Description
Book SynopsisNo matter what variety of educational program is used to motivate students the bottom line is knowing the people within the circle of influence are behind every effort the student faces. Our students are the future leaders, parents, workers and citizens of our society. While tests and accountability are very important; the outcome is far greater than basing achievement on individual performance on tests. Information included in More Than a Test Score, derives from educators who empower students to take ownership in their educational journey by using a variety of strategies and programs to meet the needs of the students. The strategies target academic, behavioral and social components in education. Each successful program has one common element that rises above anything else and that is the element called empowerment! Building relationships is one of the main keys to success in school and every endeavor faced by the youth of our society. Success stories are included to show how caring has made a difference with all those involved.
Trade ReviewAs a teacher and administrator, I have had the great privilege to work with colleagues who have not only shaped the lives of their students, but who have also shaped my life, personally and professionally. Dr. Melinda Strickland is definitely one of those people. Her dedication to the success of her students is contagious, and her commitment to helping students reach their potential knows no barriers or obstacles. More Than a Test Score attests to Dr. Strickland’s expertise as an educational leader, as well as her insight into the complexity of educating, motivating, and supporting the at-risk learner. Dr. Strickland is without a doubt, 'more than a principal.' -- Dr. Lynn Plunkett, Superintendent, Floyd County Schools, Rome, GA
More Than a Test Score is an exciting, accessible tool alive with useful innovations needing utilized in alternative education. Filled with lively examples, the book reveals the power of real options. Dr. Melinda Strickland provides a much needed treatment of real choices aimed at the educator who believes in being real. It is comprehensive, highly readable, and replete with useful examples. Dr. Strickland took the things that so many of us in education know intuitively and put them to pen and paper. It was such a huge help to have them articulated so well—it provided a deeper explanation of many of the things I have talked about with my colleagues in Georgia and throughout the United States. -- Jerry Randolph, Alternative Education Programs and Magnet Schools,Office of Education Support and Improvement, Georgia Department of Education
The heart-beat of a successful alternative education program is an experienced, determined and tenacious caring adult that will continuously offer new directions for students. Dr. Strickland details a roadmap to exemplary outcomes through her lifelong pursuit of excellence in all areas. She clearly demonstrates that student lives are 'More than a Test Score.' -- Lori L. Lamb, President of National Alternative Education Association, Director of Alternative Education, Arkansas Department of Education
This easy-to-read book focuses on how the overemphasis on high-stakes tests for difficult-to-teach students may be a threat to their futures. Strickland (principal, Floyd County Education Center) has spent decades working with students in alternative educational settings, and relates numerous specific strategies for making the best of bad situations. Not merely stressing ways to improve academic performance and hence achieve better test scores, Strickland provides ways to actively engage students and, in the process, make them better people. The book offers success stories as well as stories about attempts to work with students that resulted in less than satisfactory outcomes. The author does a good job of letting the reader know that one size does not fit all, and that what works in one situation will probably not be as useful in another. Ways to involve students in community service, increase attendance, become sensitive to the needs of families and caregivers, and basically 'parent a wayward teenager' are stressed. The book contains brief descriptions of some excellent ways to turn incorrigible youth back to the right path, and educators will be able to put these ideas into practice in quick order. Summing Up: Recommended. * CHOICE *
Table of ContentsForeword by Franklin Schargel Introduction Chapter 1: The Power of the Test Score Chapter 2: MIA: Mission in Action Service Learning Chapter 3: A-B-C It’s Easy as 1-2-3 Academic Strategies Chapter 4: From Zeroes to Heroes The Tier Factor Program Behavior Strategy Chapter 5: Connecting the Dots . . . Social/Community Strategies Chapter 6: Beyond Brick and Mortar Parent Strategies Chapter 7: Running on Empty Voices of Student Success Conclusion Appendices A Weight Training Work-Out Chart B An Ounce of Prevention C How is Obesity More than just Being Overweight? D Weekly Goal Sheet E Student Goal Sheet F Student Sample Goal Sheet
