2027 The Knowledge Gap Quarter 4 Book Club

Join us for MSTA’s 4th Quarter "Beyond the Book" Club, featuring The Knowledge Gap: The Hidden Cause of America's Broken Education System--and How to Fix it by Natalie Wexler.

Why do some students continue to struggle with reading and comprehension, even when they can read the words on the page? In this book club, you'll explore compelling research showing how building students' background knowledge, not just teaching reading skills, is key to improving learning across every subject area. You'll gain practical insights for designing richer instruction that increases comprehension, strengthens critical thinking, and helps all students succeed.

Find out more and purchase book here

Meet the Facilitator: As a fifth grade teacher at Otterville Elementary, April Gaskell is intrigued by incorporating literacy across the curriculum, making her a great facilitator for this particular book club. 

Participants are responsible for obtaining their own copy of this month's text prior to the beginning of the book club.  

​​​MSTA's Online Learning Platform

MSTA uses Teachable to host its online professional learning activities, including discussions, group work, and course materials.

What You’ll Find in the Course:

• Discussion Boards: Share insights and reflect with peers.
• Guiding Questions & Tasks: Apply key ideas from readings.
• Asynchronous Format: Participate anytime, anywhere.

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Getting Started with Teachable

First-Time Participant?

Check your email for a message from Teachable (sent to the address you used when registering). Follow the link to confirm your email and set your password. Your course will appear under "My Products."

Returning Participant?

Log in using your email and password from a previous course to access your dashboard.

 

​Course Expectations

• Attend Zoom networking sessions to connect and collaborate.
• Complete assignments that link course concepts to your classroom practice.
• Access to course resources continues after the course ends.

 

PD Certification

• At the end of the month, PD certificates will be emailed to those who complete all course requirements. Monthly book clubs will earn 6 PD hours and quarterly book clubs will earn 8 PD hours.

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