Susan Kovalik, Inc. - Educational References and Materials



		Supporting Resources

Exceeding Expectations: A User’s Guide to Implementing Brain Research in the Classroom by Susan J. Kovalik and Karen D. Olsen

This exciting book describes the brain research base for the ITI model and provides hundreds of curriculum and instruction practices for acting on it. Organized by the ITI Learning Principles and the ITI Stages of Implementation, it is designed to be used as a handbook to guide a step-by-step implementation of ITI.

Tools for Citizenship and Life: Using the ITI Lifelong Guidelines and LIFESKILLS in Your Classroom by Sue Pearson

The foundation of an ITI classroom is agreement on how we treat each other. The Lifelong Guidelines and LIFESKILLs provides a common language for students and teachers alike.

For each of the Lifelong Guidelines and LIFESKILLS, you get the description, why to practice it, how to practice it, what it looks like in the real world, what it looks like in schools, inquiries to develop, signs of success, and links to related literature to use with students grades K-8.

ITI in the Urban Middle School (15 minute video)

All students want meaning and purpose in their daily school experience. ITI, with its conceptually-based content, provides the means for engaging a wide range of students in powerful learning. Join Nicole McNeil-Miller in her Kansas City classroom as she demonstrates the impact meaningful teaching can have on middle school students. See questioning strategies that engage learners. Observe the power of a caring, respectful learning environment.

Positive Discipline by Jane Nelson (book)

Stage 1 of the ITI Stages of Implementation: First Things First (28 minute video)

In this video, you go through the first steps of setting up an ITI classroom, covering each aspect of Stage 1 of implementation. Included: the physical layout of the room, beginning curriculum and instructional strategies, how to invite parents into the program, and what you can expect students to accomplish. This is a video that will answer your practical questions.

Stage 2 of the ITI Stages of Implementation: Intelligence is a Function of Experience (14 minute video)

Intelligence is a Function of Experience! Schools need to be able to equalize student experiences in order to increase understanding of content. Follow these 2nd through 8th graders as they engage in a variety of experiences both in and out of the classroom. With a high level of cooperation and commitment to purpose, these students are learning to be responsible, productive citizens with relevant and meaningful content.

Stage 3 of the ITI Stages of Implementation: Creating Conceptual Curriculum (25 minute video)

Join two teachers to see how a conceptual curriculum is powerful, meaningful, and allows students to predict and generalize. In this video, 5th and 6th grade students learn from guest speakers, being there experiences, and skill integration. Watch as they internalize the meaning of responsibility for one’s own learning. This is ITI in action!

Breaking Ranks by National Association of Secondary School Principals (book for high school)

Turning Points 2001 by Anthony W. Jackson and Gayle A. Davis (book for middle school)

Teaching With the Brain in Mind by Eric Jensen (book)

Magic Trees of the Mind by Marian Diamond (book)