underlying themes, this book helps readers better understand the connections between multivariate methods. For each method the author highlights: the similarities and differences between the methods, when they are used and the questions they address, the key assumptions and equations, and how to interpret the results. The concepts take center stage while formulas are kept to a minimum. Examples using the same data set give readers continuity so they can more easily apply the concepts. Each method is also accompanied by a worked out example, SPSS and SAS input, and an example of how to write up the results. EQS code is used for the book’s SEM applications. ?This extensively revised edition features: New SEM chapters including an introduction (ch.10), path analysis (ch.11), confirmatory factor analysis (ch.12), and latent variable modeling (ch.13) the last three with an EQS application. A new chapter on multilevel modeling (ch. 8) that is now used more frequently in the social sciences. More emphasis on significance tests, effect sizes, and confidence intervals to encourage readers to adopt a thorough approach to assessing the magnitude of their findings. A new data set that explores the work environment. More discussion about the basic assumptions and equations for each method for a more accessible approach. New examples that help clarify the distinctions between methods. A new website at https://sites.google.com/site/multivariatesecondedition/ that features the datasets for all of the examples in the book for use in both SPSS and SAS and in EQS for the SEM chapters. The first two chapters review the core themes that run through most multivariate methods. The author shows how understanding multivariate methods is much more achievable when we notice the themes that underlie these statistical techniques. This multiple level approach also provides greater reliability and validity in our research. After providing insight into the core themes, the author illustrates them as they apply to the most popular multivariate methods used in the social, and behavioral sciences. First, two intermediate methods are explored – multiple regression and analysis of covariance. Next the multivariate grouping variable methods of multivariate analysis of variance, discriminant function analysis, and logistic regression are explored. Next the themes are applied to multivariate modeling methods including multilevel modeling, path analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and latent variable models that include exploratory structural methods of principal component and factor analysis. The book concludes with a summary of the common themes and how they pertain to each method discussed in this book. ?Intended for advanced undergraduate and/or graduate courses in multivariate statistics taught in psychology, education, human development, business, nursing, and other social and life sciences, researchers also appreciate this book‘s applied approach. Knowledge of basic statistics, research methods, basic algebra, and finite mathematics is recommended.
The Essence of Multivariate Thinking: Basic Themes and Methods (Multivariate Applications Series)
by Lisa L. HarlowFocusing on the underlying themes that run through most multivariate methods, in this fully updated 3rd edition of The Essence of Multivariate Thinking Dr. Harlow shares the similarities and differences among multiple multivariate methods to help ease the understanding of the basic concepts. The book continues to highlight the main themes that run through just about every quantitative method, describing the statistical features in clear language. Analyzed examples are presented in 12 of the 15 chapters, showing when and how to use relevant multivariate methods, and how to interpret the findings both from an overarching macro- and more specific micro-level approach that includes focus on statistical tests, effect sizes and confidence intervals. This revised 3rd edition offers thoroughly revised and updated chapters to bring them in line with current information in the field, the addition of R code for all examples, continued SAS and SPSS code for seven chapters, two new chapters on structural equation modeling (SEM) on multiple sample analysis (MSA) and latent growth modeling (LGM), and applications with a large longitudinal dataset in the examples of all methods chapters. Of interest to those seeking clarity on multivariate methods often covered in a statistics course for first-year graduate students or advanced undergraduates, this book will be key reading and provide greater conceptual understanding and clear input on how to apply basic and SEM multivariate statistics taught in psychology, education, human development, business, nursing, and other social and life sciences.
