Overview

At any time, public schools labor under great economic, political, and social pressures that make it difficult to create large-scale, 'whole school' change. But current top-down mandates require that schools close achievement gaps while teaching more problem solving, inquiry, and research skills_with fewer resources. Failure to meet test-based standards can produce consequences such as school closure or staff replacement. With this real-world challenge to education foremost, this book presents pertinent research and instructive case studies of two 'good' high schools. It advocates a proven strategy of small-scale, incremental change_small wins_which increases the likelihood that schools will improve despite a climate of 'do more with less.' Chapters describe the current societal context; the history of major change projects since the 1970s; the organizational and social characteristics of schools and classrooms; human factors that encourage and support improvement; the effects of technology; forces affecting teachers and principals; commonplace components of and vehicles for change; and practical 'levers and footings' for change that can have a high positive payoff.

Full Product Details

9781607095279

Table of Contents

Reviews

When standards-based reform emerged in the 1980's it was a radical idea. The new challenge for educators was to set high expectations for teaching and learning resulting in high student achievement for all students. The third edition of Bob Larson's book clearly shows how leaders in education and policy must refine their thinking in this new era, so that every student will graduate from high school ready for college or a career. Toward that end, the book is filled with insights and examples about the forces affecting change, types of change, and practical strategies to effect new initiatives. Larson makes the case for the need to build capacity from 'the inside out, ' which is the essential factor in sustaining real school improvement.--Tom Payzant

Author Information

Robert Larson is professor of education emeritus at The University of Vermont College of Education and Social Services. He was also a high school teacher and administrator for six years prior to receiving his Ed. D. from Boston University in 1968.

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available