Description
Book SynopsisA high-performing school is described as one where student achievement is high and student and teacher absenteeism is low. Student behavior is such that teachers seldom have to control them or tell them what to do. This results in greater time on task, higher teacher morale, low teacher absenteeism, and improved parental support. One other distinctive feature of a high-performing school is that the student peer group is a positive force and not a negative force. The end result is a school culture where faculty and students trust and care about each other, and there is a cooperative attitude.
Trade ReviewFaced with the outcry of accountability and school reform, this book offers a practical, easy approach, which includes simple strategies to reduce resistance to school reform and increase the caring learning environment. -- Dr. Janet M. McGee, instructor and coordinator, Educational Leadership for Regional Campuses, University of Central Florida
The well researched contents of this book are absolutely on target. It provides a practitioner's map for effectively creating high performing schools. -- Donald R. Thompson Ph.D, past president, American Association of School Administrators (AASA)
This book offers an extensive look at comprehensive school reform and emphasizes how an organizational approach to school reform creates a distinctly different school culture and climate that addresses the needs of school administrators, teachers, and students. This topic is crucial when creating a clear vision based on appropriate strategies and diagnostic tools. It will reach beyond current educational processes and provide insight and a novel approach to culture and climate as we work together to address comprehensive school reform. -- Dr. Diane Boothe, dean, college of education, University of Idaho
Dr. Bulach and his colleagues have tackled the big picture in education, school climate, that subtle source of the learning that shapes our whole society. But they do not stop there, they go on to demonstrate how positive school climate enhances academic achievement. Their book provides excellent guidance and practical suggestions for professional educators who want to change school dynamics and achievement. -- W.A. (Bill) Belanger Ph.D, president, BB Consultants for Change Ontario, Canada, and professor (retired), University of Ottawa
Much has been written about school reform recently but most fall short when one is looking for a complete package. I find this work to be very complete and would recommend it to any one looking for an up to date text book. Comprehensive school reform requires a positive climate, culture, clear mission, vision and personal learning environment. This manuscript contains all the ingredients necessary to build and maintain a high performing school that is demanded in today's schools. -- Winston D. Pickett Ed.D, retired executive director of the Tennessee Association of Middle Schools
Table of ContentsPART I: SCHOOL REFORM PROCESSES 1 A Four-Step Process for Identifying and Reshaping the Culture of a School: Phase 1 2 Implementing a Plan to Improve the Climate and Culture of the School: Phase 1 Continued 3 Power and Authority: Nine Techniques for Motivating Faculty and Students 4 Four Types of School Culture 5 A Character Education Program That Is the Foundation of a High-Performing School: Phase 4 PART II: ENHANCING A SCHOOL'S CULTURE AND CLIMATE 6 Six Strategies for Enhancing a School's Culture and Climate PART III: LEADERSHIP SKILLS NEEDED 7 Cultivating Community, Culture, and Learning 8 Professional Development 9 Management of the Program PART IV: INTERGROUP PROCESSES 10 Developing Interpersonal Relations 11 Self-Disclosure 12 Developing Trust 13 Values Clarification 14 Improving Communication Skills 15 Resolving Conflicts PART V: PROGRAM PLANNING 16 Design for Learning 17 Assessing Students' Interests and Attitudes PART VI: ASSESSMENT 18 Conferencing: Reporting Student Progress 19 Program Evaluation
