Excellence Through Equity is an inspiring look at how real-world educators are creating schools where all students are able to thrive. In these schools, educators understand that equity is not about treating all children the same. They are deeply committed to ensuring that each student receives what he or she individually needs to develop their full potential and succeed. To help educators with what can at times be a difficult and challenging journey, Blankstein and Noguera frame the book with five guiding principles of Courageous Leadership: Getting to your core. Making organizational meaning. Ensuring constancy and consistency of purpose. Facing the facts and your fears. Building sustainable relationships. They further emphasize that the practices are grounded in three important areas of research that are too often disregarded: (1) child development, (2) neuroscience, and (3) environmental influences on child development and learning. You'll hear from Carol Corbett Burris, Michael Fullan, Marcus J. Newsome, Paul Reville, Susan Szachowicz, and other bold practitioners and visionary thinkers who share compelling and actionable ideas, strategies, and experiences for closing the achievement gap in your classrooms and school. Ensuring that all students receive an education that cultivates their talents and potential is in all our common interest. As Andy Hargreaves writes in the coda: ""The opportunity for all Americans is to articulate and believe in an inspiring vision of educational change that is about what the next generation of America and Americans should become, not about a target or ranking that the nation should attain."" From the Foreword by Archbishop Desmond Tutu: ""Letting go of a system of winners and losers in favor of what is proposed in this book is a courageous leap forward that we all must take together. Let this bold, practical book be a guide; and may you travel into this new exciting vista, in which every child can succeed.

This is a book for district and school leaders that describes how to reshape the school culture to become a high performing school and professional learning community that is able to sustain success for every student. Anchored in the moral purpose of sustaining success for all students, the book demonstrates how to reshape school cultures to support continuous student success by building trust as a foundation for the learning community and then implementing the 6 principles of the FNO Framework:1) Establishing a common mission, vision, set of values and goals2) Ensuring achievement for all students by setting up systems for prevention and intervention and building on student strengths3) Engaging in collaborative teaming that is focused on teaching for learning4) Using data based decision-making for continuous improvement5) Actively engaging families and the community6) Building sustainable leadership capacity With contributions from Pedro A. Noguera, Andy Hargreaves, and Dean Fink, this book not only outlines the Who, What, and How of becoming a high-performing school and learning community, but also shows how to avoid ten common routes to failure, and provides numerous resources, many case stories and examples from Alan s work in schools and districts around the U.S.Proposed Changes: Thorough update of educational context, including emphasis on Common Core state standards and assessments; 21st century learning and teaching; college and career readiness+ Trim the book to its essentials, not to exceed 200 printed pages+ Update the cases and stories from HOPE s work around the U.S.+ Expand coverage of RTI+ Add demographic data to the data chapter+ Provide resources in the book rather than in a separate for-sale facilitator guide or a website+ Provide coverage of how new technology tools can support learning

Now is the time for Breakthrough Leadership This book was borne out of urgency. We face the consequences of a raging pandemic, coupled with an unprecedented call to end racial injustice. COVID-19 has exposed longstanding structural inequities, while at the same time offering a rare "breakthrough" opportunity to dismantle inequitable systems that have harmed our most marginalized students for generations. Breakthrough Leadership is rooted in moral courage and calls us to act upon a new discovery, or epiphany about a fundamental truth that challenges previous beliefs. While this book offers examples of schools that were "beating the odds" pre-COVID-19 as well as strategies for changing those odds in the future. Breakthrough Leadership also spotlights professionals now leveraging crises like this to shape local and national priorities toward a more equitable and healthy society for our children in order to: Create and sustain Equitable Learning Communities (ELCs) that are grounded in relational trust Establish comprehensive systems to ensure that all students thrive Implement cutting-edge principles of effective curriculum, instruction, and assessment including culturally responsive teaching, trauma-informed practice, and blended learning Meaningfully engage families and community Leadership from the classroom to the board room is needed to advance an agenda of equitable and successful outcomes for our students. The facts stakes couldn't be starker. Good leadership saves lives both in pandemics, and in our profession. "The critical variable that determines whether or not our schools can respond adequately to the numerous challenges that they and their children face is leadership. . . This book is about the work of such leaders. In big cities, small towns, and rural areas, a small number of principals and superintendents are showing that progress can be made when leaders have the resourcefulness and courage to address equity challenges directly. The educational leaders profiled in this book have a clear sense of how to systematically build the capacity of teachers and schools to meet the needs of the students they serve. I urge other leaders to learn from them so that great schools that serve all children well, will be the norm, rather than the exception." ~Pedro Noguera "With all its devastation, COVID-19 also presents the opportunity of the century to transform the public education system that, to say the least, has become stalled and stagnant in the past 50 years. . . . Breakthrough Leadership makes a significant contribution to our next phase, which must be one of definable and targeted transformation of equity-based learning. ~Michael Fullan

