This essay is in response to the need for schools to move from crisis to adaptation. The essay is informed by the question: how might school leaders use conversation to effectively engage adaptation? Adaptation is about transforming systems. We find that with adaptation as the aim, Transformative Leadership Conversation can be used to guide…

The "School Leader's Literacy Walkthrough" is designed to assist school leaders in observing specific research-based practices during literacy instruction (or students' independent use or application of those practices). This tool is based on rigorous research that indicates the most effective way to teach reading (see Foorman &…

The ability to communicate effectively with multiple constituencies is recognized as an essential characteristic of effective leaders. Listening strategically is a way of showing parents, students, faculty, staff, and others that their ideas and beliefs are of value. The authors' practitioner-friendly book concentrates on the importance of…

This paper examines the role of communication in library leadership. The discussion is organized into 14 sections: (1) multidimensional approaches to effective leadership communication and varying communication style to the situation; (2) the importance of conciseness; (3) streamlining library communication; (4) the vision being communicated by…

Describes Pasco (Washington) School District's resolution of a recent negotiation impasse in their normal "win/win" collective bargaining process. The key was to reestablish the trust, patience, and willingness to listen that had eroded over the years as new participants replaced old hands in the nonadversarial bargaining process. (MLH)

The purpose of this curriculum outline is to define the basic language arts requirements for junior high school students in the Oak Park (Illinois) school district. For grades 7 and 8 the topics covered in mechanics, spelling, capitalization, punctuation, parts of speech, language usage, and sentence style are outlined. In addition, a summary of…

Highlighting reflection, collaboration, and regularity of effective supervision, this booklet explores the link between supportive supervisory practices and effective staff-parent relationships in early childhood and family programs. Program leaders who wish to promote high-quality services to the infants, toddlers, and families can use the…

One of six books in each basic subject area, this book is intended to spark more detailed discussion and ongoing dialogue among fellow teachers who have front-line responsibility for ensuring that all students are prepared adequately for college. It is also intended for guidance counselors, principals, superintendents, and other officials who must…

This booklet looks at the role of learner feedback in the quality improvement process. It suggests how adult and community learning (ACL) providers can adapt and improve their practice to meet the needs of learners in the changed policy context. Chapter 1 explores why providers should listen to learners and finds that listening to learners…

A poorly performing school is like a complex puzzle with its pieces haphazardly scattered. To achieve coherence and improve performance, a principal must have a vision of how the completed puzzle should look. Schools that have effectively implemented instructional models have principals that are puzzle solvers. To fit diverse needs into place and…