The Wrong Emphasis is a reminder and a warning for both parents and public school educators. In the world of high-octane curriculum, assessment, and accountability, educators too often neglect the realities associated with successful students and successful adults. The book examines the current status of public education in America, the associated political landscape, and the latest philosophies aimed at improving test scores. Further, it offers straightforward advice for parents and educators as they struggle to appropriately raise and teach today’s children.

Explicit instruction is systematic, direct, engaging, and success oriented--and has been shown to promote achievement for all students. This highly practical and accessible resource gives special and general education teachers the tools to implement explicit instruction in any grade level or content area. The authors are leading experts who provide clear guidelines for identifying key concepts, skills, and routines to teach; designing and delivering effective lessons; and giving students opportunities to practice and master new material. Sample lesson plans, lively examples, and reproducible checklists and teacher worksheets enhance the utility of the volume. Downloadable video clips demonstrating the approach in real classrooms are available at the authors' website: www.explicitinstruction.org.