This book is a practical, 'how-to' handbook for creating an organizational school climate that brings out the best in students, staff, parents, and community members. Through concrete, real-world examples, insider insights, and down-to-earth explorations, this text demystifies the phenomenon of a school's culture. Without resorting to lofty jargon, the book clearly defines what school culture is, where it comes from, how it works, and why it is critically important. Best of all, the guide contains all the tools needed to 'grow' a school culture that maximizes student performance, empowers staff members, welcomes and engages parents, and energizes community support. Each chapter is packed with specific information, guidelines, skills, strategies, and techniques needed, as well as warning signs and pitfalls to avoid, to create a school culture that works for everyone. This is a total package, including foundations, structures, processes, and practices for developing an environment that is 'nutritious', challenging, supporting, rewarding, and inspiring for all those involved with the school.

What Matters Most for School Leaders: 25 Reminders of What is Really Important is a compact guide to 25 fundamental insights and base-line beliefs that never change. The book showcases commonsense cornerstone principles and life lessons for educational leaders, reinforced by practical tips and real-world examples from successful schools.

The Guide covers changing school programs, staffing for effective discipline, and cutting-edge approaches such as peer counseling for dealing with student values and problems that are drastically different from those of only a few years ago.

The first comprehensive guide for making the most of school resources . . . and even thriving in times of dwindling funds!

This no-nonsense handbook covers every aspect of fiscal fitness for today?s schools, from cutting costs without cutting essential programs and accomplishing as much as before?or more!?with less staff to running a low-cost, no-frills activity program.

Based on years of front-line experience, this guide includes tips on:

• The role of principals in hard times
• Cost containment
• Downsizing
• Creative staffing
• How to get the biggest bang for your program buck
• How to get everyone involved in fiscal fitness
• How to find, raise, and attract money in hard times
• How to make the most of time?the resource that keeps on ticking

There isn?t a principal anywhere who doesn?t have questions about how do more with less. This is the book with the answers!

Robert D. Ramsey is a lifelong educator who has served as a "leader of leaders" in three award-winning school districts in two different states. His frontline experience includes positions as teacher, counselor, assistant principal, curriculum director, assistant superintendent, acting superintendent, and adjunct professor. Most recently, he has served as associate superintendent in the St. Louis Park, MN schools, where every school has been designated by the federal government as a National School of Excellence. Ramsey?s writings include Secondary School Principal?s Survival Guide, 501 Tips for Teachers, and Lead, Follow, or Get Out of the Way.

This no-nonsense handbook covers every aspect of fiscal fitness for today?s schools, from cutting costs without cutting essential programs (and accomplishing as much as before ? or more! ? with less staff) to running a low-cost, no-frills activity program to raising money for your school. Based on years of front-line experience, the guide spells out school-tested ways to stretch curriculum dollars, get better administration for less money, and more. There isn?t a principal anywhere who doesn?t have questions about how to make the most of what he or she has got and how to do even more with less. This book has the answers.

Time-tested techniques for avoiding 20 most common communication mistakes! This user-friendly resource for school leaders provides practical strategies for improving daily interactions with students, colleagues, parents, and the community. Each chapter presents ready-to-use tips for effective verbal and written communications. The author offers do's and don'ts for difficult situationsuincluding grief and healing and straight-talk techniques for approaching sensitive topics such as sex, gangs, and substance abuse. This revised edition features: - How-to's for dealing with natural and man-made disasters - A new chapter on differentiating communication to reach a wide audience of stakeholders - A new section on communicating with school board members

