Full Description
How to bring out the best in your staff—and in yourself
Research shows that the single variable that makes the most difference in student performance is the quality of the teacher. How do we keep teachers motivated in the face of increased pressure for grades, class sizes and media attention? How do we attract and retain high-quality teachers? This inspiring text offers a refreshing alternative to the portfolio and high-stakes accountability models of school improvement. Based on the successful methods of Dealous Cox, The Relentless Pursuit of Excellence describes a leadership philosophy based on the search for wisdom through personal reflection and community. The authors share their experience with this leadership style and document the sustainable results of transformational leaders working with teachers as partners rather than adversaries. These results include
Consistently improved teacher performance
Improved teacher quality
Greater professional satisfaction for teachers
Stronger community support for schools
Richard Sagor and Deborah Rickey have tracked this established leadership model for more than 30 years. Their work shows how, when sustained over time, these leadership principles have transformed professional behavior throughout school districts and made a long-term difference for teachers and students.
Contents
List of Figures
Foreword by Sheldon H. Berman
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
Introduction
1. The West Linn School District
District Context
2. Three Key Leadership Functions
Transformational Leadership
The Development and Nurturing of Shared Community Vision
The Development and Nurturing of an Ethic of Continuous Improvement
The Development and Nurturing of the Organization's Commitment to Productive and Ethical Human Relations
Quaker Theology: As a Belief System and a Metaphor
3. Making a Virtue Out of a Necessity: The Beginnings of the People Strategy
The People Strategy for School Improvement
Supervising the Probationary Teacher
Annual Celebration of Excellence
4. Hiring the Very Best
The Eye of the Proprietor
Faculty Recruitment/Selection at West Linn High School
Reflection Questions: Hiring the Very Best
5. Making Continuous Professional Learning an Organizational Norm
Professional Development and the People Strategy
Professional Development Strategy #1: Budgeted Building and District Funds
Professional Development Strategy #2: Professional Growth Planning
Professional Development Strategy #3: Tuition Reimbursement
Professional Development Strategy #4: Cooperative Master's Program
Professional Development Strategy #5: Professional Development Fund
Leading Through Limited Partnerships
Reflection Questions: Making Continuous Professional Learning an Organizational Norm
6. Providing Responsive Developmental Supervision
Four Key Concepts Governing Supervision
Supervision When Professionals Are Having Problems
A Veteran Teacher Struggling With Classroom Management
Reflection Questions: Providing Responsive Developmental Supervision
7. Differentiated Supervision: Evaluation Outside the Box
Supervision and Evaluation at West Linn High School
When is Traditional Evaluation Necessary?
The Proposal for a Differentiated Supervision System
Reflection Questions: Differentiated Supervision
8. The Extended Shadow of the Leader
An Outside Superintendent
Example #1: Assigning Students to Classrooms at Cedaroak Park Elementary School
A Keen Eye for Talent
Example #2: Multiage Classrooms at Boeckman Creek Elementary School
Reflection Questions: The Extended Shadow of Leadership
9. The Acceptance of Uncertainty
Scientific Management and Proven Practices
Feigning Certainty
Choosing a District-Wide Computing Platform
Providing Developmentally Appropriate Education at Willamette Elementary School
Uncertainty and School Culture
Reflection Questions: Acceptance of Uncertainty
10. Hubris: An Ever Present Concern
The "Worrier in Chief"
The Political Context of Public Schools
Owning Up To Flaws
The High School Annual Report: Warts and All
The Gang of 1,000
Reflection Questions: Keeping Hubris at Bay
A Final Word
Epilogue
References
Index
