Renewing America's Schools: A Guide for School-Based Action (Jossey Bass Education Series)

An excellent 'how-to-do-it book' for educators in schools and school districts who are involved in or about to begin major school-based reforms.

?Thomas W. Payzant, superintAndent of schools, San Diego, California

Renewing America's Schools raises the most fundamental questions about the purpose of public education, the role of schools, and the needed school-based application to fulfill the promise of education in a democratic society. This is a book that shows teachers, principals, students, parents, central office personnel, school boards, and community members exactly what they need to do to create schools that are purposeful, moral, and successful places.

A down-to-earth and provocative look at the school reform movement, Renewing America's Schools keeps the focus of renewal squarely on teaching and learning concerns. It is an invaluable resource for anyone involved with school change.

Contents

1. Introduction: Recapturing the Essence of Schools

Part One: A Framework for Renewing Schools

2. The Covenant: Establishing Common Principles of Teaching and Learning

3. The Charter: Understanding How Decisions Are Made

4. The Critical Study Process: Making the Most of Important Information

Part Two: The Work of School Renewal

5. Educational Tasks and Organizational Readiness

6. Becoming an Educative Community

7. Dealing with Tough Questions of Practice

8. Supporting School Renewal: The District's Role

9. Common Dilemmas of Good Schools

10. Conclusion: Staying the Course

Carl D. Glickman is professor of educational leadership and executive director of the Program for School Improvement at the University of Georgia.

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All Customer Reviews
Average Customer Review:
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

School renewal- valuing school based change., 1999-07-31
I think that Carl Glickman's book is absolutely inspiring. Even though it was originally written in 1993 (and reprinted in paperback in 1998) it is still relevant to school systems which want to bring about an inclusive and empowering change.

Glickman argues that democratic future of society is the reason that we need to bring about changes and argues for a three part framework of renewal:

1. A covenant between the school and community which establishes the principles of teaching and learning. Powerful stuff!

2. A charter on school governance. This is the process of developing an understanding of how (and what) decisions will be made by whom.

3. The critical study process is the third aspect of school renewal. It is action research which examines the efficacy of school practices.

Glickman's emphasis on democracy gives a sense of purpose, a direction for change. Change for financial reasons is thoroughly discredited in education circles these days.

I am keen to try the strategies in my own school.

Neil MacNeill Principal

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