Full Description
"Schools That Change integrates equal parts passion and intellect. A well-crafted contribution to the literature on successful reform and a sophisticated and nuanced book that should be read with care."
—From the Foreword by Michael Fullan
"Schools have shown themselves to be gifted and talented at resisting and subverting change. Lew Smith hands us the keys to the storehouse of insights about how schools can change—really change."
—Roland Barth, Founder, The Principals' Center, Harvard University
Author, Lessons Learned
Learn from schools that have made meaningful, positive, and lasting changes!
With an in-depth look at eight schools across the nation—winners of the National School Change Awards—this illuminating resource shows how schools can transform themselves from low-performing into exemplary national status.
Qualitative research, specific examples, and portraiture offer an inside view of the day-to-day dynamics of change in schools. This insightful book examines questions such as:
Why are some schools able to change while other schools cannot?
Why are people challenged by change?
What is the best way to measure change?
What professional characteristics must principals develop to bring about significant and sustainable change?
Learn how your school can realize substantive change that supports a culture of learning, teacher development, and enhanced student achievement.
Contents
List of Figures
Foreword by Michael Fullan
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Introduction
Part I. The Dynamics of Change
1. Describing Change
2. Measuring Change
3. Examining Change
Part II. The Elementary Schools
4. "We're Closing This School": Government Hill Elementary: Anchorage, Alaska
5. "This School Must Be a Sanctuary": John Williams School No. 5: Rochester, New York
6. "California Dreaming": Skycrest Elementary: Citrus Heights, California
7. "We Succeed. No Exceptions. No Excuses": South Heights Elementary: Henderson, Kentucky
Part III. The Secondary Schools
8. "If the System Doesn't Work, Go Around It": Gustav Fritsche Middle School: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
9. "Desegregation or Else": George Washington Carver Academy: Waco, Texas
10. "Surrender Was Not an Option": Louis W. Fox Academic and Technical High School: San Antonio, Texas
11. "Why Are We Here?": Niles High School: Niles, Michigan
Part IV. Bringing About Significant School Change: The Essential Elements
12. The Essential Elements: Context
13. The Essential Elements: Capacity
14. The Essential Elements: Conversations
Part V. Bringing About Significant School Change: The Catalytic Variables
15. The Catalytic Variables: Internal Dissonance
16. The Catalytic Variables: External Forces
17. The Catalytic Variables: Leadership
Part VI. Creating Meaning
18. The Lessons We Can Learn
References and Suggested Readings
Credits
Index
