Turnaround Tools for the Teenage Brain

Powerful research-based strategies to turn around struggling adolescent students The achievement gap is widening and more teens than ever are struggling in school. The latest research shows not only that brains can change, but that teachers and other providers have the power to boost students' effort, focus, attitude, and even IQs. In this book bestselling author Eric Jensen and co-author Carole Snider offer teacher-friendly strategies to ensure that all students graduate, become lifelong learners, and ultimately be successful in school and life. Drawing on cutting-edge science, this breakthrough book reveals core tools to increase student effort, build attitudes, and improve behaviors. Practical, teacher-tested, and research-supported strategies that will empower educators to make lasting and rapid changes Powerful academic evidence showing that every teacher can make a significant—and lasting—difference in student effort, behavior, attitude, and achievement Specific tools for making and managing the student's goal-seeking process and helping to develop a winner's mindset From the very first chapter, educators will learn how to help their struggling students become excited, lifelong learners. Eric Jensen is a noted authority on brain-based learning and student engagement. Carole Snider is an expert in both adolescent success and adult learning.

About the Authors v Acknowledgments vii Introduction ix 1 Teach Students to Learn for Life 1 2 Change Your Students’ Brains 15 3 Begin with Attitude Building 39 4 Build Cognitive Capacity 57 5 Foster Student Effort 75 6 Empower Exceptional Learners 97 7 Strengthen Body, Mind, and Soul 115 8 Focus Students on Goals 129 References 145 Index 157