Administration/Leadership
-- Curriculum Connections, 10/1/2008
GRAY, Susan Penny & William A. Streshly. From Good Schools to Great Schools: What Their Principals Do Well. 157p. bibliog. index. CIP. Corwin. 2008. Tr $68.95. ISBN 978-1-4129-4898-2; pap. $31.95. ISBN 978-1-4129-4899-9. LC 2007022028.
The authors identify and explore nine characteristics of successful school leadership and make comparisons to the qualities and actions of exemplary private sector CEOs. Six case studies of outstanding principals are detailed; reflective questions for application of leadership principles are included; and templates, tips, and additional resources are provided. An invaluable resource for aspiring and experienced administrators. B
HORD, Shirley M. & William A. Sommers. Leading Professional Learning Communities: Voices from Research and Practice. 184p. bibliog. index. CIP. Corwin. 2008. Tr $68.95. ISBN 978-1-4129-4476-2; pap. $31.95. ISBN 978-1-4129-4477-9. LC 2007026276.
Whether seasoned or novice administrators, this resource will provide readers with practical suggestions to develop or enhance their Professional Learning Communities (PLC). Vignettes, quotes, and lessons from the field demonstrate the characteristics of effective PLCs and offer strategies for sustaining success. B
JASON, Martin H. Evaluating Programs to Increase Student Achievement. 2nd ed. 208p. bibliog. index. CIP. Corwin. 2008. Tr $68.95. ISBN 978-1-4129-5124-1; pap. $31.95. ISBN 978-1-4129-5125-8. LC 2007040297.
Effective program evaluation involves all school personnel. This second edition focuses on a collaborative approach to ongoing program assessment that will promote positive school culture, improve teachers’ sense of accomplishment, and contribute to student success. Updated tools include needs assessment, data analysis, graphs for communicating results, and facilitators’ guide and checklist. B
LEITHWOOD, Kenneth & Brenda Beatty. Leading with Teacher Emotions in Mind. 192p. bibliog. index. CIP. Corwin. 2007. Tr $62.95. ISBN 978-1-4129-4144-0; pap. $28.95. ISBN 978-1-4129-4145-7. LC 2007026275.
What causes burnout? What effects job satisfaction? Why is teacher efficacy integral to student achievement? Utilizing case scenarios and teacher quotes and drawing on current theory and research, the authors explore these and other questions. B
MILSTEIN, Mike M. & Doris Annie Henry. Leadership for Resilient Schools and Communities. 2nd ed. 178p. bibliog. index. CIP. Corwin. 2007. Tr $70.95. ISBN 978-1-4129-5593-5; pap. $33.95. ISBN 978-1-4129-5594-2. LC 2007040307.
Resiliency can mean the difference between school success and failure. This interactive workbook provides administrators with tips and practical tools to help create positive change in the way a community responds to challenge. B
ROBERTS, Walter B., Jr. Working with Parents of Bullies and Victims. 135p. bibliog. index. CIP. Corwin. 2007. Tr $58.95. ISBN 978-1-4129-5103-6; pap. $26.95. ISBN 978-1-4129-5104-3. LC 2007017362.
This critically needed resource provides clear rationale for why bullying must be addressed quickly, involving a frequently underutilized partner—parents. Annotated scripts of dialogues to use with cooperative, less-than-cooperative, and defensive parents provide realistic examples of how to include them in the solution. A superb guide. B
SMITH, Lew. Schools That Change: Evidence-Based Improvement and Effective Change Leadership. 298p. bibliog. further reading. index. CIP. Corwin. 2007. Tr $80.95. ISBN 978-1-4129-4951-4. pap. $38.95. ISBN 978-1-4129-4952-1. LC 2007031657.
Change is inevitable, but not easy, especially in failing schools. Why do some organizations succeed, while others falter? After describing and examining school change, the author highlights eight institutions, both elementary and secondary, that were successful in transforming themselves into model programs. B
WISE, Bob. Raising the Grade: How High School Reform Can Save Our Youth and the Nation. 280p. bibliog. index. CIP. Jossey-Bass. 2008. Tr $24.95. ISBN 978-0-470-18027-3. LC 2007039590.
Wise’s compelling reasons to assess our high school systems are economically and socially grounded. To support his case, the former governor of West Virginia discusses current data trends and provides a rich array of insightful anecdotes. He articulates 10 essential elements that institutions should have in place to maximize student engagement. B
