Increasing the Rigor of
Learning-Focused Lessons
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What is the pathway to rigorous lessons?
To meet today’s high standards, instruction must intentionally build student capacity for rigor. This requires moving beyond basic recall to create lessons where students consistently analyze, evaluate, and apply knowledge. The key is to bridge the gap between advanced expectations and student readiness through the explicit instruction of critical thinking and comprehension strategies.
This approach focuses on systematically embedding Higher Order Thinking, Reading, and Writing into the core of every lesson. By integrating content knowledge with essential literacy skills, such as understanding text structures and strategic reading, educators can equip all students with the tools to tackle complex, grade-level assignments. The goal is to create a clear pathway for students to progress from foundational knowledge to advanced application, preparing them for success in college, careers, and life.
Key Takeaways
With Increasing the Rigor of Learning-Focused Lessons professional learning, you will be able to…
- Define and describe the criteria that constitute a rigorous lesson.
- Explain the importance of Higher Order Thinking and Reading Comprehension for increasing student learning.
- Provide explicit instruction on Higher Order Thinking and Reading Comprehension strategies.
- Integrate content and literacy standards into all lesson plans.
- Plan lessons that build in a progression of cognitive complexity.
- Design rigorous Learning Goals, Lesson Essential Questions, and Assignments.
- Integrate both writing to learn and writing to inform in all lessons.
Case Study:
A Decade of Success Implementing Learning-Focused at Turnaround Schools
Dr. Anna DeWese is a veteran principal in Florida with a reputation for outstanding support and commitment to students. As a Principal of the Year finalist, Dr. DeWese has a successful history with turnaround schools and taking them from a D or an F to a B and higher.
Dr. DeWese has worked with Learning-Focused across multiple districts, and has effectively implemented the Learning-Focused Instructional Framework in every school she has served in as principal for the last ten years.
Increasing the Rigor of Learning-Focused Lessons
Professional Development Opportunities
Transform teaching through deep, comprehensive learning.
Increasing the Rigor of Learning-Focused Lessons is provided as a Learning-Focused Online Comprehensive Course. Learning-Focused Online Comprehensive Courses are immersive professional learning experiences designed to provide educators with extensive, guided support in implementing the Learning-Focused Instructional Framework and exemplary practices.
These courses go beyond strategy introduction — they offer a thorough exploration of high-impact instructional design, equipping educators with the knowledge, tools, and resources needed to create truly rigorous and engaging learning environments. Each Comprehensive Course is built around a corresponding book, ensuring that participants have a robust reference and planning resource throughout their journey.
Through a structured combination of research-based concepts, interactive content, reflective application, and planning tools, participants will gain the depth of understanding and confidence necessary to effectively implement comprehensive practices that improve student achievement.
Whether you're beginning your Learning-Focused journey or scaling implementation across a school or district, our Comprehensive Courses provide the foundation for lasting instructional excellence.
Buy Increasing the Rigor of Learning-Focused Lessons Book or Course -
Increasing the Rigor of Learning-Focused Lessons
- Regular price
- $95.00
Frequently asked questions
How much is shipping?
Regular ground shipping, which arrives in 7-10 business days, is free. Yes, FREE!
However, if you need faster shipping for an additional charge, call 866-955-3276 to place your order.
Do you offer quantity discounts?
We offer quantity discounts up to 10% on materials when purchased for a school-wide or district-wide professional development
training that we are providing at your location or when using with a Learning-Focused Online course.
Contact us to request a discount.
What is your return policy?
Learning-Focused will accept returns of products within 30 days of receipt of shipment for a refund. Learning-Focused will accept
returns of products within 45 days of receipt of shipment for an exchange or store credit. To qualify for return or exchange, products
must be unused.
Call 866-95-LEARN to arrange the return for a refund or exchange. Products purchased that are made to order (Coaches Binders,
Monitoring Binders, Redelivery Notes) will not be accepted for exchange or refund. Defective products will be exchanged for the same product only.
