2013 - 2014 Professional Growth Reading

PROFESSIONAL GROWTH BOOKS 2013-14

The North American Division of Education is happy to bring you the annual listing of the Professional Growth Books. Some of these books are written by non-‐Adventist authors and, therefore, may not fully reflect Seventh-‐day Adventist philosophy. However, we believe there is value in these books which have been selected to inspire, bring insight, and challenge your thinking.

To secure a Professional Growth Certificate for the 2013-‐2014 school year, you should read the five issues of the Journal of Adventist Education, at least one book from Group B, and at least four additional books from two or more other headings. Some books may have been listed under two headings and will count for either group. One book of your choice which could be classified under any of these headings may be substituted for a book on this list.

GROUP A – READER’S CHOICE

Raise A Leader God’s Way, by Prudence LaBeach Pollard, Ph.D., Review and Herald Publishing Association, 2012, 122 pages.

Soft-‐cover List Price $11.99

School-‐age children are with their teachers more waking hours during the day than they are with their parents. Having said that, one can readily see what an awesome responsibility rests on teachers to raise a child God’s way. While

much of the text is directed to parents, the word teacher can be substituted and all the information becomes relevant. This book brings back into focus the real role parents and teachers are to hold when raising-‐teaching children. You will enjoy reading this book as Dr. Pollard directs the reader in leading the child to know Christ and then to become a leader in helping others to find Him.

GROUP B – DEVOTIONAL AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH

Christ’s Way of Making Disciples, by Philip G. Samaan, Review and Herald Publishing Company, 1999, 123 pages.

Hard cover List Price $ 9.99 Amazon $8.25

One is reminded in this book that the mission of a Christian is not just to become a disciple but to make disciples of others and they in turn to make disciples of others. The mission is discussed in each chapter using the letter “M,” starting with The Master of the Mission and ending with The Mastering of the Mission.

Redemption in Genesis, by John S. Nixon, Pacific Press Publishing Association, 2011, 160 pages.

Soft-‐cover List Price $14.99 Amazon $ 9.99

It is so interesting how Pastor Nixon has taken the familiar stories in Genesis and shown how they all lead to redemption. Each story leads the reader to a specific aspect of spiritual growth; for instance the Cain and Abel story

develops the concept of brotherhood while the story of Abraham and Isaac develops the concept of sacrifice. Throughout the book, Pastor Nixon shows how faith should be the standard for truth and reason and not science.

What Good is God?, by Philip Yancey, Faith Words, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc., 2010, 287 pages.

Hard-‐cover List Price $26.99 Amazon $9.60

To write this book, Mr. Yancey visited 10 different areas of the world and talked to persons about their personal experiences dealing with pain, chaos, violence,

or any kind of oppression. He used these experiences to determine how faith works in extreme conditions. He tells not only their stories but the stories behind their stories.

The 10 areas he visited are represented by the titles of the 10 chapters of this book. Though not chronologically written, the book starts out on the campus at Virginia Tech and ends up in Mumbai. This book will not be a disappointment to you.

Worship, by Rosalie Heffner-‐Lee Zinke, Pacific Press Publishing Association, 2011, 125 pages.

Soft-‐cover List Price $12.99 Amazon $8.95

You are certain to get what you need in this book about who to worship, when to worship, and how to worship. One is told that worship is not an act like singing

or praying or kneeling but the condition of one’s heart who is humbled before the mighty Creator. Many examples are given of Old Testament characters and how they worshipped.

I must ask an unrelated question here—Did you know that Solomon’s Temple (a place of worship) was built on the same spot where Abraham offered Isaac as a sacrifice? I didn’t. You can find other tidbits like this in the book.

GROUP C – SDA CHURCH HISTORY

William Miller and The Rise of Adventism, by George R. Knight, Pacific Press Publishing Association, 2010, 336 pages.


George R. Knight, a retired professor from Andrews Seminary, revisits the life of William Miller and his contribution to Christianity and Sabbatarian theology. This book is written in three parts:

1. Moving Forward Toward the Year of the End 2. The Year of the End 3. Moving Away From the Year of the End

Knight gives a historical account of the time leading up to the great disappointment and what has happened since the great disappointment. This work is written as it relates to Seventh-‐day-‐Adventist doctrine and the belief of Christ’s soon return.

GROUP D – BACKGROUND FOR TEACHING

A New Culture of Learning: Cultivating the imagination for a World of Constant Change, by Douglas Thomas and John Seely Brown, Create Space Independent Publishing Platform, 2011, 137 pages.


In this interesting book, the authors describe the classroom of the future which focuses on digital technology and educator unreadiness to accept or

understand its implications for learning.

