Overview of STEPS Professional Development Courses and Resource Books

Mathematics (Grades K-9) 

First Steps in Mathematics

Helping teachers to identify and correct students’ misconceptions about mathematics.

Based on cutting-edge research, First Steps in Mathematics develops and expands teachers’ understanding of mathematics and how children learn mathematics. First Steps in Mathematics enables teachers to successfully diagnose, plan, implement, and evaluate their students’ learning experiences in four strands - Number, Measurement, Space, and Chance and Data. Diagnostic Tasks and Diagnostic Maps within each strand help teachers to identify students’ misconceptions about mathematics. Sample lessons and learning activities provide teachers with practical and simple ideas to support students’ development.
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Elementary Literacy (Grades K-5) 

First Steps Literacy 2nd Edition

Helping teachers address current literacy challenges in reading, writing, and speaking & listening.

First Steps Literacy 2nd Edition builds on the original First Steps by drawing upon contemporary research to help teachers address current literacy challenges. It provides teachers with comprehensive Maps of Development that help them assess and monitor student needs and also provides explicit links to purposeful teaching and learning experiences. First Steps Literacy 2nd Edition includes detailed support material that will enhance learning and help teachers build effective literacy classrooms.
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First Steps Oral Language 1st Edition

Supporting the literacy development of students by improving speaking and listening skills.

First Steps Oral Language helps teachers create a variety of meaningful opportunities for students to use language for a range of audiences and purposes. The resource includes a detailed Developmental Continuum that supports teachers as they assess students’ use of language in the school setting. Clear links are then made to a wealth of practical ideas and activities for developing speaking and listening skills within the classroom.
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Secondary Literacy (Grades 6-12) 

STEPS Middle and High School Literacy

Helping students learn subject matter in all content areas through effective reading strategies.

Steps Middle and High School Literacy provides content area teachers with a selection of powerful teaching ideas and tools that help secondary students build a repertoire of reading and learning strategies. Using these strategies students meet the reading demands and learn content in all courses. Steps Middle and High School Literacy also explores the reading process, making it more tangible for content area teachers and their students.
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Physical Education (Grades K-3) 

Fundamental Movement Skills

Supporting students’ development of proficient fundamental movement skills to promote an active and healthy lifestyle.

Fundamental Movement Skills deepens teachers’ understandings of how to effectively assess, plan, and teach physical activity. Twenty-two Fundamental Movement Skills are included with details on how to break down each skill for assessment and teaching purposes. The resource also provides practical teaching activities that assist teachers to plan and deliver effective learning experiences that enhance students’ development of proficient Fundamental Movement Skills.
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Classroom Management (Grades PreK-12) 

Practice Effective Guidance Strategies (PEGS)

Developing the skills teachers need to help ALL students actively participate in classroom activities.

PEGS is a scientifically-based professional development program. Interactive simulations help teachers across all subject areas gain the skills needed to help ALL students actively participate in classroom activities, especially those students that have social, emotional or behavioral problems. PEGS:

• Improves student participation
• Reduces disruptive behavior
• Promotes achievement of students who often struggle
• Meets federal standards for IDEA and No Child Left Behind