"This indispensable volume provides a wealth of answers from the country's foremost educators and researchers." -Dennis Shirley, Professor Boston College Lynch School of Education, MA Keys to building socially just schools where achievement soars Research shows that students' sense of belonging in their school communities is critically linked to academic achievement. This ninth and final book in The Soul of Educational Leadership series offers practical strategies for promoting socially responsible school cultures that foster greater student engagement and democratic values. A joint publication with the American Association of School Administrators and the HOPE Foundation, with contributions from renowned educators Bonnie Davis, Linda Skrla, Randall Lindsey, and others, this book explores the key concepts of respect, equity, and character, and examines tough issues such as: Reflecting on our backgrounds and assumptions Modeling socially responsible behavior Teaching students to discern injustice Enacting a zero-tolerance policy toward bullying Students will shape tomorrow based on what they learn today. This compact guide equips educators to implement democratic practices, act in socially just ways, and impart democratic values to the citizens of the future.
"This book has the potential to recenter our national conversation on education policy by examining professional issues through powerful personal experience." -Kathleen Cushman, Author, Fires in the Mind "As an experienced teacher and administrator, I found myself moved, inspired, and motivated to do whatever it takes to provide meaningful learning experiences for all children." -Roberto A. Pamas, Principal, O.W. Holmes Middle School, Falls Church, VA Education reform begins when we reconnect with the common purpose behind every educational endeavor The former executive director of the American Association of School Administrators outlines a coherent countervision of the factors educators must consider in order to turn schools back into places that nurture children. There are basic truths about what motivates people, Paul D. Houston argues, and educators must embed these truths in the educational process. In this book, educators will find inspiration and guidance through: Eighteen beautifully written, thought-provoking essays on how we can transform our schools Chapter-by-chapter questions to inspire reflection, discussion, and professional development A broad range of topics spanning from the magic of learning to global education to the perils of accountability Houston's words will resonate with anyone committed to improving schools, and will help educators examine their own beliefs, develop a common vision, and enact reform.
"Establishing school-family-community partnerships to promote the social, emotional, and academic learning of students is the most important challenge for 21st-century education. In this volume, leading practitioners and researchers compellingly convey the rationale and inspiration for these partnerships. They also share many practical, innovative, and effective strategies that readers can readily implement to engage partners in raising knowledgeable, responsible, caring, and contributing children." -Roger P. Weissberg, Liberal Arts and Sciences Distinguished Professor University of Illinois at Chicago Making schooling a community endeavor! Because schools are the heart and soul of a community, educational leaders have a responsibility to bring the community into the school, as well as to make the school a part of the surrounding community. This volume in the Soul of Educational Leadership series goes beyond administrative skills to examine educators' pivotal role of leading family and community involvement in school success. With articles written by leading authorities and practitioners in the field, this resource discusses how school leaders can build successful family and community partnerships that flourish even in trying circumstances and over time. Readers will find: Contributions from Alan M. Blankstein, Pedro A. Noguera, Mavis G. Sanders, Paul D. Houston, Edward H. Moore, and others Inspiring and unique perspectives on the interplay of family and community in school success Ideas for engaging families as partners
Use the power of data-and the insights it provides-to enhance your leadership practice! Offering key concepts about how the informed use of data can translate into highly effective school leadership, this seventh volume in The Soul of Educational Leadership series demonstrates how educational leaders can apply data strategically to strengthen school leadership and significantly improve professional learning, students' learning experiences, and schoolwide performance. Copublished with the HOPE Foundation and the American Association of School Administrators and featuring state-of-the-art contributions from Jesse Rodriguez, Lorna M. Earl, Steven Katz, Eileen Depka, Kay Burke, and other experts, this compact book combines research, practice, and innovative thinking to help readers determine what kind of data they need and how to use their findings to: Create a culture of professional inquiry that drives staff development Redefine curriculum, instruction, and assessment in standards-based classrooms Raise student achievement Determine best uses for technology to benefit administrators, teachers, and students Regularly fine tune the decision-making process
Meet the challenges of today's changing schools through shared leadership! Today's rapidly changing schools and educational trends present administrators and school leaders with unique challenges. This fifth volume in the Soul of Educational Leadership series offers inspiring articles that examine how to sustain the achievements of school communities while building shared leadership to carry on the work of school improvement, even when facing tight budgets or a change in leadership. Bringing together a powerful group of leading educational thinkers such as Michael Fullan, Dennis Sparks, Linda Lambert, Dean Fink, Alma Harris, and many others, this volume explores a variety of timely topics for reflection, discussion, and practice, including: The characteristics and nature of effective leadership Sustainable leadership built on shared vision Improving classroom teaching and student learning Large-scale reforms that benefit the entire school community Recruiting and developing new leaders, and much more! This book is an ideal reference for busy administrators dedicated to continued educational excellence.