The fascinating, opening story of a nine-‐year-‐old student named Sam, more than conveys the challenge of today's teachers and the premise of the book. Sam is already familiar with the Internet and most of the popular software programs, Word, Word Perfect, and others. What makes Sam's situation unique, however, is his experimentation with newer "gaming" software, programs like Gamestar, Mechanic, and Scratch.

These programs, created by engineers from MIT and other universities, help kids gain levels of technological fluency, animations, and user interactions not thought of by average classroom teachers.

The implication here is that this scenario is not the classroom of the future; it is happening now in classrooms all over the country. Getting teachers ready to understand this profound change and to be able to guide and develop today's digital learners is the unmet challenge.

Every Student Can Succeed, by William Glasser, M.D., William Glasser, Inc., 2000, 197 pages.

Soft-‐cover List Price $ 12.00 Amazon $ 7.99

From the title of this book one would not expect this question to be answered, “What can a teacher do with students who disrupt the class when she/he is in the process of teaching?” This is a problem all of us have encountered from

time to time. This question is answered many times using various examples. The first one and the one I like the most is to build a relationship with students. It is suggested that instead of threatening or punishing the disruptive one, use these “choice theory habits” (read the book) to connect with the student. These habits include: caring, listening, supporting, contributing, encouraging, trusting, and befriending. The teacher wants to get closer to the student not to control him. Dr. Glasser, a medical professional, explains how the teacher can gain skills in teaching and in disciplining students to enhance the way she/he teaches.

Faster Isn’t Smarter, by Cathy L. Seeley, Math Solutions, 2009, 254 pages.


A resource book about math teaching and learning for anyone who is in any way interested in math. The book title is referring to timed math exercises, and to those who think those who finish these exercises first are the smartest—not necessarily so!

When and when not to use calculators in the classrooms is discussed in great detail along with which is the desired outcome, the process or the correct answer. Every page is full of choice material that will enhance your solutions to math questions.

At the end of each chapter the question is asked and answered, “What can we do?”

Group E -‐ TEACHERS’ PERSONAL GROWTH

Action 65, A New Lifestyle Challenge, by Casio Jones, Create Space Independent Publishing Platform, 2010, 192 pages.

Soft-‐cover Amazon $20.00

While not designed to be a Christian weight loss program, Action 65, A New Lifestyle Challenge has its roots in the "Christian values and morals that America was built on," according to its author, teacher, and lifestyle coach

Casio Jones. With ample references to Biblical scripture dealing with how God wants us to have bodies that glorify His name, Jones focuses his book on the concept of how individuals change their hearts through acceptance of Christian faith which in turn changes attitudes, which in turn changes behavior.

A significant portion of the book is devoted to substantiating the facts that certain choices we make in our modern lifestyles have power to impact positively and negatively many diseases, including high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Consequently, learning to make the right choices in lifestyle can prepare the body to resist many of these conditions.

The 65 day challenge which is the core of the book is divided into three parts: key readings designed to inspire, a descriptive and substantial physical workout regimen complete with pictures, and a detailed plan for nutrition. Based on this formula, Action 65 becomes a well-‐ rounded, action-‐oriented, 65 day program to help make one become physically stronger and more emotionally fit. All told, Jones's book, with its emphasis on mental, physical, and emotional health, has strong potential for "helping people identify their purpose in life, understanding proper nutrition, and most of all , helping them have a deeper relationship with God."

Hand Me Another Brick: Timeless Lessons On Leadership, How Effective Leaders Motivate Themselves And Others, by Charles R. Swindoll, Thomas Nelson, 2007, 235 pages.

Soft-‐ cover List Price $14.99 Amazon $9.57

Incorporating a combined 50 plus years of military, educational, corporate, ecclesiastical, and domestic backgrounds, Charles R. Swindoll shares his observations on the importance of leadership.

Considering the heavy responsibilities of being in a leadership position, the setbacks, the unattainable deadlines, the criticism, the financial difficulties, and conflicts with subordinates, Swildoll uses the narrative of Nehemiah and the problems he faced when tasked with rebuilding Jerusalem and its wall as a lesson in dealing with adversity. Nehemiah’s attitude was, as should be leaders today, “Hand me another brick”.

Professional Capital: Transforming Teaching in Every School, by Andy Hargreaves and Michael Fullan, Teachers College Press, 2012, 220 pages.


Reformation in education is called for by Hargreaves and Fullan. Transformation, revolution, improvement, and redefinition are words used to incite a call to

action. Contrasting business capital with professional capital, it is implied by the authors that the current educational system is broken. Briefly focusing on what is wrong, this well written book concentrates more on solutions.

