Improve Learning by Building Community: A Principal?s Guide to Action

by John C. Daresh, Jane Lynch

Overview

Written for both new and experienced principals, this resource provides a blueprint for building visionary learning communities that improve student learning not only by shaping the internal school community—faculty and staff—but also by creating a partnership with the external community—district educators, families, community organizations, and service agencies. Administrators will find invaluable assistance from Practical Tips that offer strategies for implementation, Points for Practicethat highlight critical concepts and Points to Ponder that promote reader reflection. Each chapter encourages school leaders to consider what community building means for their own schools and provides guidance for:
• Building a vision based on your personal and professional values
• Shaping a school culture that supports teamwork
• Honoring school staff members at all levels
• Examining and understanding the external environment
• Drawing effectively on community support services
• Collaborating with district staff
Improve Learning by Building Community helps principals bring together all stakeholders to create the kind of schools that can ensure success for every student.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781634503266
Publisher:	Skyhorse
Publication date:	11/17/2015
Edition description:	Reissue
Pages:	152
Product dimensions:	6.90(w) x 9.90(h) x 0.60(d)
Age Range:	3 Months

About the Author

John C. Daresh is professor of educational leadership at the University of Texas at El Paso. He currently lives in El Paso, Texas.

Jane Lynch currently serves as the faculty leader of the Department of Business, Information Technology, and Enterprise at All Hallows Catholic College in Macclesfield, Cheshire, England.

Table of Contents

Preface ix

Acknowledgments xiii

About the Authors xv

1 It All Begins With You 1

General Information About Educational Platforms 3

A Normative Use of a Platform 7

Returning to Motley Elementary School 11

Points for Practice 12

References 12

2 Creating a Shared Vision 13

Developing a Vision 16

Articulating the Vision 17

Implementing the Vision 19

Monitoring the Vision 21

Creating a Vision: Returning to Carpenter Middle School 23

Chapter Summary 23

Points for Practice 24

References 24

3 Foundations for Community Building 25

Definitions 26

Operationalizing Community Beyond Structure 33

Returning to the Administrative Team at Ridgmoor Middle School 37

Chapter Summary 38

Points for Practice 39

References 39

4 Focusing on Culture Is More Than Good Manners 41

On Climate and Culture 43

Development of Culture and Climate Research 45

Putting the Theory Into Practice 49

Returning, to Manchester 55

Chapter Summary 57

Points for Practice 58

References 58

5 Studying Your External Environment 59

Analytic Framework 62

Historical Thumbnail for the Riverport Community and Hilley High School 62

Structural Dimension of Riverport 64

Human Resource Dimension of Riverport 66

Political Dimension of Riverport 68

Symbolic Dimension of Riverport 70

Back to Pete 72

Chapter Summary 72

Points for Practice 73

References 73

6 Working With Community Groups and Parents 75

Parent Concerns 78

Community Concerns 85

Returning to Cheshire School 87

Chapter Summary 88

Points for Practice 88

Reference 89

Additional Suggested Resources 89

7 Seeing Your Invisible Heroes 91

Security Staff 94

Office Workers 97

Custodial Staff 101

Food Service Workers 104

Chapter Summary 107

Points for Practice 107

References 107

8 Services in the Community 109

Students in Physical Danger 111

Drug or Substance Abuse 113

Student Mental or Physical Health 115

Family Turmoil 116

Returning to La Casa Blanca Schools and Bustamente Elementary 118

Chapter Summary 118

Points for Practice 118

9 Support From Central Administration 121

What Makes It Hard to Change Schools? 124

Key People to Keep Informed 126

Chapter Summary 130

Points for Practice 130

References 131

Index 133

Editorial Reviews

"An invaluable guide for fostering learning communities, Daresh’s work provides a ten-thousand foot view of schools. Of particular interest to educational leaders are strategies to engage parents, business leaders and the often 'forgotten stakeholders'—staff members such as secretaries and custodians. Each chapter immediately engages the reader through humor, reflection, and analysis. Vivid, authentic scenarios capture the realities and complexities of today’s schools. We are invited into the minds of school leaders as they work through the change process and are reminded of the importance of continually reassessing our values. This book is not only a must-read, but a must-do for every principal whose goal is to enhance learning communities. "

Debra Livingston

"Daresh continues his legacy of bridging scholarship and practice, within a context of strengthening school cultures by supporting positive interactions between all the people who interact within and around them. As usual, his tone is friendly and approachable, and his points to ponder are both practical and compelling. Aspiring, new, and experienced principals will benefit from the structured opportunity afforded by this book to reflect on their own values and how these values shape their leadership. "

Mary Beth Cunat

"At last, we have a book that provides practical, day-to-day advice for what school administrators need to attend to when establishing a learning community. Daresh helps school leaders understand the importance of their personal values about shared leadership as well as the individuals within the school, district, and community who are essentialto building a shared learning community. The wealth of examples and school-based scenarios illustrate how these ideas translate into practice. A wonderful resource for a book study for teachers and principals. "

Bruce Barnett