Publications & Products

DVDs

DVD: The Focusing Four: A Consensus Seeking Activity For Prioritizing, developed by Robert Garmston, Ed. D., Co-Developer of Adaptive Schools, and Michael Dolcemascolo, M.A., C.A.S., Co-Director of Center for Adaptive Schools.

This DVD presents a 21-minute demonstration of the Focusing Four strategy. It provides two viewing options, playing the demonstration in its entirety or playing the same demonstration with some voice over commentary that highlights key teaching points.

View a video clip about the Focusing Four DVD (pop-up window):

DVD: Dialogue: An Introduction

Dialogue lifts us out of polarization and into greater common meanings. Watch teachers apply four essential dialogue tools and learn how to assess your group's developmental level and next steps. Watch and stop at selected points for suggested activities and readings. Sense the premises and promises of collaboration in this DVD and Viewer's Guide.

Downloadable order form for the DVDs (PDF file, 970 KB, new window).
 

Study Guide

FREE Study Guide (PDF file, 193 KB, new window) for Robert Garmston and Bruce Wellman's The Adaptive School: A Sourcebook for Developing Collaborative Groups, 2nd ed. (2009).
 

Adaptive Schools Books
 

The Adaptive School: A Sourcebook for Developing Collaborative Groups, 2nd edition, by Robert Garmston and Bruce Wellman. Norwood, MA: Christopher-Gordon, 2009. Telephone: 800–934–8322.

The Adaptive School: A Sourcebook for Developing Collaborative Groups, 1st ed., by Robert Garmston and Bruce Wellman. Norwood, MA: Christopher-Gordon, 1999. Telephone: 800–934–8322.

The Presenter's Fieldbook: A Practical Guide, 2nd edition, by Robert Garmston. Norwood, MA: Christopher-Gordon, 2005. Telephone: 800–934–8322.

Cognitive Coaching: A Foundation for Renaissance Schools, 2nd edition, by Arthur Costa and Robert Garmston. Norwood, MA: Christopher-Gordon, 2002. Telephone: 800–934–8322.

Meeting Manager Mats

Facilitator's Atlas Mat, Front & Back Participant's Atlas Mat, Front & Back The Meeting Manager Mats serve as laminated guidelines for facilitators and engaged participants. Each atlas functions as a reminder of the skills and concepts that, when used in meetings, enhance the effectiveness of collaborative teams. Highlights include such concepts as the Norms of Collaboration, Two Ways of Talking, and a variety of moves and strategies. Attention is also given to pre-meeting design and post-meeting reflection. Price: $10.00 per pair of mats. Download and print an order form (PDF document, 65 KB, new window) that can be used either to fax or mail in your order.

Adaptive Schools Banners!
 

In Smart Schools, David Perkins asserts that elements in the emotional and physical environment interact with thinking and become points of mediation. Design the Surround Post this set of 3 memory banners for work groups and ad hoc groups. Faculty Rooms Administrative Offices Meeting Rooms Board Rooms Professional Development Centers Two Ways of Talking 7 Norms of Collaboration Meeting Standards Three 3' x 4' digitally printed banners on white 10 oz. vinyl, ready to hang with 6 Grommets Downloadable order form (PDF doc, 234 KB, new window).

Supporting Toolkit for the Norms of Collaboration

This FREE Toolkit (pop-up window) is designed to provide resources for developing and sustaining productive group interaction through the practice of the seven Norms of Collaboration. The Toolkit includes: Introducing the Norms; Posting the Norms; Sustaining Engagement with the Norms; Assessing Consistency with the Norms; Applications of the Norms Inventories; and a section outlining how "Working Agreements" complement, rather than replace, the Norms of Collaboration.

Traceable Chart Art for Flip Charts and Overhead Transparencies

Now anyone can make eye-catching flipcharts and overheads by slipping these easy-to-use graphics beneath a sheet of chart paper or blank transparency and tracing the images. Adapt and combine the pictures to create dozens of graphic design effects. Each image comes with tips for use as well as visual and conceptual idea banks to guide and inspire user creativity. Printed on durable stock and three-hole punched for easy filing and retrieval, ChartArt is an invaluable resource for presenters, facilitators, educators and all others who work with groups.

There are thirty-two 8 1/2" x 11" images by Michael Buckley which come with illustrated tips for use. Price: $21.95. (See order info for volume discounts.)

For ordering information, please visit the Mira Via Web site (new window).
 

Energy Sources Team Self-Assessment Survey

Teams can be distinguished from groups by their conscious attention to the processes they use to develop as a team. This survey is one instrument teams can use to increase their awareness of their development through use of perceptual data. Individuals complete the survey and score their responses. Responses are coded as one of the five states of mind (energy sources), thereby providing evidence of high and low resource in each of the states of mind. The survey is intended to be diagnostic, not evaluative; it is a springboard for reflection and planning.

Pencil and paper format:  $40.00

CD-ROM:  $250.00

To order, please contact Lisa Joseph, Office Manager.