40 Active Learning Strategies for the Inclusive Classroom, Grades K–5, Jan/2011

This book is a compilation of approximately 40 strategies that serve as blueprints for instructional design. The first chapter describes in depth the research and foundations that support these strategies. Chapter Two provides information for the reader in terms of how to use this book, and how to choose and use strategies to fit both the content and the needs of the learners. Chapter Three presents and describes several strategies.

The book is a user-friendly resource that is directly applicable to practice. All of the book's strategies support teachers in their efforts to engage and motivate diverse learners as they meet academic and social objectives. Each strategy is presented with an explanation, directions for use, sample applications and classroom vignettes. Applications for different ages, abilities, and learning needs of the students, and for a variety of content areas, are suggested. The book is focused on the primary school age level.

About the Authors:
Dr. Green has a B.A. in English from University of Bridgeport, an M.A. in Special Education and Reading from Eastern New Mexico University, and a Ph.D. in Psychological & Cultural Studies and Special Education from University of Nebraska at Lincoln. She holds certifications in Special Education and Teacher of English and is currently as Associate Professor of Education at Centenary College.

She has worked as a special education teacher and a consultant, preparing and implementing workshops on a variety of topics related to special education.

Dr. Green is a member of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) and the Teacher Education Division of CEC. She presents regularly at national special education conferences, is a reviewer of conference proposals for national special education conferences, and a reviewer of manuscripts for special education texts for major education publishers.

Dr. Green has taught most of the special education courses at Centenary on both the undergraduate and graduate level, and she developed and is the current director of the M.A. program in Special Education. She also serves as the director of the Teachers of Students with Disabilities Certification Program. She received the Centenary College Distinguished Teacher Award in 2000.

She is the founding advisor of the Centenary College Student Chapter of the Council for Exceptional Children.

Dr. Diane Casale-Giannola is currently a Associate Professor in the School of Education at Rider University. She received her Master’s of Science, specializing in Special Education, from Albany University and her Ph.D. from New York University. She also holds an Advanced Certificate in Educational Supervision and Administration from Brooklyn College.

Dr. Casale-Giannola is an active researcher, presenter, and consultant, focusing on how to assess and address the needs of diverse student populations. She is an active member of the New Jersey Council for Exceptional Children and Council for Exceptional Children, including participating in the CEC scholarship committee and sponsoring the first state-wide Student CEC professional conference. She also is on the Special Education Advisory Board, which consults with community and university members to support pre-service teachers to effectively teach and service individuals with disabilities in the community and their families.