RIGOR Unveiled: A Video-Enhanced Flipbook is a groundbreaking tool designed to help K-12 educators and administrators redefine and apply the concept of rigor in the classroom. Written by education experts Douglas Fisher, Nancy Frey, and James Marshall, this hands-on resource offers a clear and actionable framework centered on an acronym that delineates five key categories: Relationships, Instruction, Goals, Organization, and Relevance.

Each category is paired with practical strategies and rubrics, and 25 observable indicators guide educators in creating a more rigorous, supportive learning environment. RIGOR Unveiled includes more than 100 video spotlights and 25 classroom videos that demonstrate rigor-enhancing strategies in action. These visual examples, coupled with coaches' insights and a "Spot It Happening" feature, provide educators with real-world models of effective teaching.

Designed for both individual and team use, RIGOR Unveiled fosters collective teacher efficacy, empowering educators to collaborate and improve their practice. By helping teachers build stronger relationships with students, refine instructional practices, and set clear goals, the flipbook ultimately supports educators in fostering academic risk-taking and improving student outcomes. This comprehensive approach to professional development provides educators a complete set of practical tools that support them in reclaiming rigor as a framework for effective pedagogical practice.

Format:

RIGOR Unveiled is a hands-on flipbook that incorporates more than 100 videos to demonstrate key concepts and strategies.

Primary URL:

https://www.corwin.com/books/rigor-unveiled-292590

Problem solved:

The flipbook helps resolve the issue of vague and misunderstood definitions of rigor in education. It provides clear, actionable strategies and observable indicators for both teachers and administrators to foster effective learning environments, focusing on relationship-building, instructional strategies, goal setting, organization, and relevance. By redefining rigor as a supportive framework, it aims to empower educators and students, promoting academic risk-taking and collective teacher efficacy.

Grade/age range:

RIGOR Unveiled is designed for use by K-12 teachers and administrators

Core/supplemental/special needs/extracurricular/professional development?

The flipbook is designed to support K-12 educators, administrators, instructional coaches, and school leaders by providing tools for observation, reflection, and goal-setting related to classroom rigor and teacher effectiveness. It offers a structured framework for improving teaching practices, including strategies for relationship-building, instructional quality, goal setting, organization, and relevance.

RIGOR Unveiled helps schools achieve central goals of professional development, including fostering collective teacher efficacy and enhancing collaboration among educators.

Topics:

The book offers comprehensive professional development about its five categories:

● Relationships

● Instruction

● Goals

● Organization

● Relevance

Time needed:

Learning about the rigor indicators requires an investment of about 2 hours, but deep understanding and application of these ideas requires another 10 hours or more.

Pricing model:

The RIGOR Unveiled flipbook is $44.95.

What else is needed:

No additional services are needed but everyone who purchases the book receives access to companion resources including self-assessment tools and videos.

What makes RIGOR Unveiled unique?

RIGOR Unveiled was developed for teachers, teams, instructional coaches, and school leaders, and provides a wealth of support and knowledge for classroom observation and reflection, including:

● Tabbed sections that describe each of the five categories to help focus discussion and evaluations;

● Rubrics for evaluation including ratings, evidence, and “My Next Steps” that guides educators to take action to increase rigor;

● 100+ video spotlights defining key concepts;

● 25 classroom videos showing each of the indicators in action;

● 25 videos of coaches discussing what they observed in each of the classroom videos; and

● A “Spot It Happening” feature to assess observations as they happen.

Characteristics:

RIGOR Unveiled is formatted like a calendar with a spiral binding for easy handling.

What users are saying:

“RIGOR Unveiled is the kind of resource that should be in every teacher’s hands and a part of every PLC meeting. Fisher, Frey, and Marshall don’t just talk about rigor—they define it, dismantle misconceptions, and give educators a clear, actionable roadmap for enhancing teaching and learning in every classroom. This isn’t about piling on more work or making learning harder; it’s about sharpening our collective expertise so students experience deep, meaningful learning. The video-enhanced flipbook format makes it user-friendly, turning noticing, reflection, and collaboration into a habit. If you’re ready to move beyond vague conversations about rigor and into real, evidence-based practice, this book delivers.”

—Tyler Gilbert, Coach, Author, Consultant, Fresno, California

“I recently spoke with a group of educators about their definitions of rigor. While they were all deeply committed to supporting students, their perspectives on what makes a learning experience rigorous varied significantly. Unfortunately, they struggled to develop a shared definition for their school site— this is an all-too-common experience in education.

“As a veteran educator and instructional coach, I am confident that RIGOR Unveiled will invite a more joyful and growth-producing emphasis on collaboration, evidenced-based practices, and reflection into our learning spaces. This flipbook provides practical tools that empower educators at all levels to engage in non-evaluative feedback with colleagues, practice expert noticing, and take intentional action while using the rubrics, exemplar models, and structured coaching conversations as a guide. RIGOR Unveiled is an essential tool for educators looking to enhance their instructional practice, deepen student engagement, and foster meaningful academic growth.”

—Dr. Marnitta George, Ph.D., San Diego State University

“RIGOR Unveiled is an invaluable resource for instructional coaches and educators, providing a clear, actionable framework that deepens teachers' understanding of rigor. More than just a guide, it moves PLCs from discussion to action by offering a structured process for classroom observations that spark reflection and drive instructional change. This tool doesn’t just define rigor—it brings it to life, helping educators create learning environments that foster engagement and meaningful student growth.”

—Sarah Ortega, coordinator for instruction and support for English Language learners at Health Sciences High & Middle College, San Diego, CA