The sixth volume in the Soul of Educational Leadership series offers key ideas on effective diplomacy and communication strategies for school leaders. With contributions from top leadership figures like Paul Houston, John R. Hoyle, Rich Bagin, and Daniel Pink, among others, this book combines research and thought-provoking ideas for improving practice. Readers will find articles on:Creating a dynamic, effective districtwide communication systemHow superintendents can respond to district challenges and issuesUsing blogs as a communication toolThe importance of educating studentsafora'high-concept and high-touch' qualities such as imagination, joyfulness, and social dexterity
Transforming American Education Through Heart and Soul
"A brilliant distillation of the best thinking from one of the great minds in our field. This funny, uplifting page-turner inspires profound 'aha' moments necessary for being a 'hope-pusher' internally while effectively advocating for children in the larger community." -Alan M. Blankstein, President HOPE Foundation "Paul Houston thinks like a man of action and acts like a man of thought. His writings are packed with the wisdom, grace, and innovation that have made him one of the true leaders in American public education today." -Daniel H. Pink, Author A Whole New Mind "This book translates the real issues in public education into sublime teachings for life." -Anne L. Bryant, Executive Director National School Boards Association "Paul Houston is a crusader for American public education. His fresh ideas provide answers to some of the toughest challenges our schools and school leaders face today." -Richard Riley, Former U.S. Secretary of Education "In these timeless essays, Houston opens our minds with his powerful thoughts, touches our hearts with his understanding and passion, and invites us to see public schools and the children we serve in a new light." -Gail Connelly, Executive Director National Association of Elementary School Principals "Paul Houston's extensive knowledge of the issues facing today's busy school administrators is unparalleled. This collection is indeed a testament to Houston's legacy and his deep love for and commitment to public education." -Gerald N. Tirozzi, Executive Director National Association of Secondary School Principals A collection of influential, insightful, and inspiring articles from an educational leadership expert! In this resource, retiring executive director of the American Association of School Administrators, former superintendent, and best-selling author Paul D. Houston examines the growing complexity of the educational process and the challenge of transforming learning into an engaging, meaningful-and even joyful-experience. Houston offers enlightening perspectives on global competition, the widening economic gulf between social classes, the explosion of information, and a landscape of competing expectations. This provocative book views education as "soul work" touching the deepest part of the human spirit and covers: What it means to be a leader The challenges of transforming public education How leaders can champion learning and education Lessons from the field
The fourth of a new book series on The Soul of Educational Leadership, this concise volume offers key ideas and strategies for identifying the spiritual, moral, and ethical dimensions of school leadership practice. With contributions from top leadership figures like Terry Deal, Dawna Markova, and Scott Thompson among others, this book combines research and thought-provoking ideas for practice.
"A useful book for those who want to find balance in their lives and add a dimension of spirituality to their leadership." -Kenneth Killian, Assistant Professor Vanguard University of Southern California "The information is approachable, nonthreatening, and personal. The authors discuss their own past roles as educational leaders, providing instant credibility." -Jennifer Baadsgaard, Assistant Principal Roosevelt High School, San Antonio, TX Revitalize your leadership and help shape a better future for the students you serve! This fourth volume of The Soul of Educational Leadership series offers key strategies for identifying the moral and ethical dimensions of school leadership practice. With thought-provoking contributions from top leadership figures like Terrence E. Deal, Dawna Markova, and Scott Thompson, this enlightening resource combines research with innovative ideas for practice and emphasizes: Spirituality within a life-sustaining context The role of spirituality in empowering leaders as agents for transformative change A moral obligation to create safe and supportive learning spaces for students Spirituality in Educational Leadership helps educators align everyday practice with core values in ways that will make a significant difference in their professional and personal lives.
