Using What Works: Elementary School Classroom Management

by Sandee Graham McClowry (Author)

Many teachers-in-training and their more experienced colleagues find classroom management challenging. Using what works: Elementary School Classroom Management invites elementary school to look beyond untested teacher strategies. Instead this book presents an evidence-based approach. Equipped with a greater knowledge of scientifically informed classroom management, teachers will learn how and why some things work, while others do not.

The most current knowledge on classroom management is presented in this book in six comprehensive, yet, easily assessable chapters. Numerous evidence-based strategies for supporting classroom management are offered. In addition, interventions that have proven to work are described. Each chapter concludes with recommended readings, course assignments, and suggestions for in-depth discussions.

Review
Using What Works: Elementary School Classroom Management is significant in two important, unique ways. First, unlike most other texts, this one presents research-based principles in which professional educators can have confidence. There is no fly-by-night stuff here. Second, and equally important, Dr. McClowry presents a student-focused framework necessary for emotionally safe learning environments. Presented in clear, understandable language, this text will be useful for any classroom management course and is a “must-have” for every teacher’s professional library. (Nancy K. Martin, EdD, professor, educational psychology; associate vice provost, The University of Texas at San Antonio)

Research supports the importance of effective classroom management for teacher success, yet curiously it is often neglected in teacher preparation programs. As thoughtfully described in this book, classroom management is complex both in theory and practice; nonetheless its definition is often reduced to behavioral discipline and its practice to “teacher tricks”. In this timely book, Dr. McClowry offers a deeper understanding of classroom management with practical, evidence-based practice to help teachers develop positive learning communities, which emphasize positive relationships, prevention of classroom behavior problems, and enhanced self-regulation of students. A must read for those who wish to implement effective classroom management based on research findings. (Nancy Jo Schafer, PhD, Urban Accelerated Certification and Master’s Program Coordinator; Clinical Associate Professor, College of Education and Human Development, Georgia State University)

This book is a must-have for anyone who is a pre-service teacher, teacher, administrator, or teacher educator because of the focus of evidenced-based classroom management. Too often classroom management practices are based on bad advice that is passed on from teacher to teacher or principal to teacher. Readers of this book will be able to implement classroom management best practices that not only work, but that are based on research. Simply put, Sandee McClowry’s book has the potential to improve classroom management practices in this country. (Kent Divoll, EdD, associate professor, curriculum and instruction, University of Houston Clear Lake)

About the Author
Sandee McClowry, PhD, FAAN is a professor of counseling psychology and teaching & learning at New York University. She is the developer of an evidence-based intervention, INSIGHTS into Children’s Temperament, and was the principal investigator of the three federal funded clinical trials that tested its efficacy. She is currently the chair of the American Education Research Association’s Classroom Management Special Interest Group.