Leadership for Low-Performing Schools: A Step-by-Step Guide to the School Turnaround Process

Daniel L. Duke

doi:10.5771/9781475810264

Summary

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.

Search publication

Bibliographic data

Edition: 1/2015
Copyright Year: 2015
ISBN-Print: 978-1-4758-1024-0
ISBN-Online: 978-1-4758-1026-4
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield, Lanham
Language: English
Pages: 218
Product Type: Monograph

1. Contents No access
Introduction No access Pages 1 - 8
Chapter 1. It’s All about Leading Change No access Pages 9 - 22
Chapter 2. Launching the Turnaround Process No access Pages 23 - 38
Chapter 3. Diagnosing the Causes of Low Performance No access Pages 39 - 62
Chapter 4. Planning for the Short Term and the Long Run No access Pages 63 - 86
Chapter 5. First-Order Strategies: The Foundations of Turnaround No access Pages 87 - 110
Chapter 6. Second-Order Strategies: Getting Focused on Student Outcomes No access Pages 111 - 134
Chapter 7. Setting the Stage for a New Beginning No access Pages 135 - 150
Chapter 8. Ensuring Early Progress No access Pages 151 - 166
Chapter 9. Sustaining Progress No access Pages 167 - 188
Chapter 10. The Role of the School District in Turnaround Success No access Pages 189 - 208
Last Words No access Pages 209 - 210
Index No access Pages 211 - 216
About the Author No access Pages 217 - 218