Successful Schools: Achieving Excellence through STAR Theory

by Dan Kahler

Overview

How can teachers ensure that every student who graduates is competent in subject matter and responsible in citizenship? Dan Kahler explains how, through the STAR theory: Successful Teachers Are Real. Not only are excellent teachers sound in pedagogy, they are genuine, empathetic, and have a high regard for all students. This handbook illustrates how, through specific examples, educators can positively affect their students for life. Kahler also demonstrates how school and district conditions cause success in connection with an excellent teaching staff. More than simply a book on pedagogy, or a handbook for school reform, Successful Schools is an inspirational tool that will aid anyone involved in education.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780810840591
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	11/19/2001
Series:	Scarecrow Education Book Series
Pages:	168
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.35(d)

About the Author

Dan Kahler has been an English and biology teacher, football and basketball coach and a high school principal of several schools. After his retirement he moved on to teach graduate courses at the University of Missouri, Kansas City. Twice, he has been called from principalship retirement to lead schools, and he was named Greater Kansas City's "Outstanding Teacher" in 1988.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Dedication Chapter 2 Introduction Chapter 3 Foundation for a Stairway to the STARS Chapter 4 Sound in Pedagogy Chapter 5 Where Am I Going? Chapter 6 How Shall I Get There? Chapter 7 How Will I Know I've Arrived? Chapter 8 Assumption #1: A Majority of Successful Teachers is Resident in the District, and the Majority Mentors the Minority Chapter 9 Assumption #2: School & Central Office Leaders Practice STAR Theory with Those They Lead Chapter 10 Assumption #3: Students Attend School Regularly Chapter 11 Assumption #4: Schools Are Small Chapter 12 Assumption #5: Place Students Who Pose a Danger to Others in School Settings Away from Those They Endanger Chapter 13 Assumption #6: Time-Out Rooms Replace In-School Suspension Rooms Chapter 14 Assumption #7: Teachers Work with Student Transgressions Using Natural/Logical Consequences Chapter 15 Assumption #8: Teachers, Administrators, & Board Members Support STAR Theory Chapter 16 Assumption #9: Other Adults Working with Students Treat Missions as Constitutions Chapter 17 Assumption #10: Two-Thirds of More of the Community Stakeholders Treat Missions as Constitutions Chapter 18 The STARS Chapter 19 The Final "Necessary': Postscript: Beyond the Basics

Editorial Reviews

Dan Kahler is one of Missouri's most pre-eminent wordsmiths. More importantly, he is one of the nation's outstanding educators. As a high school principal, speaker, consultant, and university professor, and with infinite patience, he has sculpted hundreds of teachers into believing in themselves and the students in their charge. More than 8,000 first-year teachers have been the beneficiaries of his wisdom in conferences he led for beginning teachers throughout Missouri. Those who read, learn, and practice his writings in this book can and will become STAR teachers.

Robert C. Howe

Successful Schools should be required reading for anyone - educator, parent, and student - who wants to understand how the classroom contributes to and detracts from the foundation of citizenship and self-achievement. As urbanization continues to test the moral and social fabric of communities, schools have increasingly become more influential in the development of self-identity and social behavior. STAR Theory details more than a superior academic journey; it prescribes an approach to explicitly use the classroom to reinforce constructive, active membership in the community. This work brilliantly summarizes fifty years of personal experience from an educator who has successfully mentored the development of 20,000 students (self included). It is thoroughly readable, immediately applicable, sensibly irreproachable, and tremendously inspirational.

Dean Neese

Dan Kahler, the Silver Fox, defies the Chinese proverb: "I hear, and I forget. I see, and I remember. I do, and I understand." As a STAR educator he hears everything, forgets nothing, and leads the rest of us to understand deeply our craft by taking us on a passionate journey. He is a STAR. His charismatic presence has enhanced lives beyond count. His positive attitude has uplifted the lowly. His dynamism has kept me in teaching for thirty-six years. Read, enjoy, and become the best while following Successful Schools.

Vicki Barmann

Successful Schools should be required reading for anyone - educator, parent, and student - who wants to understand how the classroom contributes to and detracts from the foundation of citizenship and self-achievement. As urbanization continues to test the moral and social fabric of communities, schools have increasingly become more influential in the development of self-identity and social behavior. STAR Theory details more than a superior academic journey; it prescribes an approach to explicitly use the classroom to reinforce constructive, active membership in the community. This work brilliantly summarizes fifty years of personal experience from an educator who has successfully mentored the development of 20,000 students (self included). It is thoroughly readable, immediately applicable, sensibly irreproachable, and tremendously inspirational.--Dean Neese, Oak Park H.S. 1986; Princeton University, BA, 1990; Harvard Business School, MBA, 1998; Senior Manager, Marakon Associates

Dan Kahler is one of Missouri's most pre-eminent wordsmiths. More importantly, he is one of the nation's outstanding educators. As a high school principal, speaker, consultant, and university professor, and with infinite patience, he has sculpted hundreds of teachers into believing in themselves and the students in their charge. More than 8,000 first-year teachers have been the beneficiaries of his wisdom in conferences he led for beginning teachers throughout Missouri. Those who read, learn, and practice his writings in this book can and will become STAR teachers.--Robert C. Howe, past president, National Association of Secondary School Principals

Dan Kahler, the Silver Fox, defies the Chinese proverb: "I hear, and I forget. I see, and I remember. I do, and I understand." As a STAR educator he hears everything, forgets nothing, and leads the rest of us to understand deeply our craft by taking us on a passionate journey. He is a STAR. His charismatic presence has enhanced lives beyond count. His positive attitude has uplifted the lowly. His dynamism has kept me in teaching for thirty-six years. Read, enjoy, and become the best while following Successful Schools.--Vicki Barmann, French teacher, Winnetonka High School, North Kansas City Schools

From the Publisher