Learning That Lasts Challenging, Engaging, and Empowering Students with Deeper Instruction

A practical guide to deeper instruction a framework for challenging, engaging, and empowering students of all ages For schools to meet ambitious new standards and prepare all students for college, careers, and life, research has shown unequivocally that nothing is more important that the quality of daily instruction.

Praise for Learning That Lasts

“If we are to prepare all students for the deeper learning required for college, career, and life readiness, there is nothing more important than cultivating great teaching. This book provides a clear vision for teachers of what deeper instruction actually looks like. It is a guide to creating classrooms where students think and work passionately and analytically—classrooms that are more challenging, meaningful, and effective.”
—Linda Darling-Hammond, Charles E. Ducommun Professor of Education Emeritus, Stanford University and President of the Learning Policy Institute

“Most contemporary writing about education either endorses or critiques a focus on basic skills, standardized tests, and job preparation. Learning That Lasts is a unique book; experts from EL Education not only highlight engagement, deep learning, artistry, and good character—they also demonstrate how to achieve an education that is worth celebrating. ”
—Howard Gardner, Hobbs Professor of Cognition and Education, Harvard Graduate School of Education

“Ron Berger is one of the most profound thinkers and doers in education today. This book is a must-read. It shows how to create meaningful learning and high levels of academic achievement anywhere. ”
—Carol Dweck, Lewis and Virginia Eaton Professor of Psychology, Stanford University

A practical guide to deeper instruction—a framework for challenging, engaging, and empowering students of all ages

For schools to meet ambitious new standards and prepare all students for college, careers, and life, research has shown unequivocally that nothing is more important that the quality of daily instruction. Learning That Lasts presents a new vision for classroom instruction that sharpens and deepens the quality of lessons in all subject areas. It is the opposite of a 'teacher-proof' solution. Instead, it is predicated on a model of instruction that honors teachers as creative and expert planners of learning experiences for their students and who wish to continuously grow in their instructional and content knowledge. It is not a theoretical vision. It is a model of instruction refined in some of the nation's most successful public schools—schools that are beating the odds to create remarkable achievement—sited primarily in urban and rural low-income communities.

Using case studies and examples of powerful learning at all grade levels and in all disciplines, Learning That Lasts is a guide to creating classrooms that promote deeper understanding, higher order thinking, and student independence. Through text and companion videos, readers will enter inspiring classrooms where students go beyond basics to become innovators, collaborators, and creators. Learning That Lasts embraces a three-dimensional view of student achievement that includes mastery of knowledge and skills, character, and high-quality work. It is a guide for teachers who wish to make learning more meaningful, memorable, and connected to life, and inspire students to do more than they think possible.