The Essence of Photography
by Bruce BarnbaumThere is a lot more to photography than simply picking up a camera, pointing it toward something, and tripping the shutter. Achieving a great photograph requires thought and preparation, an understanding of the photographic process, and a firm grasp of how light and composition affect a photo. There must be personal involvement and personal expression. There must be experimentation, with the recognition that only a small percentage of experiments end successfully.In this book, best-selling author and world-renowned photographer and teacher Bruce Barnbaum explores these seldom-discussed issues by drawing upon his personal experiences and observations from more than 40 years of photographing and teaching. In addition to photographs, Bruce also uses painting, music, and writing, as well as the sciences and even business, to provide pertinent examples of creative thinking. These examples serve as stepping-stones that will lead you to your own heightened ability to see and be creative.Creativity is a topic that is almost wholly ignored in formal education because most instructors think that it cannot be taught or learned. To the contrary, Bruce has proven that photographic seeing and creativity can be taught, learned, and improved. This book expands on the ideas that are central to Bruce's method of teaching photography, which he has used in workshops for the past 41 years.Included in the book are in-depth discussions on the following topics:Defining your own unique rhythm and approach as a photographerHow to translate the scene in front of you to the final photographThe differences and similarities between how an amateur and a professional approach photographyThe differences between realism and abstraction, and the possibilities and limitations of eachLearning to expand your own seeing and creativity through classes, workshops, and associating with other photographersWhy the rules of composition should be ignoredHow to follow your passionWhen to listen to the critics and when to ignore themThe book is richly illustrated with over 90 photographs taken by Bruce as well as other photographers.Seeing and creativity are difficult to teach, but not impossible. This very different, perhaps groundbreaking book is sure to inspire photographers of all skill levels-from beginners to seasoned professionals-to think deeply about the issues involved in creating successful photographs.
The Essence of Play: A Practice Companion for Professionals Working with Children and Young People
by Justine Howard Karen McInnesA unique companion to professional play practice! All play professionals are united in their belief that play is important for children’s development – and there are inherent characteristics of play that underpin professional play practice across contexts. Providing an overarching concept of play, drawing together the evidence base across disciplines and linking theory to practice, The Essence of Play is the ideal handbook for all those working with children. Play acts as a natural resource for children to meet physical, intellectual and emotional challenges and this book, unusually, considers play from the perspectives of children rather than adults. It provides a baseline of shared knowledge for all play professionals, exploring the fundamental value of play rather than a ‘how to’ approach to practice. It considers: the therapeutic potential inherent in play; how play reflects and promotes physical, emotional, intellectual, linguistic and social abilities; the emergence of different types of play skills and why these are important; cross-cultural patterns in play, gender, atypicality and adversity, highlighting the relevance of these issues to professional play practice; the benefits of utilising play for assessment and other professional practice issues such as ethical play practice, balancing risk with health and safety and the creation and management of boundaries. This text is designed for students and practitioners working with children across the helping professions, including early years education, play therapy, playwork, childcare, social care, nursing and allied health. Each chapter provides directed reading and small reflective tasks to encourage readers to digest key issues.
The Essence of Teaching Social Studies: Methods for Secondary and Elementary Teacher Candidates
by James A. DuplassDesigned for use in elementary and secondary social studies education courses, this book supports the teaching of social studies methods in a range of educational settings. By highlighting long-standing content and principles of social studies education in a concise and direct way, this volume offers the building blocks of a comprehensive course, for use as springboards to the effective presentation of professors’ desired course emphases. With sections on foundations, subject areas, and best practices, this text explains the intersection between the "modelling" role of social studies teachers as democratic citizens, social studies fields of study, and strategies implemented in the classroom to encourage students’ critical thinking and values formation.
The Essential 55: An Award-Winning Educator's Rules for Discovering the Successful Student in Every Child
by Ron ClarkThe runaway bestseller that's a must-have for every parent and teacher. How many authors would travel coast to coast on a bus to get their book into as many hands as possible? Not many. But that's just what Ron Clark, author of The Essential 55, did to keep his book and message in the public eye. And it worked. After his Oprah appearance, sales skyrocketed: we've sold more than 850,000 copies in six months! The book sat tenaciously on the New York Times bestseller list for 11 weeks. Ron Clark was featured on the Today show, and in the Chicago Tribune, Good Housekeeping, and the New York Daily News--not to mention the calls we've received from teachers and parents who want to get their hands on Ron's guidelines for teaching children.The Essential 55 will be the perfect book for parents and teachers to slip into their own backpacks, to read on the train or at lunch, and to highlight the sections that resonate for them. And with an author who is truly a partner in getting his message to the masses, we just can't lose.
