Significant 72: Unleashing the Power of Relationships in Today's Schools

by Greg Wolcott, Tom Hierck (Foreword)

Creating strong educational environments for ALL learners continues to be at the forefront of conversations with school systems across the globe. In his groundbreaking book, Visible A Synthesis of Over 800 Meta-Analyses Relating to Achievement (2009), Professor John Hattie set out to identify which strategies and innovations have the greatest impact on student achievement in schools. His research, which synthesized findings from over 50,000 educational research studies on 236 million school-aged students found teacher-student relationships have an effect size of .72. This means strong teacher-student relationships leads to almost two years of student growth in one year’s time. Significant 72: Unleashing the Power of Relationships brings Hattie’s research to life in every school and every classroom. Greg Wolcott is masterful in his ability to help educators not only understand the importance of relationships within learning, but also provide practical tools to ensure it happens. As a result of reading this book, educators 1. discover how having a deep understanding of each child’s background enhances engagement and provides a launch pad for developing autonomous learners 2. realize the critical role the teacher-student relationship plays in being able to challenge students to move outside their individual comfort zones and achieve at high levels. 3. gain a framework for developing connections with and between students that fosters an environment of trust and acceptance. 4. learn techniques to identify which students in the class are in most need of developing strong relationships and strategies to help them succeed socially, emotionally and academically. 5. understand how creating a relationship mindset in the classroom not only enhances students outcomes but greatly enhances personal well being at the same time.

Genres: Nonfiction, Education

Perfect Paperback

Published January 1, 2019

Reviews

[Jenny Wirtz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our Instructional Leadership Team read this in preparation for our new school year. The most significant indicator of student success is the relationship the teacher builds with the student. The book offered many strategies for doing this.

[Lablover · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was forced to read this as part of a professional development. After 30 years of teaching special education, nothing in here was news to me. One area I excel in, is my rapport with students. However, I have my students for several classes per day and I have them for 4 years. My situation is different than general ed. This would be a good book for beginning teachers or possibly teachers who see students once a day.

[Anne Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Significant 72 focuses on student success through teacher-student relationships. Wolcott shares research to support taking care of students' basic needs to build success. He stresses the importance to press students with high expectations. There are a plethora of strategies to use with teachers or the whole building to design a positive learning environment that has the optimal growth potential. Great activities and ties to websites.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book! It clarified some things for me and gave me actionable steps that I can share with teachers. Totally recommend it for anyone who is a teacher or teacher leader who is struggling with the why and how of building sustainable relationships with your students.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Different ways to connect with students. Great speaker!

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This a must read for all educators. Relationships are the foundation for student achievement not just academically but functionally and social-emotionally

[Angelina Crowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a professional development book, it was pretty solid. The author gives a lot of concrete recommendations based on statistics and research. Its main idea? -Building relationships with students is important because when students feel safe, they are more open to learning.