According to Schmoker the two most important elements of improved student learning are what we teach and how we teach.  How do we go about determining what we teach?  What are the elements of good instruction?  What is the role of assessment in good instruction?

What is curricular chaos in Schmoker's view?  What measures should we take to avoid it?  What is necessary to avoid curricular chaos?

For your particular grade level or content area do you think the Academic Content Standards represent what Schmoker refers to as a "viable curriculum?"  Why or why not?

Chapter I is titled The Buffer.  What do you think Schmoker means by "the buffer?"  What might be an effective way to overcome this "buffer?"