With teaching being a profession, it is encouraged further to teach like a “pro.” Chapter seven entitled “Enacting Change” is a powerful chapter containing the “how,” the “when,” and various guidelines on achievement.

GROUP F – TEACHING AND LEARNING

Classroom Discussions, Using Math Talk to Help Students Learn, by Suzanne H. Chapin, Catherine O'Connor, and Nancy Canavan Anderson, Math Solutions, 2009, 286 pages.


The authors have entertained a fascinating premise on which to develop a

book....classroom talk and how it is influences student learning. This was all the more challenging with the fact that the book focuses on economically disadvantaged, elementary and middle school students who had potential talent, but who had not necessarily demonstrated strong mathematics learning. With this, the authors set out the research by combining a solid curriculum base, with strong instruction based on mathematical understanding, and heavy emphasis on talk and communication about mathematics.

Throughout the book, examples of classroom talk are shown to deepen students’ understanding of the various mathematical concepts. Teachers are trained not only to help students gain mastery of the problem given, but to help students strengthen abilities to use mathematical expressions to model real-‐world situations that will be central to their progress in mathematics and science.

Nearly a third of the book is devoted to fictionalized case studies of real-‐world situations where teachers use talk-‐based strategies to help students understand mathematics.

Integrating Inquiry Across the Curriculum, Edited by Richard H. Audet and Linda K. Jordan, Corwin Press, 2005, 265 pages.

Soft-‐ cover Amazon $33.28

Richard H. Audet and Linda K. Jordan direct this book to all K – 12 educators to introduce the problem-‐based learning method or inquiry learning in the

classroom.

Science classes are driven by the question (inquiry) “What makes it do what it does?” This book means to prove that if this approach is applied to every subject, not just science, that the learning curve will rise. Separated into two parts—Teaching and Learning Through Inquiry in the Context Areas and Creating Conditions for Successful Student Inquiry—many solutions are explored and strategies examined where investigation and discovery learning may flourish.

The Global Achievement Gap, by Tony Wagner, Basic Books, 2008, 314 pages.


This book discusses the problems our schools are facing and the negative effect they have in the global knowledge economy and the future of our nation. Extensive research and classroom observation have uncovered seven survival

skills that are required for the workplace and for active citizenship but are not taught in the classroom. These skills are:

1. Critical thinking and problem solving

2. Collaboration across networks and leading by influence 3. Agility and Adaptability 4. Initiative and Entrepreneurialism 5. Effective oral and written communications 6. Accessing and analyzing information 7. Curiosity and imagination

Mr. Wagner challenges teachers and parents alike to take action in incorporating these survival skills into each high school so that our students are able to reach their full potential upon graduation.

GROUP G – UNDERSTANDING STUDENTS

Kids Beyond Limits: Breakthrough Results for Children with Autism, Asperger’s, Brain Damage, ADHD, and Undiagnosed Developmental Delays, by Anat Baniel, Penguin books, 2012, 266 pages.

Soft cover List Price $16.00 Amazon price $10.88

Autism, Sensory Integration Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Suffered Brain Damage, Asperger’s Syndrome….. Children that were once coined “bad kids” are now being diagnosed with diverse, treatable disorders. Baniel shares techniques that can improve learning, life, and the health of both children and the adults caring for them. The methods introduced in this book are effective and have been clinically proven over years by the thousands of changed (improved) lives of the people using them.

“By shifting the focus to connecting rather than ‘fixing’ this powerful yet simple method helps both children and parents de-‐stress, focus, and grow. Most of all, it helps children maximize their potential, no matter what their diagnosis.”

Nurture Shock, by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman, Twelve, Hachette book group, 2009, 336 pages.


Americans have always been impressed with books about child-‐rearing, and this one by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman more than measures up to the hype.

Like the ground breaking 1945 era "Baby and Child Care" by the legendary Dr. Spock, Nurture Shock relies on research and test research from social science for its new findings about child

development. To borrow the words from one of the many reviews, more than 20 at last count, "The book was jammed with advice."

The Woman Who Changed Her Brain: And Other Inspiring Stories of Pioneering Brain Transformation, by Barbara Arrowsmith-‐Young, Free press, 2012, 259 pages.

Hard-‐ cover List Price $26.00 Amazon price $17.16

This is a different approach to dealing with mental, personality, and behavioral disorders. Arrowsmith-‐Young shares experiences in coping with her own learning disability. What worked, what did not work, and the path she traveled to “fix her own brain.”

Using the methodology of neuroplasticity (the capability of nerve cells to change inside the brain), this book chronicles Arrowsmith-‐Young’s life of success, as well as over three decades of working with children and adults in a clinical setting.

