"Creating a Self-Directed Learning Environment is filled with strategies on how to begin shifting toward a standards-based approach. These strategies will be extremely useful to all teachers, both those that are beginning their careers and those who are experienced and looking to implement standards-based and social-emotional learning."

"Greg Mullen infuses this book with a refreshing passion for teaching. Not only does this book clearly define Common Core Standards, but it also individualizes core standards for every learner, including meeting the all important social and emotional factors required so students can learn."

"Creating a Self-Directed Learning Environment is a skillfully balanced presentation for how to thoughtfully design and implement content standards, progress monitoring, and social emotional learning in the modern classroom.”

"This book promotes self-reflection for the teacher as well as for the students, and it describes vertical planning to identify critical elements of key standards throughout the grade levels, all while being written in user-friendly tone that makes it accessible to all readers."

"Greg Mullen provides useful guidance and valuable information for all teachers in this timely book on an important topic!"

"In his book, Greg Mullen explores the intricate connections between academic, social-emotional, and human development and how these ideas should be considered when teaching the whole child."