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 s...

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 a...

You’re ready to start collecting and utilizing school data, but what data? How exactly will you find it, and how will you use it once you have it? This informative resource takes an in-depth look at best data collection practices and guides the elementary school principal on how to reach struggling learners, strengthen instruction, and achieve schoolwide improvement.

Simplifies the concept of adult learning with advice for appealing to different learning styles.Adult Learning Basics examines the principles of adult learning theory and how they relate to the training function addressing individual learning competencies, organizational learning climate, and technology-related issues as they affect the adult learning process. Faced with an aging workforce, organizations must reexamine adult learning theory and how it is applied to employee develop...

There is already considerable literature on learning at the individual level and a growing body of literature on group and organizational learning. But to date, there has been little attempt to bring these literatures together and link learning at all three levels. Continuous Learning in Organizations targets learning at each of the three levels and demonstrates how processes at one level impacts learning at other levels. At the heart of the work is the idea that individuals, grou...

The time for grading reform is now. While the transition to standards-based practices may be challenging, it is essential for effective instruction and assessment. In this practical guide, the author outlines specific steps your team can take to transform grading and reporting schoolwide. Each chapter includes examples of grading dilemmas, vignettes from teachers and administrators, and ideas for bringing parents on board with change.

Inspire schoolwide instructional excellence!Among the numerous factors that influence student learning, quality instruction is at the heart. However, in the face of administrative duties, logistical tasks, and disciplinary responsibilities, many principals struggle with how to efficiently and effectively fulfill their critical role as the school′s primary instructional leader.This concise yet comprehensive guide outlines an easy-to-implement bluepr...

Transformation of public education requires the reawakening of the sleeping giant in the room: the learners. Students, teachers, and principals must develop a learner-centric, standards-driven school. Reawakening the Learner is a guide to creating just such an environment. Continua describe the journey of teachers, teacher leaders, and principals in partnering with learners. Adult-driven routines must be replaced with learner-centric practices.All stakeholders must identify a commo...

How is your school data performing for you? Examine the ways your school can better use student achievement data, nonacademic student data, staff data, and parent/community data to identify areas for improvement. This book will help administrators and leaders with school improvement planning and implementation, and teachers will find that good data can be used to plan instruction and monitor and motivate students.

Are you a K–8 principal ready to implement the PLC at Work™ process? Two experienced practitioners show you how to explore the critical components needed to lay the foundation of a PLC, including how to develop a structure that supports collaborative teams, how to focus on effective monitoring strategies, how to reflect on your communication effectiveness, and more.

Put learning back into the hands of the learner!Through personalized learning, education as we know it is transformed as learners are empowered to take control of their own learning. This thorough and timely resource draws on Universal Design for Learning® principles to create a powerful shift in classroom dynamics by guiding learners to become self-directed, self-monitoring, and self-motivated. You’ll discover:A system that includes tools and strateg...

THE MUST-HAVE GUIDE TO MENTORING For managers. For entry level. For executives. For entrepreneurs. For everyone.With job mobility increasing, globalization expanding, and technology advancing, you need more than a steady job and a solid network to keep your career on track. You need mentors--to learn and to grow--whether you're just starting out, are firmly established, or at the top of your profession. Everyone has something to learn, and everyone has something to teach.