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What Works for Special-Needs Learners
Explicit Instruction: Effective and Efficient Teaching
Explicit instruction is systematic, direct, engaging, and success oriented--and has been shown to promote achievement for all students. This highly practical and accessible resource gives special and general education teachers the tools to implement explicit instruction in any grade level or content area. The authors are leading experts who provide clear guidelines for identifying key concepts, skills, and routines to teach; designing and delivering effective lessons; and giving students opportunities to practice and master new material. Sample lesson plans, lively examples, and reproducible checklists and teacher worksheets enhance the utility of the volume. Purchasers can also download and print the reproducible materials for repeated use. Video clips demonstrating the approach in real classrooms are available at the authors' www.explicitinstruction.org . See also related DVDs from Anita Golden Principles of Explicit Instruction ; Active Getting Them All Engaged, Elementary Level ; and Active Getting Them All Engaged, Secondary Level
290 pages, Paperback
First published November 9, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 14, 2015
The information and research is generally solid, but much of it could be updated to include modern technology substitutions ~ especially for things like response cards and slates. Much of the cited material is from before 2000. What to do with advanced learners also seems to be glossed over.
July 14, 2026
Fantastic book - read the whole thing in two plane rides! Very informative resource on planning and delivering instruction that results in a lasting change in students’ abilities! Highly recommend for all teachers, especially special ed!
July 19, 2023
I mean….it’s a textbook so…..
I learned some useful information and it also reinforced many things I’ve learned about instruction in recent trainings.
I learned some useful information and it also reinforced many things I’ve learned about instruction in recent trainings.
September 14, 2024
This book is actionable. As you read, you can immediately implement the ideas and practices. As is stated in this text “How well a teacher teaches = How well students learn.” I would like to read this book with colleagues, allowing us to choose practices we will implement, and provide time for each of to be observed my one another to receive feedback.
October 11, 2022
Nothing really earth-shattering in here, but some helpful reminders and some new tips and strategies. At the very least, a good reinforcement that teachers, if they know what they are doing, are doing the right thing.
April 2, 2024
I had this book as a textbook for a class in college and recently reread it as part of a book study. It is a good manual for teachers (especially special education teachers) to ground themselves in a solid practice. I gained a lot through both studies of the book.
September 21, 2017
Great basic manual of how to prepare and deliver instruction, as well as how to develop classroom procedures and teaching routines. This would be a good manual for pre-service teachers.
June 29, 2019
It's a textbook, so not very exciting. But has great information for teachers.
January 15, 2021
Great for newer teachers.
October 22, 2022
This book was super relevant for me, and I especially loved the organizers and examples. Highly recommend to any teacher.
October 22, 2023
This should be required reading for all teachers in all grade levels!
December 5, 2023
A must-read for SPED and GenEd teachers alike.
July 4, 2024
Should be required reading for all teacher candidates!
July 16, 2024
This is a book that every teacher should read, from preschool to high school! There are so many great tips that can be used immediately.
April 1, 2025
This book is a bit dry (think textbook) however the information is great. It’s a good review for best practice of direct instruction.
March 15, 2026
It wasn't bad, but it just isn't realistic. If classrooms weren't as chaotic as they are now, it would be a great book.
July 23, 2026
Very practical with lots of good examples!
July 11, 2014
This book contains both new and old information to me. There is a great deal in here that I have learned about in professional development sessions over the years, and it is all put together in one place. In this format, I received a great deal of clarification about things I didn't completely understand. The information also allowed me to reflect on what I already do well and areas I need to work on as a teacher.
July 27, 2016
The book is filled with information that can be very useful if a teacher takes the time to seriously reflect about their teaching. Some of the practice exercises seemed outdated. I would have liked to seen practice exercises using technology. Overall, it did give me a few new things to think about before school starts.
November 27, 2012
This book is a great resource with excellent practical strategies on direct instruction. I particularly enjoyed the section on teaching vocabulary. I learned a lot from this book and I am sure I will put it to good use. It also was an easy read.
November 21, 2016
This is by far the best book on teaching that I have ever read. After every chapter I found myself tweaking little things about the way I teach, and I am so very grateful for this book because I KNOW that it is making me a better teacher!
September 21, 2014
A great book on Explicit Instruction. Written mainly for teachers who want to put explicit instruction into action, the text also serves as a nice book for instructors.
May 2, 2015
I found the chapters on eliciting responses and providing feedback the most helpful for secondary.
April 12, 2020
I just love Anita Archer! Great resource for educators!
July 30, 2023
This a book EVERY Teacher should read! This is a game changer in how you deliver instruction to your students and set up your classroom. Anita Archer, to me, is “THE QUEEN Of Teachers”.
May 28, 2011
This is a study book our teachers are using this summer to increase explicit instruction.
June 21, 2012
An incredibly effective technique for instruction.
June 15, 2016
This is a great refresher! I am really looking forward to this conference.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews


























