The beginning of the year: developing the classroom environment -- Classroom management: a model for all grade levels -- Assessment: how to use it -- Putting assessment into action: how to get out of the box -- Descriptive writing: breaking down the process -- Poetry: a student-centered approach -- Research projects: expository writing in action -- Tying it all together: why it works -- Appendix A: the effects of metacognition and journal writing to improve reading comprehension in the battle ground school district.