Surpassing Standards in the Elementary Classroom

The Author: Lee R. Chasen is the founding director of Kid Esteem Inc., a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to the emotional and social intelligence of children, families, schools, and communities. Chasen has two Master's degrees in education and a Ph.D. in educational theatre from New York University. A registered drama therapist and a New York State-licensed creative arts therapist, Chasen contributed a chapter to the text Clinical Applications of Drama Therapy in Child and Adolescent Treatment (2005) entitled «Spectacle and Ensemble in Group Drama Therapy Treatment for Children with ADHD and Related Neurological Syndromes».

«The power of Lee R. Chasen's new book, 'Surpassing Standards in the Elementary Classroom', lies in his compelling argument that learning is about integration. As an emotionally intelligent and creatively wise writer, Chasen provides clear and concise examples of how and why an optimal education must integrate mind and body, feeling and thought, play and reflection, text and sub-text. Chasen's important book is a must-read for all elementary school teachers searching for the best practices to meet the developmental, psycho-social, and creative needs of their students.» (Robert J. Landy, Professor of Educational Theatre and Applied Psychology; Director, Drama Therapy Program, New York University)
«This user-friendly text offers important insight into the practical ways social-emotional development can be integrated into everyday curricula. As a first year teacher, I found Lee R. Chasen's perspective to be inspiring and full of awareness in regards to the positive effect social-emotional development can have on students' intellectual growth, as well as building good character skills. Teachers will be motivated and enthusiastic about implementing these creative and realistic lesson plans in their classrooms.» (Krista Granieri, Elementary School Teacher, Literacy Graduate Student, Dowling University)