Full Description
"Anyone in the education field would benefit from reading this book. Ron Nash expertly weaves in case studies illustrating the topic of each chapter. He has inspired me to continue to focus on improvement in my school."
—Jill Broaddus, Principal
Cool Spring Elementary, Leesburg, VA
Elevate your team's attitude from "whatever" to "whatever it takes"
Seasoned educator Ron Nash shares the results of his visits to schools where "we will do better" has replaced "whatever" as the official mantra. His findings will inspire school staff members to embark on their own continuous improvement journeys and model that experience for their students. This book provides a framework for individual reflection and evaluation of schools' processes as part of a professional development program. Ideally, all staff members will be on board. But even with less than 100% support, each person can make a difference. The results speak for themselves:
Inspired and empowered staff members
Active classrooms with engaged students who enjoy school
A customer service-oriented culture where parents feel welcome and valued
A schoolwide commitment to sustaining improvement efforts
Included are strategies, action items, processes, and examples from successful programs nationwide. From the classroom to the lunchroom, students learn from those around them. By modeling commitment, self-renewal, and persistence in the face of difficulties, we are teaching skills that will serve students well in adulthood.
Contents
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Prologue
1. Going Viral With Improvement
2. Change and the Status Quo
3. School Environment as Accelerant
4. Classroom Environment as Accelerant
5. Systematizing Process Improvement in the Classroom
6. Facilitating the Long Haul
7. Not Waiting for the "Go!"
8. Asking Questions and Getting Started
Epilogue
Appendix A. Processes Into Systems: Building Level
Appendix B. Building-Level Improvement Example
Appendix C. Processes into Systems: Classroom Level
Appendix D. Classroom-Level Improvement Examples
References
Index
