Shaking Up the Schoolhouse


Book Description

"Once again, Phil Schlechty demonstrates why I consider him to be one of the clearest minds in American education. He knows how important public education is to our democracy and has real ideas for making it better. This book is a must-read for policymakers at any level and for those who think and care about school improvement." --Paul D. Houston, executive director, American Association of School Administrators "Schlechty shares leading-edge insights and offers practical guidance to anyone who affects student learning. His suggestions are wonderful dialogue starters for educators searching for ways to make dramatic improvement in schools." --Dennis Sparks, executive director, National Staff Development Council In this visionary book, renowned educator Phillip Schlechty argues for change-adept school systems. He not only challenges educational administrators, teachers, teacher leaders, legislators, and policymakers to recognize the need for transformation, but also shows how they can grow into skillful leaders of lasting change. Shaking Up the Schoolhouse begins with an incisive discussion of the dangers and opportunities in reworking school systems. Drawing from decades of experience and from actual cases, the author describes the essential characteristics of change-adept organizations. He then presents a practical framework for helping teachers to overcome obstacles in the learning experience, from reviewing the competition to improving student engagement through more effective standards. Schlechty also focuses on empowering principals, superintAndents, and school board members as they struggle with structural and cultural change in their schools and communities.




The Jossey-Bass Reader on Educational Leadership


Book Description

This expanded and thoroughly updated edition of the popular anthology assembles the best book excerpts, articles, and reports that define and drive the field of educational leadership today. Filled with critical insights from respected authors, education researchers, and expert practitioners, this comprehensive volume features twenty-six chapters in six primary areas of interest: Principles of Leadership, Moral Leadership, Culture and Change, Standards and Systems, Diversity and Leadership, and the Future of Leadership.




Leading for Learning


Book Description

Leading for Learning Written by acclaimed school reform advocate Phillip C. Schlechty, Leading for Learning offers educators the framework, tools, and processes they need to transform their schools from bureaucracies into dynamic learning organizations. Schlechty explains how to move beyond some of the deeply ingrained and negative conceptions of schooling that guide so much of their practice. He shows educators how they can take advantage of new learning technologies by increasing their organization's capacity to support continuous innovation. "Clearly not for the fainthearted, Schlechty's engrossing appraisal of American education calls for a bold, truly fundamental transformation of how we run our public schools. Some books are thought-provoking; this one is action-provoking." W. JAMES POPHAM, professor emeritus, UCLA "Dr. Schlechty has once again written an insightful book that educational leaders can use as a road map in transforming our schools into learning organizations designed to serve twenty-first century students." DR. RANDY BRIDGES, superintendent, Alamance-Burlington School System, NC "Because education is ultimately a community responsibility, Schlechty's proposal to shift school systems from bureaucracies to learning organizations can open doors to citizens who are frustrated by the bureaucracy in their efforts to reclaim their role in education. This book is as much for them as it is for professional educators." DAVID MATHEWS, president, Kettering Foundation "Anyone in a school leadership position from the board room to the classroom should read this engaging and thought-provoking book. It's a must-read for all immersed in or contemplating the transformation of public education." CLAUDIA MANSFIELD SUTTON, chief communications and marketing officer, American Association of School Administrators




Perspectives and Reflections for the Superintendent


Book Description

Perspectives and Reflections for the Superintendent: What Can Be Learned from Experience? focuses on the many challenges and opportunities facing school district superintendents and other school leaders on a regular basis. It cites numerous, actual events which are described and explained regarding best practices. The chapters emphasize the importance of experience and preparation, and provide examples, experiences, scenarios, takeaways, tools, and more with respect to the superintendent and the aspiring superintendent. Additionally, tips on establishing and maintaining a positive relationship with the school board are given—a relationship which is paramount for the superintendent and the school district to be successful. Perhaps one of the more important observations conveyed in the text is the need for the school board, the staff, and everyone interested in the schooling process to work together. Without collaboration among all parties concerned, stagnation will fester, and nothing worthwhile will be accomplished. Other topics presented include conflict resolution, ethics, high-performing teams, lessons learned, and ways to cultivate positive community relations. This book is practical for the seated superintendent and essential for the aspiring superintendent.




