Assignments Matter: Making the Connections That Help Students Meet Standards
(September 2012 Book)

What are the key considerations in the design and implementation of high-quality assignments? How can assignments, activities, and assessments connect to maximize learning? What environments support the delivery of meaningful assignments? Literacy and curriculum expert Eleanor Dougherty provides thoughtful answers to these questions and more in this interview about her new ASCD book. Learn how to create well-designed assignments that engage and extend student thinking around learning objectives.

• Listen to the talk, conducted by Laura Varlas, ASCD project manager.
• Buy Assignments Matter: Making the Connections That Help Students Meet Standards.

Aim High, Achieve More: How to Transform Urban Schools Through Fearless Leadership
(August 2012 Member Book)

When you want to succeed in the tough landscape of urban schools, you need more than just passion, faith in your own ability, and a sense of urgency. You need real skills to transform any school into an oasis of success, where all students realize their potential and aim high.

In this interview about their ASCD book, Yvette Jackson and Veronica McDermott, educators with the National Urban Alliance for Effective Education, explain what fearless leadership looks like and share their hopeful vision for urban schools.

• Listen to the talk, conducted by Genny Ostertag, ASCD acquisitions editor.
• Buy Aim High, Achieve More: How to Transform Urban Schools Through Fearless Leadership