Description
Book SynopsisThis book outlines how administrators in our school system can move from managerial efforts to leadership functions. Identifying taxpayers as the school systems' foremost client presents leaders with the critical perspective for ensuring accountability. Government is the taxpayers' servant and act as managers of educational funding and programs, and is supported by administrators working in schools, districts and regional offices.A key understanding is that school is a student's place of work, and current processes for evaluating and reporting their progress identifies them as the most accountable workers in our culture. Taxpayers are better served when educators and government are held accountable by similar assessment processes. Accountability is enhanced when power for selecting teachers and schools is shifted from administrators to parents, and quantifiable information provides the basis for these decisions. Ensuring that students have their learning assessed consistently guarantee
Trade ReviewLeadership in Action provides a wide-ranging, engaging, and practical set of strategies to help school systems improve. In a crisp, fact-based approach, Dueck wrestles with core issues facing teachers, administrators and politicians today. Highly recommended for anyone looking for an honest assessment of how we can transform our schools and educational support systems. -- David Durance, President, Teach Beyond, Inc.
In his latest publication, Leadership in Action, Dr. Dueck presents an honest, but blunt, assessment of the lack of credible accountability in the public-school systems of North America. From the perspective of a long and successful career in public education, he documents the need for data driven criterion to evaluate all levels of the system. While many of the elements of this book may be controversial, a plethora of practical ideas are provided that make this a worthwhile read for all those who care about student success. -- Bruce Mills, BA, M Ed Admin. Director of Curriculum and Technology, Ret. School District #34 (Abbotsford); former instructor, Faculty of Education, Trinity Western University
Once again Dr. Dueck has demonstrated thoroughness and thoughtfulness in his concise exploration of the myths and realities of achieving the best possible education system and outcomes for students. It is refreshing to read the work of someone unafraid to challenge accepted narratives, particularly when those narratives lie on a foundation that is ideological rather than research-based. Whether you ultimately agree or disagree with the conclusions, this book is a must-read for anyone serious about exploring education reform. -- Tim Coates, former director, Diploma Examination at Alberta Education, Sessional Lecturer in Classroom Assessment at the University of Alberta, Educational Consultant
Table of ContentsPreface Introduction 1. Who Is the Client 2. Bonding with the Home 3. The Truth and Nothing But 4. Bonding with Students 5. Teacher Supervision and Development 6. Grade Level of Achievement 7. Teachers’ Inconsistency When Assessing Students 8. Grade Inflation Is Not Uniformly Evident 9. Superintendent Leadership 10. Coaches Are Not Reliable Evaluators 11. Provincial and State Leadership 12. Fully Enlisting Parents 13. Using Student Report Cards for Schools 14. Summary References
