Rigor Is NOT A Four-Letter Word

by Barbara R. Blackburn

Learn how to increase rigor so that all students can reach higher levels of learning! With this new edition of a teacher-tested best seller, you get practical ideas for increasing text complexity, providing scaffolding during reading instruction, creating open-ended projects, and much more. The enhanced second edition provides important connections to the Common Core State Standards, plus new sections on problem-based learning, implementation of high standards, and working with special-needs students.

Genres: Teaching, Education, Nonfiction, Professional Development

178 pages, Paperback

First published July 15, 2008

Reviews

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, let it be said that I hate the word "rigor" as used in today's educational jargon. Two major reasons I can identify: first, I'm not a big fan of buzzwords in general; second, it's frequently used but infrequently defined, and I abhor imprecise language. With that said, this book is pretty good as ed books go. It's easy to read, it offers a reasonable and workable definition of the word in question, and it provides lots of useful ideas of how to implement rigor into the classroom. Personally, I didn't need to read the pro-rigor argument. I have never debated the need for high expectations and higher-level thinking, and would like to think my classes are rigorous. Even so, this book gave me some ideas I can immediately apply in my classroom.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the great catch words in education these days is rigor- Teachers are constantly being asked to increase the rigor in their rooms. The irony of this demand is, that I'm not completely sure those asking for this increase know what it is they want, and I'm fairly confident teachers do not know how to provide it. This book offers a laundry list of ways to up the rigor in classrooms and as a result, improve performance. Much of it focused on older students, but the principles apply to all. Transforming what I read into a training will really prove just how well the strategies apply to all students. At least it will give us a foundation for discussion and growth.

[Angela Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the title suggests, the author presents rigor as a good thing in education. She shows teachers how to ask quality questions that engage kids in higher-level thinking, and increase the complexity of content through projects and other meaningful assignments. Her approach to rigor is based on believing in students, encouraging them, and supporting them through scaffolding their learning. I found Blackburn's understanding of rigor to be very helpful and relevant. Her book is really empowering and clearly values the opinions of both teachers and students.

[Review excerpted from TheCornerstoneForTeachers.com.]

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is pretty standard fare for teacher books, but it was a good reminder. She lists a lot of great practical ideas for the classroom. She defined the term "rigor" in the first chapter essentially as a learning environment where students are challenged to higher performance levels, and provides several good arguments for this and some good advice about implementing it. Nothing new, but it was worth reading.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I skimmed this book today and found a few good ideas to use in the classroom. I have read a lot of PD books lately and this didn't offer me anything that is new or earth shattering that I can use in the classroom. Many of her ideas are ones I am already familiar with and use often. I do recommend this book to teachers new to the profession or those who haven't read a lot about Common Core or creating rigorous classrooms.

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was too simplistic for my tastes and at times was a bit outdated in its commentary. For example, the chapter on grading and assessment dealt with a more traditional approach to grading rather than standards based assessment. The book did have some very useful tools such as the graphic organizer for math problems and the question matrix.

[Lark Petty · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book offers plenty of suggestions for bringing rigor to your classroom. Many of the activities are very easy to implement. The author also explains why and how teachers should make the move to a more rigorous curriculum.

[Tammy Farlow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barbara Blackburn shares many practical tips that make this book worth reading. She also offers templates that coordinate with the tips, and she has a website with downloads, all in the spirit of this book being ready to take to the classroom for making instruction more rigorous.

[Stacie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad resource - had some neat ideas but overall most quality teachers do the things she highlights already. If you read it and said to yourself "I do that...." kudos!

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some FANTASTIC strategies I can share with fellow teachers. This is a must-read for educators, be they new or seasoned.

[Sherre Thurman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to read and very informative

[Lindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has some great resources and easy to implement ideas.

[Sheila Hill]

This was a very good book that defines what rigor really is. There are great examples and easy activities to implement in the classroom.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a terrible title. Good, useful information though.

[Brian Quick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good ideas mixed in, but the book felt stretched thin...and pretty dry.

[Jill Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely made me think about changing sine things in my classroom.