Many of the current challenges facing institutions of higher education require a shift in thinking, practice, and approaches to change. The changing nature of college students, along with increased emphasis on student learning outcomes, have institutions seeking to effect improvements in the instructional practices of faculty members. Establishing a robust model of faculty peer coaching can accelerate improvement efforts that strive to create engaging higher education classrooms centered on inclusive and equitable teaching practices, which more effectively meet the needs of an increasingly diverse student body. Informed by research and experience, this book is a guide to developing, launching, and refining faculty peer coaching initiatives in higher education with the goal of improving instructional practice and student learning outcomes. Peer coaching is a collaborative, reciprocal practice where faculty members observe, reflect, and improve their instructional practices leading to increased learning for all students. Research has shown that peer coaching can positively impact teaching practices, especially when coupled with other professional learning. This book provides a rationale for peer coaching as an effective strategy for faculty development, outlines a model for peer coaching, and supplies readers with support in the creation of a robust peer coaching initiative in institutions of higher education. Peer coaching has the potential for significant culture and community change for faculty members which can lead to improved student learning.

Literacy Leadership in Changing Schools will help literacy leaders improve teachers’ professional development in grades K–6. The authors use literacy basics to suggest concrete approaches that leaders and coaches can use to help teachers improve their instruction with culturally and linguistically diverse students. Based on firsthand experiences, research, and a school-university-community collaborative (Changing Suburbs Institute® in New York), this practical book homes in on what literacy leaders need to do in today’s rapidly changing schools. With vignettes, strategies, and guidelines, each chapter is devoted to one essential component of serving as an effective literacy leader. Throughout, the book addresses typical issues leaders and teachers face, such as high-stakes testing, increasing failure rates, rigorous teacher and principal evaluations, family engagement, shrinking resources, and teachers’ inexperience with instructing diverse students.

Embrace the changing suburbs by changing your school! As your students evolve, has your school evolved with them? Schools across the country face sweeping demographic changes and a reshaping of suburban scenery into a more urban landscape. This unique book offers not only an explanation of the increasing diversity in student makeup, but also ideas for acting as an agent of positive change for your school and tools to implement those ideas. Shelley Wepner and the experts at The Changing Suburbs Institute recommend ways you can improve student achievement by Developing a plan of action that addresses the need for more focused, culturally responsive student instruction Creating a culture that celebrates diversity and values cultural awareness Collaborating with universities and communities to promote professional development and student learning Providing programs for English learners such as tutoring, the arts, and summer support Involving parents to promote student achievement Effective teaching and engaged learning flourish in schools where diversity and awareness are embraced. Changing Suburbs, Changing Students puts education in suburban America into perspective and gives you the tools to maintain high achievement for all!