Full Description
For leaders ready to address the challenging work of transformative change, this inspiring book provides the framework to move forward with confidence and purpose.
This groundbreaking guide introduces the Awakening Developing Deepening (ADD) Impact Framework, a revolutionary approach that challenges the traditional school reform formula in favor of authentic, community-driven transformation. Drawing from research and real-world experience, the authors argue that transformation emerges not from technical solutions, but from adaptive processes that honor the lived experiences of all stakeholders. Each chapter features testimonies and interactive elements to help readers assess organizational readiness for meaningful change; navigate resistance while getting buy-in from everyone in the school communityfacilitate professional development that empowers rather than prescribes; and transform the theoretical framework into action. The text includes thought-provoking questions and reflective exercises inviting readers to engage deeply with the material as a resource for individual and team development.
Book Features:
Innovative Framework for Educational Change: The ADD Impact Framework distinguishes itself by bridging the gap between theoretical understanding and actionable steps that directly benefit students and communities.
Interactive Professional Development Tool: Strategically placed "pause points" allow readers to personalize the content to their specific school context and leadership challenges.
Deepening Dialogue Tools for Cultural Change: These facilitation exercises help leadership teams move beyond surface-level discussions to address the underlying beliefs and practices that influence student outcomes.
Authentic Leadership Testimonies: These candid insights into both successes and failures normalize the challenges school leaders face while demonstrating achievable pathways to success.
Contents
Contents
Foreword Gaye Lang ix
Acknowledgments xi
Introduction 1
Part I: Awakening
1. Leading for Impact: The Awakening Developing Deepening Framework 9
Pause for Reflection 9
Kelly's Leadership Testimony: Don't Lose Focus on Impact 9
Why Lead for Impact? 10
Developing a Mindset for Impact 19
Chapter Summary 21
Deepening Dialogue Exercise: Impact Gap Analysis 22
2. From Unconscious to Awareness of Beliefs: Beginning the Awakening Phase 24
Pause for Reflection 24
Leadership Testimony: Deirdre—I Didn't Lead With Why 24
What Does the Leader Believe? 25
Creating Awareness for Change With Leaders' Beliefs 27
Know What Teachers Believe 28
Observing Beneath the Surface 33
Chapter Summary 34
Deepening Dialogue Exercise: Bridging Identities, Actions, and Beliefs 34
3. The Leader's Awakening Journey: Motivated to Make a Change 37
Pause for Reflection 37
Leadership Testimony: Deirdre—When You Do All You Can and Nothing Changes 37
Why the Leader's Awakening Journey Is First 38
Understanding the Roots of Beliefs 39
Chapter Summary 45
Deepening Dialogue Exercise: Personal Narrative Map 45
Part II: Developing
4. Creating a Shared Understanding of Impact and Preparing for the Developing Phase 51
Pause for Reflection 51
Leadership Testimony: Kelly—Bringing Everyone Together 51
Developing a Shared Meaning of Impact 52
Creating a New Vision for Impact 54
Core Principles for Impact 55
Understanding the Emotional Connection to Change 59
Establishing Reflective Learning Communities for Impact 61
Chapter Summary 64
Deepening Dialogue Exercise: Desired State of Being Planning Tool 65
5. Adult Learning for Impact: Surfacing, Challenging, and Changing Beliefs 68
Pause for Reflection 68
Leadership Testimony: Deirdre—From Passion to Power to Change 68
Creating the Space Required for Developing 69
Center Adult Learning 74
Cycle of Improvement 79
Chapter Summary 84
Deepening Dialogue Exercise: Barriers to Bridges for Impact 86
Part III: Deepening
6. Deepening Impact With the Continuous Change Process 91
Pause for Reflection 91
Leadership Testimony: Kelly—Improvement for the Community 91
STUDY-PLAN-ACT (SPA) 92
Understanding the Narrative (Study) 95
Confronting Systems (Prepare and Plan) 96
Action-Oriented Change (Act) 97
Factors That Drive I-Continuous Improvement (Impact) 98
Chapter Summary 99
Deepening Dialogue Exercise: Aligning Systems for Impact 100
7. Moving From I to We 102
Pause for Reflection 102
Leadership Testimony: Deirdre—From Reflection to Action 102
Extending Impact 103
Beyond the School Walls: Transforming Systems for a Stronger School Community 106
Metrics for Success 109
Leaving a Legacy 109
Chapter Summary 111
Deepening Dialogue Exercise: Reimagining a School for Impact 112
Epilogue 114
What We've Learned About Impacting Schools 116
References 119
Index 123
About the Authors 126