The Essential Academic Dean or Provost
by Jeffrey L. BullerThe go-to reference for academic leaders seeking practical answers to everyday challenges The Essential Academic Dean or Provost explains the "how" of academic leadership, providing a practical, comprehensive, reality-based reference for almost any problem, challenge, or opportunity. This updated second edition includes new chapters on the difference between leadership and management in higher education, leadership in politically charged environments, effective strategies for making decisions, and working with associate deans or provosts, plus new case studies, new research, and ten additional chapters available on the companion website. Each topic deals concisely with the most important information deans and provosts need when faced with a particular situation, providing both a comprehensive guide to academic leadership as well as a ready reference to be consulted as needed. The role of a dean or provost at a modern university is extremely complex, involving budgeting, community relations, personnel decisions, management of a large enterprise, fundraising, and guiding a school, college, or entire institution toward a compelling vision of the future. The details academic leaders have to deal with are numerous and critical, and every little thing matters. This invaluable guide provides the answers you need when you need them, and gives you framework for successfully navigating your job's many competing demands. Build support for a shared vision of the future Interact effectively with different internal and external constituencies Learn decision-making techniques specific to the academic environment Set, supervise, and implement a budget that allows your programs to flourish Academic leaders need a handy, focused reference that provides authoritative answers to the many issues and questions that arise every day. With proven solutions to a multitude of challenges, The Essential Academic Dean or Provost shows academic leaders what they need to know in order to successfully guide their institutions into the future.
The Essential Atlas of the Bible (NIV Application Commentary Resources)
by Carl G. RasmussenEmbark on a fascinating journey through the lands where key biblical events unfolded. Visit the places where Jesus preached, Moses journeyed, and Paul spread the word of God - all from the comfort of your home with The Essential Atlas of the Bible.With nearly 200 visually captivating, multidimensional maps and full-color images, this comprehensive atlas will deepen your understanding of biblical lands, history, and spirituality. Leveraging highly accurate mapping technologies, it provides an up-to-date geographical perspective that makes Scripture study both engaging and impactful.Discover multifaceted insights through innovative chronological charts covering historical backgrounds, regions, weather, and roads of the Bible's world. This full-color atlas is concise yet comprehensive - perfect for Bible scholars, future pilgrims to the Holy Land, or curious readers seeking greater insight into places frequently mentioned in the Old and New Testaments.The Essential Atlas of the Bible goes beyond just providing information; it takes you on a pilgrimage across time, enriching every step of your Bible study journey where you will discover a visual experience of the biblical world.Enhance your understanding and deepen your faith - don't wait, grab your copy of The Essential Atlas of the Bible today.
The Essential Bible Companion to the Psalms: Key Insights for Reading God’s Word
by Brian Webster David R. BeachThe Essential Bible Companion to the Psalms provides fundamental information regarding the meaning, background, context, and application of the Psalms. In addition to practical application, numerous charts are included that provide information about the various types of psalms (messianic, prophetic, etc.) along with a quick reference list of psalms that lend themselves to being used for worship or personal meditation or as a basis for praying the Scriptures. Through the use of full-color visual images, the message and world of the Psalms are brought to life in a way never before presented, making this book not only an excellent resource for understanding the Psalms, but a wonderful gift as well. The Essential Bible Companion to the Psalms is a must-have for students of the Bible, pastors, and anyone who desires to possess a unique reference guide to these ancient works of poetry and worship.
The Essential Bible Companion: Key Insights for Reading God's Word (Essential Bible Companion Series)
by John H. Walton Mark L. Strauss Ted Cooper, Jr.At your fingertips: the most vital information you need for reading and truly understanding the Bible. The Essential Bible Companion is a unique, easy-to-use reference guide that gives you clear, crisp insights into the Bible, book by book.Developed by two world-class Bible scholars and the creator of The Bible in 90 Days curriculum, this compact reference tool visually lays out the key details for each book of the Bible, including:Essential background information, such as the underlying purpose, the key terms and concepts, and the key teachings about God in that book.An easy-to-reference timeline of the book with callouts for notable events.Important people to know.Key verses, maps, and historical introductions. Between the brief introductions you might find in a study Bible and the overwhelming amount of detail in an exhaustive reference handbook or commentary, The Essential Bible Companion strikes the perfect balance of manageable information that doesn't distract or detract from Scripture itself.This richly informative volume will assist you on your journey toward a well-grounded biblical faith.
