Educators are acutely aware of the statistical gaps in achievement between different racial groups. Considering the rapidly changing racial composition of student populations, how can educators reach a level of cultural proficiency necessary to eliminate this disparity? Examining the achievement gap through the prism of race, this comprehensive…

This book highlights the problems that drive many special educators out of teaching and outlines practical recommendations that leaders can use to increase retention. Drawing on field experience as well as research findings, the author provides a comprehensive framework for supporting special educators. This book provides effective ways to: (1)…

This book will help the reader every step of the way with detailed guidelines, practical tips, templates, action plans, and suggestions for strategic planning teams as well as for the sole practitioner. Consolidating the sage advice and up-to-date research of 29 leaders in the field, this comprehensive and highly practical guide takes the…

Imagine someone telling you that, within three years, new teachers would leave the profession for which they trained so hard. That is what is happening to 30% of today's promising new teachers who are not given the mentoring, direction, and professional development that is so desperately needed to keep them focused and enthusiastic. To handle this…

Many principals feel they lack the personnel necessary to raise student achievement to mandated levels. Yet, as school leaders seek to improve educational outcomes, one of the most underutilized groups remains student support professionals-the counselors, social workers, and nurses already on site. The authors offer a practical approach to…

Which practices set award-winning principals apart from their equally hard-working peers? Using survey results and contributions from 35 award-winning elementary school principals nationwide, this essential text examines over 100 field-based practices recognized as the best for the elementary school principalship. Organized around seven themes…

Research shows conclusively that principals and other school leaders are essential to school improvement, and that these individuals benefit from the intensive, contextualized support that a coach or mentor can provide. But how does a coach support a school leader in mastering the professional and emotional challenges of school leadership for a…

Little compares to the thrill of seeing a young mind come alive with wonder. Despite the best efforts, there are always students who seem unreachable, unteachable. So what can educators do to make learning fun and rewarding for all students? This book provides a strong theoretical understanding of learning styles, focusing on at-risk, or…

The second edition of this best-selling resource provides new and updated content influenced by the feedback of over 250 school administrators. "Managing Difficult, Frustrating, and Hostile Conversations" uncovers safe and effective strategies for dispelling common sensitive situations such as handling legitimate complaints, controlling those…

Mentoring new principals is a professional gift that leaders can give to incoming colleagues to speed them on the path to full effectiveness. This guide will help jump start the process by providing an overview of the key components and phases of principal mentoring and adult learning. This book supplies the architecture for formal mentoring,…

Blending philosophy, research, and three decades of practice, the author offers an engaging discussion of essential principles of timeless learning, including attention, contemplation, connection, participation, responsibility, wholeness, and joy. Educators in today's schools can apply these principles, models, and methods to inform instruction in…

Effective teacher evaluation is at the core of improving the quality and value of education and principals bear the responsibility of implementing a teacher evaluation program that helps develop highly qualified teachers and promotes high academic standards. In this easy-to-use handbook, the authors offer a fresh, innovative look into teacher…

Video and DVD clips give participants an opportunity to explore values and ideas, learn about one another, and, in the process, build a stronger learning community. "Energizing Staff Development Using Film Clips" is a collection of film and television clips that staff developers can use to encourage discussion and reflection on pertinent, common…

How can teachers and administrators steer students toward graduation and away from dropping out? What determining factors contribute to a student's choice to drop out? Why is high school graduation such an important issue in society today? Effective prevention and intervention programs for the most vulnerable students are key to improving…

For every teacher who has been at a loss to help the student who seemed helpless, this is a resource that cannot be missed. In this book, the author details instructional principles to help educators model and mentor effective life skills behaviors for their students. For the child who doesn't have friends, does poorly in sports, has difficulty…