Description
Book SynopsisLead between the lines— evaluate Ed policies to emphasize the positives and minimize the negatives Although educational reform is intended for positive change, sometimes it misses the mark. However, when school leaders capitalize on the positive aspects of reforms they can strategize to ensure the best outcomes for students.
Christopher Tienken, professor and international speaker, shares his insights on how to identify both positive and negative aspects of education reform to maximize the benefits for students. This book introduces a practical framework for interpreting educational reform within an evidence-based practice, and provides thoughtful ways to finesse results out of challenging policies. Designed for use on the ground level, this book features:
• Seven specific creative compliance strategies to maximize student and educator success
• Case studies that illustrate how to critique reforms and take action
• Reflective questions to guide evaluation and application
• Ethical decision-making checklist
Analyzing both successful and unsuccessful reform ideas from the past, this book champions creative compliance and how to lead innovatively/judiciously.
Trade ReviewIn Cracking the Code of Education Reform Creative Compliance and Ethical Leadership Chris Tienken offers the reader an action plan for how to stay true to core values and ethics and still implement education reform on behalf of all students. Even in the era of "accountability" Tienken reminds us all that the student, not any test or reform is our "why" as educational leaders. Throughout the book, the "Try This" features offer in the moment professional learning opportunities. This is a must read for anyone interested in education!
-- Michael Lubelfeld, EdD, Author & Public School Superintendent
Table of ContentsForeword by Joshua Starr Acknowledgments About the Author INTRODUCTION Creatively Comply! Reform Defined Purposes Audience Framing the Issues Organization of the Book Features of the Book Why I Wrote This Book Part I. Reform Critique CHAPTER 1. ETHICAL CONTEXT OF EDUCATION REFORM AND COMPLIANCE Reform Ethics Within the Context of Education Reform The Ethical Dilemma Ethical Responsibility Leadership Take-Away: Ethics CHAPTER 2. CREATIVE COMPLIANCE Creative Leadership Pathways Seven Creative Compliance Strategies Compliance Entrepreneur Failure Is an Option Leadership Take-Away: Creative Compliance CHAPTER 3. REFRAMING REFORM Reframe It! Framing Reform A Framework for Critique Ethical Evidence Now What? and Creative Compliance Leadership Take-Away: Framing Reform Part II. Reform Case Studies CHAPTER 4. CASE STUDY 1: REFRAMING RIGOR Origins of Rigor What Is Rigor? Redefining Rigor Complexity Versus Difficulty Goldilocks View of Rigor Complex Curriculum Standards Rigor in the Context of Democracy Functional Fixedness and Knowledge Reproduction So What? Understanding the Big Picture of Rigor Ethical Considerations Creative Compliance and Now What? Leadership Take-Away: Rigor CHAPTER 5. CASE STUDY 2: USING OR ABUSING STANDARDIZED TEST RESULTS? Large-Scale Use Three-Legged Stool of Validity Standards of Testing So What? Understanding the Big Picture of Assessment Use Ethical Considerations Creative Compliance: Now What? Leadership Take-Away: Testing Use CHAPTER 6. CASE STUDY 3: MERIT PAY Money for Merit Theoretical Frameworks for Merit Pay Previous Experience With Merit Pay in Education Profit Over People So What? Understanding the Big Picture of Merit Pay Ethical Considerations Creative Compliance: Now What? Leadership Take-Away: Merit Pay Part III. Promising Practices CHAPTER 7. CASE STUDY 4: RECESS OF THE MIND Walking in Their Shoes Options for Recess of the Mind Move It! Recess of the Mind at Work S.W.A.G Mindfulness in Nanuet Well-Being in White Plains Charting a Course in Pennsylvania So What? Understanding the Big Picture of Recess of the Mind Creative Compliance Leadership Take-Away: Recess of the Mind CHAPTER 8. CASE STUDY 5: PROBLEM- AND PROJECT-BASED LEARNING Importance of Active Learning So What? Understanding the Big Picture of PBL Creative Compliance Leadership Take-Away: PBL CHAPTER 9. FINAL ISSUES Spencer Returns Top 10 Crack the Code and Act! References Index