The Essential Bible Companion: Key Insights for Reading God’s Word (NIV Application Commentary Resources)
by John H. Walton Mark L. Strauss Ted Cooper, Jr.Discover profound insights with ease: The Essential Bible Companion is your indispensable guide to unlocking and truly understanding the core teachings of the Bible. Developed by world-renowned biblical scholars, this compact reference tool presents the key information about every book in the Bible in an easy-to-digest format.The Essential Bible Companion is a visual guide to Scripture's key concepts and teachings that empowers you with:Background information that uncovers the purpose, key terms, concepts, and teachings about God in each Bible book.A user-friendly timeline featuring key events for each book.A who's-who of essential Biblical figures to know.Must-read verses, illustrative maps, and enlightening historical introductions.Ideal for those seeking greater understanding of the Bible without getting lost in overbearing detail, The Essential Bible Companion strikes the perfect balance of informative yet manageable content that enhances, not detracts from, the biblical text.Embark on a journey towards a well-grounded and deeply enriched biblical faith with The Essential Bible Companion. Whether you are a new believer stepping into the vast landscape of biblical teachings for the first time, or a seasoned student of the word seeking to deepen your knowledge, The Essential Bible Companion serves as your roadmap.Grab your copy today and simplify your path to deeper biblical understanding.
The Essential Bible Dictionary: Key Insights for Reading God's Word (NIV Application Commentary Resources)
by Moisés SilvaEmbrace a deeper understanding of the Holy Scriptures with The Essential Bible Dictionary. This indispensable reference tool goes beyond an ordinary dictionary to offer in-depth insights into important people, places, and biblical concepts including those that often perplex readers.Our unique Bible companion is specially crafted to enhance and streamline your Scripture reading experience, emphasizing on proper nouns and specific biblical terms that warrant further explanation.The Essential Bible Dictionary is a visual guide to Scripture's people, places and themes that will aid your study with:Comprehensive definitions shedding light on key Bible themes, places, people, and much more.Vibrant full-color images, maps, illustrations, and diagrams throughout - bringing the biblical world vibrantly to life.Thorough book overviews, arranged alphabetically for your convenience, complete with information on authorship, content, historical background, and purpose of each Bible book.Phonetic pronunciation for each entry - never stumble on a biblical name or term again.Crucial cross-references for a more in-depth study.Ideal for personal devotions or Bible studies, this compact Bible dictionary serves as a treasure chest of knowledge, helping to illuminate every page of Scripture you turn.This guide pairs perfectly with any Bible translation you prefer. Don't just read the Bible, understand it - with The Essential Bible Dictionary.
The Essential Bible Guide
by Whitney T. Kuniholm"I've tried to read the Bible but I've never made it all the way through." "I've never read the Bible but I'd be interested to find out what's in it." "I love reading the Bible but I need help to understand how it applies to my life."" The Bible is the most influential book ever published, and yet it can be difficult or just plain confusing to read. "The Essential Bible Guide "takes you through the Old and New Testaments in 100 carefully selected readings - The Essential 100 - so you'll see the big picture of the Bible. Each reading includes insightful reflections written in a warm and inviting style to help you reflect on what the Bible has to say to you today. Whether it's the first time you've opened a Bible or the thousandth, "The Essential Bible Study Guide" will lead you on an exciting journey through the world's most important book. Also includes overviews of the major Bible themes and an interactive Review journal to record personal insights.
The Essential Blended Learning PD Planner: Where Classroom Practice Meets Distance Learning (Corwin Teaching Essentials)
by Stepan MekhitarianForeword by Michael Fullan. "One of the best new Professional Development books." -BookAuthority Drive student learning with the best of both worlds! Transition back to school with a comprehensive PD plan that leverages the best of distance learning and classroom instruction. Distance learning, despite its myriad challenges, has spotlighted innovative instructional practices and created an opportunity to fundamentally rethink how the traditional classroom works. In this timely, crucial book, Dr. Stepan Mekhitarian constructs a framework for a task force of teachers and leaders to establish an effective blended learning program that capitalizes on the capacity and skills teachers have built while teaching remotely. An innovative blended learning model effectively implemented across school systems will positively impact equity and access for all students. In addition to Blended Learning for Social Justice sections, readers will find • Ideas for Professional Development sessions for sharing strategies and topics with teams • Distance Learning vs. Blended Learning sections to help transition various strategies between environments • Figures, templates, and tech tips to aid in implementation Learn how to create a powerful learning experience for students that fosters collaboration, engagement, and rigorous learning experiences by combining instructional technology and the best of traditional classroom practice.