"Best-selling author Alan Blankstein shares the results of his research with high-achieving schools and districts, providing insights, a process, and tools for identifying excellence and putting their methods into practice. He believes that we already know how to educate students, and good methodology for teaching, leading or organizing a highly effective school can be identified and scaled across the learning community. Blankstein shows how to tap into our collective wisdom and answers that already exist, and shares top educators' -Examples of what is working -Methodologies for achieving success (the CREATE process) -Techniques for giving all teachers necessary feedback -Solutions to today's educational challenges Policy makers, practitioners, parents, and community leaders will find a new approach to assuring success for all students"-- Provided by publisher.

Always at the heart of educators' perennial struggle are the young people who matter so deeply to the entire school community. The Soul of Educational Leadership series enlists the thinking of those who set the tone for the discussion. Edited by Alan M. Blankstein, Paul D. Houston, and Robert W. Cole, this seventh volume in the series offers key concepts and strategies for data-enhanced decision making in school leadership practice. With contributions from Jesse Rodriguez, Lorna M. Earl, Steven Katz, Eileen Depka, Kay Burke, and other experts, Data-Enhanced Leadership combines research, practice, and innovative thinking into a single compact volume of essential reading for all educational leaders.

Aligning theory with practice, chapter-by-chapter activities and discussion questions examine the critical role of a strong learning community in implementing effective school reform, with a focus on BlanksteinAEs six guiding principles:Common mission, vision, values, and goals Systems for prevention and intervention Collaborative teaming for teaching and learning Data-driven decision making and continuous improvement Active engagement from family and community Building sustainable leadership capacity With the FacilitatorAEs Guide to Failure Is NOT an Option (TM), you can effectively lead others through dialogue, reflection, and application of BlanksteinAEs principles. It is an ideal resource for school principals, district administrators, teacher leaders, and educational policy makers, and perfect for groups of any size-pairs, small workshops, and large seminars.

This fifth volume in The Soul of Educational Leadership series offers revolutionary concepts and relevant strategies for sustaining effective school leadership in today's changing schools. With stimulating contributions from Michael Fullan, Andy Hargreaves, Dean Fink, Alma Harris, Ivor Goodson, and other educational leaders in the field, this book combines research, practice, and innovative thinking in a powerful reference for busy administrators.

A central role of any educational leader is that of an accomplished communicator-one who can relate to diverse communities, promote cooperative interaction, and unify stakeholders around the larger cause of quality education for every student. This sixth volume in the Soul of Educational Leadership series provides innovative ideas on diplomacy and practical strategies for strengthening communications skills. With contributions from top leadership figures like Paul D. Houston, John R. Hoyle, Richard Bagin, and Daniel H. Pink, this resource emphasizes the importance of clear and purposeful communication in gaining support, avoiding misunderstandings, and establishing productive communitywide relationships. Individual chapters demonstrate how readers can: - Create dynamic, effective districtwide communication systems - Respond to district challenges and issues - Use electronic communication tools effectively - Secure and increase funding for their schools and districts - Increase avenues for informing the public about issues that affect schools and students This insightful book offers all school leaders a rich array of creative, thoughtful communication approaches to empower their leadership and inspire everyone who has a stake in preparing today's students for tomorrow's challenges.

