Full Description
"A remarkable tool for educators and communities. We are fortunate that a very effective former superintendent and successful business person are willing to share their quest for ensuring that all students are well prepared for their futures."
—June St. Clair Atkinson, State Superintendent
North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
"Blends business principles with excellent leadership in one of America's largest school districts to create a model for achieving excellence in school districts everywhere. This is a well-written, practical illustration of how a leader makes things happen."
—Larry Price, Superintendent
Wilson County Schools, NC
Learn how school districts can go from average to outstanding!
The challenge of preparing children and youth for success in the 21st century requires improvement in the business of education. This unique resource provides an inside account of how Wake County Public Schools, one of the nation's largest school districts, made significant gains in student achievement and school performance over a ten-year period to become a shining example of success.
Award-winning superintendent Bill McNeal and successful businessman/school board member Tom Oxholm show readers how they established a partnership to help students meet grade-level expectations and support schools in closing achievement gaps. Through the authors' experience and tips, readers will discover how to facilitate:
Improved educational outcomes, especially among minority populations
Progressive instructional leadership
Fiscal responsibility and efficient allocation of resources
Stronger school-community relationships
Rich in examples, case studies, and data, A School District's Journey to Excellence is a much-needed map to excellence in public education.
Contents
Foreword by Governor Jim Hunt
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
1. Leadership in Context
2. Leadership and Courage
Accountability
Leadership
Organizing Your Leadership
Communicating With Your Public
Business Partnerships That Make a Difference
3. Leadership and Brains
Goal Setting and Planning
Making Use of Retreats
Training Leaders
Measuring Success
Dollars and Sense
4. Leadership and Heart
Students Matter Most
Teachers Matter Most
Parents Matter Most
Involving the Entire Village
5. Bringing It All Home
Making a Home of the School
Conclusion
Afterword
Appendices
A. Selected Readings Organized by Chapter
B. Criteria for a Superintendent's Evaluation
C. Recommendation for National Superintendent of the Year
D. National Recognitions for WCPSS and Wake County
Index
