"Dennis Kafalas' straight forward approach gives urban teachers meaningful tools and strategies that engage and motivate even the most reluctant ELA student." --Jean Capitumini, English teacher, Woonsocket High School (RI) "For the urban educator, this book is particularly inspirational because it is grounded in the rich wisdom of practice and provides a detailed road map for engaging students in meaningful literacy." --Lynne Bedard, Ph.D., principal, Woonsocket Area Career and Technical Center (RI) "Dennis Kafalas' workshop model is a fantastic combination of best practice theory and real life application. My students have a choice in their learning; as a result, the sense of pride they have in their own work is amazing!" --Elizabeth Gomes, English teacher, Blackstone-Millville Regional High School (MA) "For teachers seeking a step-by-step blueprint for implementing a writer's workshop. Inspired Learners, Active Minds is my recommended initial professional resource. The focus is not on [just] the teaching of writing, but on teaching the writer through modeling, explicit mini-lessons and student choice.

" --Donald W. Holder, Ed.D., graduate writing professor, Providence College (RI) and assistant superintendent of schools, Smithfield, RI " Inspired Learners, Active Minds: A Guide for the English Classroom is the perfect marriage of philosophy and practicality.[the] teacher is facilitator of a shared, literate community, providing students time and opportunity to read, write and think." --Janine Napolitano, 2005 English Teacher of the Year, Rhode Island Council Teachers of English, North Providence High School.