Reconceptualizing Physical Education through Curricular and Pedagogical Innovations


Book Description

For more than a century, formal education has been struggling to redefine itself in response to shifting societal needs, new research into human learning, and emergent understandings of how the world works. Clearly it's difficult to offer advice that is appropriately responsive across this range of influence. The collected chapters in this book manage to do that by discarding the popular habit of thinking about Physical Education in terms of opportunities to let off steam, or otherwise satisfy the needs of an easily distracted body. Rather, the gendered, acculturated, complex body serves as the site of possibility, thus framing hopeful, rich, and timely conceptions of learners, learning, and teaching.




The Principal′s Companion


Book Description

The classic personal guide for principals, updated to address today’s challenges As the leader and decision maker in your school, you know that the buck stops with you. But when you’re faced with issues that are unfamiliar or simply overwhelming, where can you turn for advice and experience? For over a decade, the answer has been The Principal’s Companion. Pam Robbins and Harvey B. Alvy’s comprehensive classic remains a standard reference for principals of all experience levels, providing a wealth of ideas, techniques, and reflective opportunities. In the fourth edition, new and updated content is delivered in an ultra-efficient format tailored to principals’ busy days. Topics range from big-picture considerations to specific tactics and strategies, including: The principal’s many roles Critical skills for effective leadership Honoring the school’s mission Working together to build a learning community Starting effectively and staying the course With an eye towards the future, The Principal’s Companion can be referred to over and over again to ensure the school’s most important executive is a strong anchor for educational success. "This has always been one of the books I recommend to principals, and the latest edition makes it even more important and helpful to principals who face one of the toughest jobs in education today." —Stephanie Hirsh, Executive Director Learning Forward "Robbins and Alvy′s ability to explain the sophisticated and complex landscape of today′s connected schools in a manner that is easily understandable to both a new leader and a veteran school leader is masterful. They truly understand the role of today′s school leader in the classroom, the school, and the community." —Joshua Garcia, Deputy Superintendent Tacoma Public Schools, WA




The Principalship from A to Z


Book Description

Like the other books in the A-Z series, this book provides practical tools and activities that can be used immediately to improve your practice. This guide offers specific strategies that will help you become a more effective principal. There are 26 chapters in this book, one for each letter of the alphabet. Companion Study Guide Available




The New Principal's Fieldbook


Book Description

Grounded in recent research and successful practice, The New Principal's Fieldbook prepares new and aspiring principals for the unexpected twists and turns of school leadership. Capitalizing on their experiences and those of other educational leaders, authors Pam Robbins and Harvey Alvy offer practical information, research-based strategies, and provocative stories to help principals develop into visionary leaders skilled in promoting the success of students and teachers. Surprises, obstacles, and opportunities characterize the leadership path. Within the chapters, the authors use research and specific examples from recognized practitioners to create a road map for navigating the complex challenges of the principalship. Collectively, the book's themes mirror key content areas addressed by the ISLLC Standards for School Leaders as well as other topics essential for success: * Creating a shared vision that places student learning at the heart of the school * Transforming toxic cultures into positive cultures Dealing with challenging experiences unique to new principals * Promoting quality teaching and learning * Creating professional learning communities * Facilitating change within the school culture * Building productive partnerships with central office staff, parents, and the greater community * Designing management tasks as leadership tools * Working with unions, budgets, the law, and the media * Balancing personal and professional responsibilities * Leading ethically and with emotional intelligence Robbins and Alvy guide the reader through important concepts and practices, including instructional leadership, data-driven decision making, differentiated supervision, professional development, crisis intervention, and time management. At the end of each chapter, they invite readers to reflect on how to apply their new knowledge to real situations. Covering everything from everyday management tasks to the larger goal of student success, The New Principal's Fieldbook is an essential guide for new and aspiring principals. Note: This product listing is for the Adobe Acrobat (PDF) version of the book.




What Successful Principals Do!


Book Description

Take charge of your school today with What Successful Principals Do! In this friendly, energetic, and engaging book, Franzy Fleck draws on his experience as a principal to share dozens of practical strategies for running a successful school. Organized into manageable chapters, Fleck’s advice is both powerful and realistic. In this second edition, you’ll find 30 additional tips covering the most timely issues, as well as 13 bonus tips! You’ll learn how to: Effectively use social media Enhance relationships with students, parents, and staff Manage complex decision-making Develop HR and personnel leadership Deal with grief, trauma, and crisis




Handbook of Research on Improving Learning and Motivation through Educational Games: Multidisciplinary Approaches


Book Description

"This book provides relevant theoretical frameworks and the latest empirical research findings on game-based learning to help readers who want to improve their understanding of the important roles and applications of educational games in terms of teaching strategies, instructional design, educational psychology and game design"--Provided by publisher.