Examining Reasoning: Classroom Techniques to Help Students Produce and Defend Claims

Tracy Ocasio, EdD, was a successful assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction and a principal before joining Learning Sciences International. With more than 25 years in education that includes experience as an English as a Second Language teacher, reading specialist, English teacher, instructional support teacher, elementary classroom teacher, and preschool teacher, Dr. Ocasio is able to relate her experience in early childhood education through grade 12 to her work as a staff developer. Dr. Ocasio also incorporates this background into her writing for the Learning Sciences Marzano Center blog. Her professional career includes teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as working as a crisis intervention/emergency services unit supervisor. Her educational background includes a doctorate in Reading and Language Development and Educational Leadership. Her graduate level education includes a master's degree in Public Administration. Robert J. Marzano, PhD, is a nationally recognized education researcher, speaker, trainer, and author of more than 30 books and 150 articles on topics such as instruction, assessment, writing and implementing standards, cognition, effective leadership, and school intervention. His practical translations of the most current research and theory into classroom strategies are widely practiced internationally by both teachers and administrators.