This seminal text, grounded in the synergy of five big ideas for connecting mind, brain, and education research to classroom practice, empowers educators with an inspiring conceptual framework for effective teaching. It is a compelling vision as well as a firm foundation for implementing the Common Core State Standards. The practical application of the essential ideas--neuroplasticity, potential, malleable intelligence, the Body-Brain System, and metacognition--is supported by a wealth of vignettes, examples, inspirational stories from teachers, strategies, reflective questions, and connections between current research on how people learn and classroom practice.