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No greater challenge faces our society than improving the educational opportunities for millions of young people trapped in chronically low-performing schools. Overcoming this challenge requires talented and dedicated school leaders whose knowledge and skills extend far beyond what is covered in conventional principal preparation programs.
This book draws on extensive research by the author and others on the actions needed to turn around low-performing schools. First, however, the book examines the personal qualities needed to undertake the turnaround process. Following chapters provide guidelines on diagnosing the school-based causes of low achievement and developing a school turnaround plan. The author focuses on the importance of continuous planning - a departure from standard practice. A major portion of the book is devoted to examples of first-order and second-order strategies for raising achievement. Specific recommendations for launching the turnaround process and sustaining gains beyond the first years of turnaround are provided. The concluding chapter addresses the role of school districts in supporting school-based turnaround efforts.
List of contents
Introduction
Chapter 1 It's All about Leading Change
Chapter 2 Launching the Turnaround Process
Chapter 3 Diagnosing the Causes of Low Performance
Chapter 4 Planning for the Short Term and the Long Run
Chapter 5 First Order Strategies - The Foundations of Turnaround
Chapter 6 Second Order Strategies - Getting Focused on Student Outcomes
Chapter 7 Setting the Stage for a New Beginning
Chapter 8 Ensuring Early Progress
Chapter 9 Sustaining Progress
Chapter 10 The Role of the School District in Turnaround Success
Last Word
Index
About the author
Daniel Duke, a leading scholar of educational leadership, has written extensively on school improvement, educational change, and school safety. For the past decade, he has been involved in preparing school turnaround leaders and studying the school turnaround process.
Summary
This book draws on extensive research by the author and others on the actions needed to turn around low-performing schools. First, however, the book examines the personal qualities needed to undertake the turnaround process.
