Soul of the Schoolhouse

Dr. Nicholas D. Young has worked in diverse educational roles for more than 30 years, serving as a principal, special education director, graduate professor, graduate program director, graduate dean, and longtime superintendent of schools. He was named the Massachusetts Superintendent of the Year; and he completed a distinguished Fulbright program focused on the Japanese educational system through the collegiate level. Dr. Young has written several books, book chapters and articles on various topics in education and psychology.Christine N. Michael is a more than 40-year educational veteran with a variety of professional experiences. She holds degrees from Brown University, Rhode Island College, Union Institute and University, and the University of Connecticut, where she earned a PhD in education, human development, and family relations. Her previous work has included middle and high school teaching, higher education administration, college teaching, and educational consulting. She has also been involved with Head Start, Upward Bound, national non-profits Foundation for Excellent Schools and College for Every Student, and the federal Trio programs and has published widely on topics in education and psychology.Jennifer A. Smolinski received a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Connecticut. She then earned a Masters of Arts in Psychology and Counseling as well as a Masters of Higher Education Student Affairs from Salem State University before completing a Juris Doctor of Law from Massachusetts School of Law. Attorney Smolinski is currently an EdD in Educational Leadership and Supervision candidate at American International College, where she is focusing her research on special education and laws to protect students with disabilities in the classroom.

Soul of the Schoolhouse: Cultivating Student Engagement fills an important void in the literature on engaging contemporary students in our schools. The authors have produced a comprehensive book that covers both theory and application to practice. Ranging from prominent models of student engagement to classroom methodologies designed to motivate students and make them active participants in their own learning, the topics that comprise the book will help all stakeholders think about student engagement in new ways. There are practical discussions on the role of schools, parents and community members, as well how sports and other co-curricular activities can work in tandem with academics to build a culture of connection and participation. This is a must-read for educators, parents, and even students themselves!

• AcknowledgementPrefaceChapters1.Models of Student Engagement: Understanding Why It Matters2.Meaningful Administrative Practices: Actions and Programs that Facilitate Adult and Student Engagement3.Building a Culture of Connection: Bringing Schools, Families and Communities Together4.Potency of Effective Curriculum: Designing Lessons and Programs to Maximize Student Participation5.Beyond Quality Teaching: Athletic and other Co-Curricular Programs that Enhance the School Experience6.School Law and Policies that Facilitate Student Learning: Setting the Stage for SuccessReferencesAbout the Authors