"This resource brings together an incredible blend of leading educational thinkers. Their diverse experiences, perspectives, and wisdom will stimulate in leaders the 'deep work' of the heart, mind, and soul essential for creating schools that continuously improve teaching, learning, and relationships in ways that benefit all members of the school community." -Dennis Sparks, Emeritus Executive Director National Staff Development Council A concise volume packed with research and innovative ideas from today's key thinkers! Professional learning communities have become a significant factor in improving instructional effectiveness and student achievement. In the third volume of The Soul of Educational Leadership series, educators and leaders will discover key concepts and strategies for sustaining the critically important work of these communities. Contributions from Shirley M. Hord, Maurice J. Elias, Karen Seashore Louis, Andy Hargreaves, Stephanie A. Hirsh, and other nationally known educators highlight: Leadership teams and a collaborative culture The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Multiple approaches for supporting social-emotional learning in schools Leadership, real-world challenges, and moral choices A thought-provoking collection from educational visionaries, Sustaining Professional Learning Communities is essential reading for all school leaders committed to strengthening learning environments.

"This resource brings together an incredible blend of leading educational thinkers. Their diverse experiences, perspectives, and wisdom will stimulate in leaders the 'deep work' of the heart, mind, and soul essential for creating schools that continuously improve teaching, learning, and relationships in ways that benefit all members of the school community." -Dennis Sparks, Emeritus Executive Director National Staff Development Council A concise volume packed with research and innovative ideas from today's key thinkers! Professional learning communities have become a significant factor in improving instructional effectiveness and student achievement. In the third volume of The Soul of Educational Leadership series, educators and leaders will discover key concepts and strategies for sustaining the critically important work of these communities. Contributions from Shirley M. Hord, Maurice J. Elias, Karen Seashore Louis, Andy Hargreaves, Stephanie A. Hirsh, and other nationally known educators highlight: Leadership teams and a collaborative culture The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Multiple approaches for supporting social-emotional learning in schools Leadership, real-world challenges, and moral choices A thought-provoking collection from educational visionaries, Sustaining Professional Learning Communities is essential reading for all school leaders committed to strengthening learning environments.

"A useful book for those who want to find balance in their lives and add a dimension of spirituality to their leadership." -Kenneth Killian, Assistant Professor Vanguard University of Southern California "The information is approachable, nonthreatening, and personal. The authors discuss their own past roles as educational leaders, providing instant credibility." -Jennifer Baadsgaard, Assistant Principal Roosevelt High School, San Antonio, TX Revitalize your leadership and help shape a better future for the students you serve! This fourth volume of The Soul of Educational Leadership series offers key strategies for identifying the moral and ethical dimensions of school leadership practice. With thought-provoking contributions from top leadership figures like Terrence E. Deal, Dawna Markova, and Scott Thompson, this enlightening resource combines research with innovative ideas for practice and emphasizes: Spirituality within a life-sustaining context The role of spirituality in empowering leaders as agents for transformative change A moral obligation to create safe and supportive learning spaces for students Spirituality in Educational Leadership helps educators align everyday practice with core values in ways that will make a significant difference in their professional and personal lives.

This concise volume offers educational leaders key concepts and strategies for framing discussions about closing the equality gap and ensuring high achievement for all learners. As the first volume in The Soul of Educational Leadership series, this unique collection presents: o Pedro Noguera and Alan Blankstein on essential questions and themes o Randall and Delores Lindsey on culturally proficient equity audits o Antoinette Mitchell on the knowledge base for teaching diverse learners in big-city schools o Stephen Peters on how to capture, inspire, and teach every learner o Thomas Guskey on rethinking the work of Benjamin S. Bloom o Karen Pittman and Merita Irby on readiness for college, work, and life o Alan Boyle on helping failing schools to turn around o Richard Farson on the paradoxes of risk, challenge, failure, and innovation Pioneering educators and series editors Alan M. Blankstein, Robert W. Cole, and Paul D. Houston offer thought-provoking ideas applicable to all schools, local authorities, and learning communities, and include a complete index for browsing and easy reference.

