1st Edition
Examining What We Do To Improve Our Schools Eight Steps from Analysis to Action
This book shows school leaders how they can infuse their daily practice with an examination of the actions they take to improve their schools. It identifies eight steps that inform the school improvement process and boost student achievement.
These steps provide a framework for examining school improvement as part of a genuine process with meaning and value for all those involved.
Having a Shared Vision
Understanding the Need for Inquiry
Valuing Improvement by Providing Time for Improvement
Building Interpersonal Trust
And more...
Analyzing Data
Monovision Analysis
The Performance Dashboard
Analyzing Data
Finding Time
And more...
Developing Deeper Understanding
Techniques for Developing Understanding
Tool 3.1 Selecting Data Collection Techniques
And more...
Engaging in Self-Reflection
Seeing the Changing World More Clearly
Tool 4.1 Who Am I?
And more...
Exploring Programmatic Patterns
Asking the Right Questions Programmatic Patterns in the Achievement Gap
How do Biases Affect Inquiry?
And more...
Determining Direction
Get Everybody on the Bus
How Priorities are Established
Tool 6.1 Developing Consensus Building Skills
And more...
Taking Action
Organizing the Work: Action Committees
Writing a Plan of Action
And more...
Sustaining Improvements
Strategies for Sustaining Improvement
The Challenge to Examine Ways to Improve Schools
Tool 8.1 CARE Model Planning Tool
And more...
Biography
Sandra Harris is Professor and Director of the Center for Doctoral Studies in Educational Leadership at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, where she teaches courses in social justice and qualitative research. Formerly, she served as a teacher, principal, and superintendent in public and private schools. Her scholarship agenda includes administrator preparation and building relationship-oriented, socially-just school environments. She has authored or co-authored over 100 journal articles and book chapters as well as 15 books including BRAVO Teacher, BRAVO Principal, and Managing Conflict: 50 Strategies for School Leaders. She presents at regional, state, and national conferences on these and other related topics, in addition to consulting with school districts., Stacey L. Edmonson is Professor and Director of the Center for Research and Doctoral Studies in Educational Leadership at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, where she teaches courses in qualitative research, instructional theory, and school law. Formerly, she has been a central office administrator, principal, and teacher in Texas public schools. Her research interests include stress and burnout among educators, legal issues in education, and educator ethics. She has authored several books and articles and presents at regional, state, and national conferences on these and other related topics, in addition to consulting with school districts., Julie P. Combs is currently Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership at Sam Houston State University. Prior to her position in higher education, she served as a campus principal for 10 years. She has given over 75 international, national, state, and local presentations, one-half of which include consultations with schools and districts. She has published numerous journal articles, book chapters, and co-authored the book, Managing Conflict: 50 Strategies for School Leaders. Her current research interests include trust and leadership, the roles and
