This book provides the busiest leaders with an accessible set of tools that can immediately be deployed to positively impact their school. Authors Ronald Williamson and Barbara R. Blackburn explore the COMPASS model—Culture; Ownership and Shared Vision; Managing Data; Professional Development; Advocacy; Shared Accountability; and Structures to Sustain Success—as an overall framework for school improvement. Chapters include in-depth discussions of easy-to-implement, useful strategies for improvement and address the most common concerns facing today’s school leaders. Supplemented with templates, charts, and other adaptable tools for ongoing, practical use, 7 Strategies for Improving Your School is your key guide to school improvement.

The untold story of the root cause of America's education crisis--and the seemingly endless cycle of multigenerational poverty. It was only after years within the education reform movement that Natalie Wexler stumbled across a hidden explanation for our country's frustrating lack of progress when it comes to providing every child with a quality education. The problem wasn't one of the usual scapegoats: lazy teachers, shoddy facilities, lack of accountability. It was something no one was talking about: the elementary school curriculum's intense focus on decontextualized reading comprehension "skills" at the expense of actual knowledge. In the tradition of Dale Russakoff's The Prize and Dana Goldstein's The Teacher Wars, Wexler brings together history, research, and compelling characters to pull back the curtain on this fundamental flaw in our education system--one that fellow reformers, journalists, and policymakers have long overlooked, and of which the general public, including many parents, remains unaware. But The Knowledge Gap isn't just a story of what schools have gotten so wrong--it also follows innovative educators who are in the process of shedding their deeply ingrained habits, and describes the rewards that have come along: students who are not only excited to learn but are also acquiring the knowledge and vocabulary that will enable them to succeed. If we truly want to fix our education system and unlock the potential of our neediest children, we have no choice but to pay attention.

How can you ensure students are engaged and learning at deeper levels? This book from bestselling author Barbara R. Blackburn is a treasure chest of more than 250 practical and effective tools that can be used across grade levels and subject areas to increase rigor, leading to higher levels of learning and success. Topics include scaffolding, differentiation, higher-level questions, high expectations, gradual release of responsibility, and more. This essential second edition offers more than 50 additional tools, updated research, and new topics such as teaching academic discourse, creating an environment of respect, and building students’ social and emotional learning. Rigor in Your Classroom will be your go-to resource throughout the school year, as you continually use new tools with your students. Bonus: The tools are accompanied by graphic organizers, charts, templates, and reproducibles for easy implementation.

Improving Teacher Morale and Motivation discusses a key issue for school leaders: motivating teachers to improve learning for students. Immense and unprecedented changes in education—primarily with the pandemic and "great resignation"—have affected all areas of teaching and learning, including teacher morale and motivation. This engaging book takes an in-depth focus on student learning as it relates to teacher motivation, providing specific examples of how to motivate teachers during challenging times. Specific tools, templates, and strategies are incorporated throughout the book to help leaders understand and act on issues of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, collaboration and trust, growth mindset, effective feedback, and more. Further, this text incorporates a broader look at how school leaders can shape their school and make it a place where teachers want to work, where they are committed to the success of students, and where they see themselves remaining well into the future. This timely book is appropriate for all school leaders, including teacher-leaders and district leaders.

Today’s educational leaders are working with more resources, more research, and more stakeholders – all within the same, limited time in a day as we had a decade ago. Author Jessica M. Cabeen takes readers through an intentional journey of current trends and buzzwords, helping leaders understand how social media is a tool for connection, collaboration, and learning. This exciting book explores the importance of care and collaboration with all members of the educational community – students, teachers, staff, families, and community partners. Each chapter highlights examples of leaders that have made positive change in their schools, and provides key actionable strategies that can be implemented at a pace that is sustainable and tailored to fit your needs. You will discover a deeper understanding of the critical importance of your role in: Elevating the student’s experience Building a strong school culture Creating small ways to make big impacts with families Advocating a clear message with community partners and legislative leaders Creating time for self-care Filled with practical examples, tools, and strategies, Unconventional Leadership is a resource school leaders can pick up today and implement tomorrow.

Learn how to adapt leadership and keep motivation alive in a remote learning setting or hybrid school. In this essential book, bestselling authors Ronald Williamson and Barbara R. Blackburn share frameworks and tools you can use to immediately make a difference in your school. You’ll learn how to do the following: Navigate the change process in remote learning Maintain a collaborative remote learning school Address equity issues in remote instruction Communicate effectively across online platforms Provide essential professional development remotely The chapter coverage ranges from school culture, to collaboration, to instructional leadership, to focusing on your own effective leadership. You will gain practical strategies and tips you can implement immediately to help your school and community flourish in a remote learning environment.