Description
Book SynopsisThe Hard Truth is a book written for principals and school administrators who want to implement effective change. The topics of the book candidly discuss the problems, people, and issues that get in the way of true school reform; and what building level principals can personally do attain the best possible outcomes.
Trade ReviewThis book is appropriately titled. Dr. Yisrael tells it like it is without watering it down. This is one of the poignant books about urban school reform that I’ve ever read. -- Vanessa Enoch, Educational Researcher and Advocate
In this book, Dr. Yisrael really tells the hard truth about urban education. He vividly discusses issues affecting schools that others are afraid to say. -- Jeremiah Johnson, Educator
Finally, a book that reveals how the politics of education often get in the way of a principal’s ability to lead a school out of failure. Bravo to Dr. Yisrael. -- Diane Weems, Associate Principal
This book is a must read for any school administrator working in a tough school setting. -- Dr. Carlos Blair, Principal, Ohio
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Preface Introduction Chapter One: The Leadership Void in Today’s Urban Schools ·Courageous Leadership Chapter Two: Conflict and Friction ·The Process for Resolving Conflicts Chapter Three: Individual Entrapments Chapter Four: Learn the School’s Culture (Before Trying to Improve It) ·Gathering Information Chapter Five: Irate Parents ·Parental Engagement Chapter Six: Troublemakers on the Staff ·Diehard Reform Antagonist ·The Process ·Applying Progressive Discipline Chapter Seven: Stagnation and Inefficiency ·Disrupt Their Routines ·Give Deadlines for Completing Tasks Chapter Eight: Disruptive Students ·The Process ·Create a School-Wide Discipline Plan Chapter Nine: Academic Instruction ·Hiring the “Right” Teachers ·Provide Teachers with Adequate Support Chapter Ten: Standardized Testing ·Learn All the Parameters of the Test ·Create Two Testing Cohorts ·Align the Standards ·Schedule a Pre-test Date ·Hire a Testing Coordinator ·Establish a Before- or After-School Tutoring Program ·The Principal’s Actions Chapter Eleven: Central Office Staff Chapter Twelve: The School’s Budget Chapter Thirteen: Social Media Chapter Fourteen: Practice Self-Reflection ·Reflect on Past Events ·Be Honest with Yourself