This concise volume offers educational leaders key concepts and strategies for framing discussions about closing the equality gap and ensuring high achievement for all learners. As the first volume in The Soul of Educational Leadership series, this unique collection presents: o Pedro Noguera and Alan Blankstein on essential questions and themes o Randall and Delores Lindsey on culturally proficient equity audits o Antoinette Mitchell on the knowledge base for teaching diverse learners in big-city schools o Stephen Peters on how to capture, inspire, and teach every learner o Thomas Guskey on rethinking the work of Benjamin S. Bloom o Karen Pittman and Merita Irby on readiness for college, work, and life o Alan Boyle on helping failing schools to turn around o Richard Farson on the paradoxes of risk, challenge, failure, and innovation Pioneering educators and series editors Alan M. Blankstein, Robert W. Cole, and Paul D. Houston offer thought-provoking ideas applicable to all schools, local authorities, and learning communities, and include a complete index for browsing and easy reference.

The second of a new book series on The Soul of Educational Leadership, this concise volume offers key ideas and strategies for reframing leadership practice. With contributions from top leadership figures such as Thomas Sergiovanni and Dennis Sparks, among others, this book combines research, day-to-day school leadership practice, and reflective exercises.

Develop a leadership style that inspires an entire school community to achieve high goals In this second volume of The Soul of Educational Leadership series, editors Paul D. Houston, Alan M. Blankstein, and Robert W. Cole offer creative perspectives on the challenges of reframing leadership practice. Presenting key strategies from leadership experts such as Thomas Sergiovanni and Dennis Sparks, this compact resource combines research, reflective exercises, and day-to-day school leadership procedures for motivating students and providing meaningful cultural change in school communities. An ideal handbook for principals, assistant principals, superintendents, and district administrators, this copublication with AASA and the HOPE Foundation discusses: * Developing high-quality leadership * Inspiring transformative leadership * Embracing leadership alternatives * Evaluating current school reform practices * Meeting the challenges in leadership roles Out-of-the-Box Leadership is the perfect guide to help administrators rethink, reshape, and strengthen their leadership styles and provide confident, focused direction that will help build real success for students and all members of the school community.

Research shows that students' sense of belonging in their school communities is critically linked to academic achievement. This ninth and final book in The Soul of Educational Leadership series offers practical strategies for promoting socially responsible school cultures that foster greater student engagement and democratic values. A joint publication with the American Association of School Administrators and the HOPE Foundation with contributions from renowned educators Bonnie Davis, Linda Skrla, Randall Lindsey, and others, this book explores the key concepts of respect, equity, and character, and examines tough issues such as: - Reflecting on our own backgrounds and assumptions - Modeling socially responsible behavior - Teaching students to discern injustice - Enacting a zero-tolerance policy toward bullying. Students will shape tomorrow based on what they learn today. This compact guide equips educators to implement democratic practices, act in socially just ways, and impart democratic values to the citizens of the future.

Because schools are the heart and soul of a community, educational leaders have a responsibility to bring the community into the school, as well as to make the school a part of the surrounding community. This volume in the Soul of Educational Leadership series goes beyond administrative skills to examine educators' pivotal role of leading family and community involvement in school success. With articles written by leading authorities and practitioners in the field, this resource discusses how school leaders can build successful family and community partnerships that flourish even in trying circumstances and over time. Readers will find: - Contributions from Alan M. Blankstein, Pedro A. Noguera, Mavis G. Sanders, Paul D. Houston, Edward H. Moore, and others - Inspiring and unique perspectives on the interplay of family and community in school success - Ideas for engaging families as partners