Book excerpt: Learn how to incorporate rigorous activities into your English language arts or social studies classroom and help students reach higher levels of learning. Expert educators and consultants Barbara R. Blackburn and Melissa Miles offer a practical framework for understanding rigor and provide specialized examples for elementary ELA and social studies teachers. Topics covered include: Creating a rigorous environment High expectations Support and scaffolding Demonstration of learning Assessing student progress Collaborating with colleagues The book comes with classroom-ready tools, offered in the book and as free eResources on our website at www.routledge.com/9781138598959.