One such example includes the latest research on self-‐esteem based on the research of the psychologist Nathaniel Brandon, in which he argued that feelings of self-‐worth were a key to success in life. Another has to do with current thinking about teaching about race. According to "Nurture Shock," a lot of well-‐meaning adult euphemisms—"we're all friends," "we're all equal"—pass right over the heads of young children, and the most effective methods had to do with giving the children real life-‐examples of racial attitudes such as the experiments involving children's attitudes when they were forced to acknowledge that in today’s culture Santa Claus could very easily be black instead of white.

Shocking, engaging, vivid, explosive, fascinating, phenomenal, etc. are just a few of the adjectives used by reviewers to describe this book. It is an interesting read and is guaranteed to change a lot of pet beliefs and long-‐held stereotypes on child rearing and development.

GROUP H – ISSUES

Now You See It: How Technology and Brain Science Will Transform Schools and Business for the 21st Century, by Cathy N. Davidson, Penguin Books, 2011, 342 pages.

Soft-‐ cover List Price $16.00 Amazon $ 10.88

Cathy Davidson’s focus on the science of attention in our fast-‐paced, ever-‐evolving, and ever-‐changing technological age is a survival guide of sorts.

She dares us to change the way we learn and pay attention. We have learned throughout our lifetime to focus on certain details in any given situation and ignore the distractions that we don’t deem necessary. This can cause us to miss out on other important facts and learning opportunities.

The Internet, with all of its distractions, has brought lives, ideas, communities, and cultures together. We as a society are interconnected through this modem. The way we learn must be multi-‐faceted to include all aspects of learning (i.e,. social networks, YouTube, etc.). We must embrace the distractions as useful tools if we are to thrive in the 21st century.

Rethinking Education In The Age Of Technology: The Digital Revolution and Schooling in America, by Allan Collins and Richard Halverson, Teachers College Press, 2009, 176 pages.


“With society looking for an edge up in the race for success ……. education once viewed as a public good with equal access for all, is now up for sale to those who can afford specialized services and computer programs.”

Allan Collins and Richard Halverson document what they term the second educational revolution to happen in this country, and it is happening now. This revolution, with technology at its forefront, includes the traditional classroom setting, and then supplements it with distance learning, computer-‐based learning software, educational television, videos, home schooling, and even the various social media platforms. Not only is a new curriculum called for to cope with new technologies, but a new delivery system as well.

“If you want to join today’s conversation about the future of learning, start here.”

ORDERING BOOKS

All books should be ordered directly from the publisher or the Adventist Book Center, not from the North American Division Office of Education. Prices also have been given, when available, for purchasing books from Amazon.com. Unlike list prices, those for Amazon.com are subject to change.

Publishers

Basic Books Pacific Press Publishing Association A Member of the Perseus Book Group Box 7000 387 Park Avenue South Boise, ID 83707 New York, New York, 10016 (208) 465-‐2500 (212) 340-‐8100 www.adventistbookcenter.com www.basicbooks.com Penguin Group, Inc. Corwin Press 375 Hudson Street A Sage Company New York, NY 10014 2455 Teller Road (212)366-‐2000 www.penguin.com Thousand Oaks, CA 91320 (800) 818-‐7243 Review and Herald Publishing Association www.corwinpress.com 55 West Oak Ridge Drive Hagerstown, MD, 21740 CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (301)393-‐3000 www.review-‐herald.com 4900 LaCross Road North Charleston, South Carolina 29406 Teachers College Press www.createspace.com 1234 Amsterdam Avenue New York, New York 10027 Faith Words (212) 678-‐4149 Hachette Book Group 237 Park Avenue Thomas Nelson, Inc. New York, New York 10017 P. O. Box 14100 www.HachetteBookGroup.com Nashville, TN 37214 (800) 241-‐4000 www.thomasnelson.com Free Press A Division of Simon and Schuster, Inc. Twelve, Hachette Book Group 1230 Avenue of the Americas 237 Park Avenue New York, NY 10020 New York, New York 10017 (866)506-‐1949 (212) 867-‐8043 www.simonandschuster.com www.HachetteBookGroup.com Harvard Education Press William Glasser, Inc. 8 Story Street 22024 Lassen Street, Suite 118 Cambridge, MA 02138 Chatsworth, CA 91311 (888) 437-‐1437 (800) 899-‐0688 www.hepg.org www.wglasser.com

Heinemann 361 Hanover Street Portsmouth, NH 03801 (800) 793-‐3154 www.heinemann.com Math Solutions, 150 Gate 5 Road Sausalito, CA 94965 (800) 868-‐9092 www.mathsolutions.com

2013 - 2014 Professional Growth Reading

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