Clustering Standards in Integrated Units

Formerly a SkyLight publication.

Integration is a powerful tool in today's standards-based classroom. In Clustering Standards In Integrated Units, author Diane Ronis takes that power one step further with integrated units. Teachers discover how to cluster standards in integrated units, so that they can cover more standards without sacrificing content or learning.

Based on research that people learn best by doing, Ronis' book presents techniques for sustained, in-depth exploration of events, circumstances, or objects in the students' environment. By using authentic models of real-world problems, students learn to develop critical thinking skills and become motivated to learn. Templates for integrated unit planning are provided as well as blackline masters for teachers to use to create their own units. Each chapter concludes with fully developed sample units and, for convenience, Web sites for state standards are listed in an appendix.

Diane Ronis is a professor of education at Southern Connecticut State University and has a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction. Her drive to make learning meaningful to all students comes from 17 years of teaching middle school and high school mathematics and fine arts as well as eight years of experience instructing preservice teachers at the college and graduate level. Ronis has been a presenter and keynote speaker at numerous conferences, workshops and seminars, and is the author of Brain Compatible Mathematics, Brain Compatible Assessments, Critical Thinking in Math, Problem Based Learning for Math & Science: Integrating Inquiry and the Internet, and Clustering Standards in Integrated Units.