The Essential Blended Learning PD Planner: Where Classroom Practice Meets Distance Learning (Corwin Teaching Essentials)
by Stepan MekhitarianForeword by Michael Fullan. "One of the best new Professional Development books." -BookAuthority Drive student learning with the best of both worlds! Transition back to school with a comprehensive PD plan that leverages the best of distance learning and classroom instruction. Distance learning, despite its myriad challenges, has spotlighted innovative instructional practices and created an opportunity to fundamentally rethink how the traditional classroom works. In this timely, crucial book, Dr. Stepan Mekhitarian constructs a framework for a task force of teachers and leaders to establish an effective blended learning program that capitalizes on the capacity and skills teachers have built while teaching remotely. An innovative blended learning model effectively implemented across school systems will positively impact equity and access for all students. In addition to Blended Learning for Social Justice sections, readers will find • Ideas for Professional Development sessions for sharing strategies and topics with teams • Distance Learning vs. Blended Learning sections to help transition various strategies between environments • Figures, templates, and tech tips to aid in implementation Learn how to create a powerful learning experience for students that fosters collaboration, engagement, and rigorous learning experiences by combining instructional technology and the best of traditional classroom practice.
The Essential Charles Dickens School Resource: Contemporary Approaches to Teaching Classic Texts Ages 7-14
by Gill Robins Laura-Jane Evans-JonesCharles Dickens is arguably the greatest storyteller in English Literature and his novels have been loved and respected for nearly two hundred years. As accurate reflections of Victorian society they are unparalleled. Vivid characters and realistic settings are created in the mind of the reader, all laced with Dickens inimitable humour, wit and lac
The Essential Classical Recordings: 100 CDs for Today's Listener
by Rick PhillipsMost guides to classical recordings on CD comprise thousands of brief listings. In their attempt to be comprehensive, they end up being heavy and intimidating. Phillips knows better. He sticks to what he considers to be the 101 essential CDs, and tells readers not only why each one is the best recording in his opinion, but also why this piece of music belongs in their collection and where thecomposer fits into the evolution of classical music. Read consecutively, the recommendations — from medieval Gregorian chant to Arvo Pärt’sFratres, written in 1977 — form a dazzling and concise history of classical music. Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart are here, of course, along with other beloved but lesser-known composers, such as Josquin Desprez, Anton Bruckner, and Gabriel Fauré. And popular pieces, such as Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos, Handel’sThe Water Music, and Elgar’sEnigma Variations, are complemented by such less-familiar but outstanding compositions as the Turangalila Symphony by Olivier Messiaen. Connoisseurs and die-hard listeners to “Sound Advice” will appreciate having Phillips’s recommendations of specific recordings (and their catalogue numbers) between two covers at long last. And those who are just starting to explore the rich world of classical music will soon discover that Phillips is a guide they can trust.
The Essential Commandment: A Disciple's Guide to Loving God and Others (The Essentials Set)
by Greg Ogdena core trutha memory versean inductive Bible studya reading on one aspect of the Great Commandment
The Essential Conversation: What Parents and Teachers Can Learn from Each Other
by Sara Lawrence-LightfootThe ways in which parents and teachers can make the most of their conversation are vital to the upbringing of children. The dynamics of this complex, intense relationship from the perspective of both parents and teachers is illustrated in this book.
The Essential Conversation: What Parents and Teachers Can Learn from Each Other
by Sara Lawrence-LightfootNATIONAL BESTSELLER • A renowned Harvard University professor offers valuable insights, incisive lessons, and deft guidance on how to communicate more effectively to help parents and teachers make the most of parent-teacher conferences, the essential conversation between the most vital people in a child&’s life. &“An enormously important volume . . . that will help us all understand what happens when children leave home in order to learn at school.&”—Robert Coles, author of Children of Crisis and Lives of Moral Leadership&“The essential conversation&” is the crucial exchange that occurs between parents and teachers—a dialogue that takes place more than one hundred million times a year across our country and is both mirror of and metaphor for the larger cultural forces that define family-school relationships and shape the development of our children. Participating in this twice-yearly ritual, so friendly and benign in its apparent goals, parents and teachers are often wracked with anxiety. In a meeting marked by decorum and politeness, they frequently exhibit wariness and assume defensive postures. Even though the conversation appears to be focused on the student, adults may find themselves playing out their own childhood histories, insecurities, and fears.Through vivid portraits and parables, Sara Lawrence-Lightfoot captures the dynamics of this complex, intense relationship from the perspective of both parents and teachers. She also identifies new principles and practices for improving family-school relationships. In a voice that combines the passion of a mother, the skepticism of a social scientist, and the keen understanding of one of our nation&’s most admired educators, Lawrence-Lightfoot offers penetrating analysis and an urgent call to arms for all those who want to act in the best interests of their children.