Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book discusses methods for creating lessons with activities that specifically address students’ learning at all levels: Tier I, those needing the extra challenge of Tier II, and also the intense interventions needed by students in Tier III. In this rapidly evolving era, innovative ideas abound and teachers have an abundance of tools at their fingertips. New technologies emerge every day, exponentially expanding the number of available resources. With this expansion, students have more choices in how they pursue and demonstrate their learning than ever before. Historically, the educational process has made students wait until they have the basics before they move on to more complex learning. Content-area teachers are presented with the challenge of teaching not only the content-specific skills for their subject area, but also integrating language arts and literary skills.