Why have decades of school reform had so little measurable effect on student achievement? Why have billions of dollars spent on technology, small-school initiatives, and school-choice options failed to improve our schools? Too often, educators are simply pulling the wrong levers, say Tony Frontier and James Rickabaugh. They explain that the various components of schooling fall into five categories: structure, sample, standards, strategy, and self. Understanding how these five “levers” work--and their relative power--can help unlock the potential for lasting improvements in teaching and learning. The authors show readers that changes to structure and sample (how schools are organized and how students are grouped) will not be effective without changes to standards (expectations for student learning), strategy (instructional strategies to engage students in meaningful learning), and self (the set of beliefs teachers and students have about their capacity to be effective). At the heart of this book is a simple message for teachers, administrators, board members, and education policymakers at all levels: the key to success is not doing more work and making more changes, but doing the right work, and making the right changes.

In this powerful new book, James Rickabaugh, former superintendent and current director of the Institute for Personalized Learning (IPL), presents the groundbreaking results of the Institute’s half-decade of research, development, and practice: a simple but powerful model for personalizing students’ learning experiences by building their levels of commitment, ownership, and independence. Tried and rigorously tested in urban, suburban, and rural districts--and in different academic and economic settings--the IPL model has been proven to enhance student engagement and achievement at all levels. Rickabaugh provides principals and other top-level leaders with * Step-by-step guidance for implementing the model; * A detailed overview of the research and work behind the model’s development; * A complete introduction to the heart of the model—a comprehensive, multi-layered framework centered on the three core components of learner profiles, customized learning paths, and proficiency-based progress; * Tools and activities for assessing and adjusting the model to meet the specific needs of students and staff; * Strategies for increasing and reinforcing enthusiasm for the change process among everyone involved, from the classroom to the greater community; and * An abundance of real-life examples and reflections from students, teachers, principals, and superintendents whose schools have flourished in record time and with minimal additional funding or resources. Tapping the Power of Personalized Learning offers a blueprint that dramatically improves student outcomes and prepares today’s learners to meet life’s challenges in college and beyond.

Learn how to promote STEM integration in your school district and increase student achievement. In this helpful, easy-to-read book, author Terry Talley sheds light on the key responsibilities and accountabilities of a successful STEM coach and offers a wealth of practical advice for those new to the position and for those who want to refine their skills. You’ll discover how to... Build positive working relationships with teachers and faculty Organize professional development opportunities such as PLCs and book study groups Develop hands-on instructional strategies based off the needs of your students and the strengths of your staff Promote technological and scientific literacy to prepare students for success in the 21st Century Enhance student engagement using project-based learning and growth-based assessment models Designed to be read either as a step-by-step guide or as a reference, The STEM Coaching Handbook is loaded with insights and accounts from experienced STEM educators across the country. No matter your level of expertise, these tips will help you make your district’s STEM program more effective for all students.

A real-world action plan for educators to create personalized learning experiences Learning Personalized: The Evolution of the Contemporary Classroom provides teachers, administrators, and educational leaders with a clear and practical guide to personalized learning. Written by respected teachers and leading educational consultants Allison Zmuda, Greg Curtis, and Diane Ullman, this comprehensive resource explores what personalized learning looks like, how it changes the roles and responsibilities of every stakeholder, and why it inspires innovation. The authors explain that, in order to create highly effective personalized learning experiences, a new instructional design is required that is based loosely on the traditional model of apprenticeship: learning by doing. Learning Personalized challenges educators to rethink the fundamental principles of schooling that honors students' natural willingness to play, problem solve, fail, re-imagine, and share. This groundbreaking resource: Explores the elements of personalized learning and offers a framework to achieve it Provides a roadmap for enrolling relevant stakeholders to create a personalized learning vision and reimagine new roles and responsibilities Addresses needs and provides guidance specific to the job descriptions of various types of educators, administrators, and other staff This invaluable educational resource explores a simple framework for personalized learning: co-creation, feedback, sharing, and learning that is as powerful for a teacher to re-examine classroom practice as it is for a curriculum director to reexamine the structure of courses.

Rather than more programs, strategies, assessments, and meetings, teachers need more clarity, which emerges when we prioritize our efforts to do less with greater focus.

Successful leaders have excellent communication with their team and stakeholders. Learn strategies used by highly effective leaders who have led teams to innovate. Eight innovative leaders whose work has made an impact nationally and internationally and seven K-12 leaders who have amazing track records share how they communicate with their team and stakeholders. The author also shares her insights on leading a statewide professional development project in Nevada. A leader must structure activities such as meetings and informal interactions to create optimal conditions to generate and refine ideas. Readers will gain specific strategies to use in meetings to move ideas from the brainstorming stage to more refined ideas that result in innovative theories, products or services. Considering the needs of the customer and engaging them in the design process is an important part of innovating. Readers will also learn how to structure meetings and activities to generate and refine ideas. The author also presents a framework that is backed up by research in business and creativity.

This book shows school administrators, principals, and other education leaders how to apply the author's model to the work of running schools and districts. It offers an overview of the case for simple, focused school and district leadership; examples of real schools and districts that have embraced focused leadership; and a practical implementation guide for ensuring focused leadership in schools and districts.