Journey to a High-Achieving School

Eliminate Destructive Excuses

By (author) Fred J. Abbate, Ken Biddle, Joseph M. Tomaselli

Not available to order

Publication date:

16 May 2013

Length of book:

136 pages

Publisher

R&L Education

ISBN-13: 9781475800463

Journey to a High-Achieving School: Eliminate Destructive Excuses examines the range of devastating excuses often expressed for failure to attain significant improvement in our schools. Using the methods of systems thinking and leadership practices that are employed in high-performing organizations of all kinds, this book shows concretely and specifically that what is at the root of these excuses can be overcome. The core ideas at work in the volume are based on the authors' well-regarded Academy for Education Leaders, an intensive course of seminars conducted for school superintendents, principals, and other educational leaders for the past several years.

This is not a "quick fix" manual offering magic wands or silver bullets. It is a carefully-structured guidebook that can clearly and demonstrably help educational leaders at all levels of accountability begin to build a serious culture of excellence within their schools and school districts. Improvement will take time, but as the processes become familiar, school leaders can uncover and address the complex, but confused assumptions that keep standing in the way of the substantial and measurable improvements that must be made for our society's educational future.
Managing this rapidly changing education environment is a huge challenge. This book clearly communicates processes and practices that support educators in effectively navigating these challenges, and making a real difference for students staff and community stakeholders.

The authors of this book offer a rich array of practical and proven methods for establishing and sustaining a school culture of continuous improvement...It is a handbook for navigating the many challenges teachers and administrators face as they strive to ensure the highest student achievement.