Description
Book SynopsisMost guides to the process of turning around low-performing schools are written for principals and policy makers. Teachers, however, are the individuals expected to conduct the heavy lifting of school improvement. Teachers' Guide to School Improvement is the first book on the subject written expressly for teachers. In this expanded second edition, teachers are shown a step-by-step process for raising student achievement, beginning with the diagnosis of the causes of low achievement and extending through the crucial first year of turnaround and beyond. Examples of effective turnaround practices are drawn from a variety of elementary, middle, and high schools.
Trade ReviewSchool improvement is hard work, particularly in challenging contexts, and there are no silver-bullets or shortcuts. Written especially for teachers engaged in this vital work, and based on their extensive on-the-ground work in such schools, the authors provide a framework and lessons that are powerful, practical, and process-focused that can help guide you through the unique challenges of turning around your school. Anyone with a genuine interest in bringing about substantial improvement in their school should devour the clear and highly accessible insights offered in this book. -- Scott C. Bauer, associate professor of education leadership, and director, Division of Individual & Organizational Transformation, Geroge Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia
Is your faculty faced with the challenge of improving results for your students? Teacher's Guide to School Turnarounds is a sensible guide for school leaders and teachers that points you toward the questions that need to be asked before setting out on the journey of school improvement. It offers strategic options and useful tools you can employ to bring about meaningful change. Accessible and insightful, this book provides a practical means of leveraging the collective wisdom that exists in your school and its community to create a better future for your students. -- Dr. Philip Hallinger, Joseph Lau chair professor of leadership and change, Hong Kong Institute of Education
Even if not leading a turnaround, this book will enable school leaders to better diagnose school performance and give focus to their improvement efforts. In particular, the follow-up activities will help administrators to problem solve and fine tune current school initiatives. -- Dr. Jeffrey D. Carroll, Principal, Warhill High School (Williamsburg, VA)
Table of ContentsPreface Chapter 1: It Takes a Faculty to Turn around a School Chapter 2: School Turnaround Is Not a Myth Chapter 3: Why Are Some Schools Less Successful Than Other Schools? Chapter 4: Inquiring into the Health of Your School Chapter 5: Taking Stock: The First Step in the Planning Process Chapter 6: Thinking Strategically about Turnaround Strategies Chapter 7: The First Year of the School Turnaround Process Chapter 8: Turning around a School with a New Faculty Chapter 9: Keys to Sustaining a Successful School Turnaround Chapter 10: Those Who Can, Teach; Those Who Can Teach, Change Chapter 11: Turnaround Resources Appendix A: Need for Change Assessment Appendix B: Conditions Associated with Low Performance in Schools Appendix C: Student Assessment of Learning Environment (SALE) Grades 3–12 Appendix D: First Steps: A Diagnostic Tool for School Turnaround Specialists Appendix E: What Works and What Doesn’t Work with School Turnarounds? Appendix F: Turnaround Tips Organized by Chapter Appendix G: Turnaround Traps Organized by Chapter About the Authors