Consider the following: The United States is engaged in what some political and media leaders call an immoral war, a war that did not have to be fought. After a relatively easy initial conquest, the US Army finds itself faced with armed resistance to US occupation. US strategic goals have changed since the war began; domestic political opposition increases as insurgent activities prolong the war. Insurgent leaders monitor US domestic politics and adjust their strategy accordingly. US Army Soldiers adapt to the uncertainty and employ novel techniques to complex military and nonmilitary problems in a land where they are strangers and about which they have little understanding. Does this sound familiar? It should, but this description does not depict events from 2003 to 2007 in the Middle East-it describes events from 1898 to 1902 in the Philippines. Combat Studies Institute (CSI) is pleased to publish its 24th Long War Series Occasional Paper, Savage Wars of Peace: Case Studies of Pacification in the Philippines, 1900-1902, by CSI historian Robert Ramsey. In it he analyzes case studies from two key Philippine military districts and highlights several themes that are relevant to today's ongoing operations in the Long War. Between 1899 and 1902 the US Army was successful in defeating Filipino resistance to American occupation using what military leaders at the time called a combination of attraction and coercion. However, success came only after initial setbacks, disappointments, and significant changes in leadership, military strategy, and political adaptation. In the two regions of the Luzon Island analyzed in this occasional paper, Army leaders employed a mix of political and economic incentives, combined with military actions and strict martial law to subdue the resistance. The geographic isolation of the insurrectos on the Philippine archipelago was also an advantage for US forces. The capture of key insurrecto leaders provided critical intelligence, and their post-capture pledge of support for the new government helped break the resistance by 1902. This work highlights, among many other themes, the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and cultural understanding. Written at the request of the Command and General Staff College for use in their curriculum, we believe this occasional paper will be a valuable addition to the professional development of all Army leaders.

Combat Studies Institute (CSI) presents Long War Series Occupational Paper (OP) 25, "A Masterpiece of Counterguerrilla Warfare: BG J. Franklin Bell in the Philippines, 1901-1902, by Robert Ramsey. OP 25 is a companion to OP 24, "Savage Wars of Peace: Case Studies of Pacification in the Philippines, 1900-1902. IN OP 24 Ramsey analyzed case studies from two different Philippine military districts discovering several themes relevant to today's ongoing operations in the Long War. IN OP 25 he focuses on the philosophy that guided Bell in the conduct of one of those campaigns. Over the ages military historians have employed many types of research and writing to understand, and ultimately learn from, the past. These methods range from studies of grand strategy to studies of small unit tactics to, most recently, studies of the history of war and society. OP 25 takes a different approach, one whose origins are old and rather infrequently practiced today. This technique examines the inner thinking of a commander in an attempt to understand how he viewed the operation he was conducting. In reading Bell's words today, it becomes clear he displayed at least two of the key attributes that constitute Clausewitz's concept of military genius - the inner light or vision that points a commander toward victory in the fog of war and the determination to act decisively in the fact of danger. Mr. Ramsey, in his introduction, makes note of British Field Marshal Sir Archibald P. Wavell's endorsement of this kind of history: "The real way to get value out of the study of military history is to take particular situations, and as far as possible get inside the skin of the man who made a decision, realize the conditions in which the decision was made, and then see in what way you could have improved upon it." This quote captures the intent of this study. The collected messages and circulars issued by Bell to his subordinate commanders, and the text of the US Army's famous General Orders 100 from which he drew that guidance, provide the means to accomplish what Clausewitz and Wavell urged us to do.

It has been said that the only thing new in the world is the history you don't know. This Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) Occasional Paper (OP) is a timely reminder for the US Army about the history we do not know, or at least the history we do not know well. The Army has recently embarked on massive advisory missions with foreign militaries in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere around the globe. We are simultaneously engaged in a huge effort to learn how to conduct those missions for which we do no consistently prepare. Mr. Robert Ramsey's historical study examines three cases in which the US Army has performed this same mission in the last half of the 20th century. In Korea during the 1950s, in Vietnam in the 1960s and 1970s, and in El Salvador in the 1980s the Army was tasked to build and advise host nation armies during a time of war. The author makes several key arguments about the lesson the Army though it learned at the time. Among the key points Mr. Ramsey makes are the need for US advisors to have extensive language and cultural training, the lesser importance for them of technical and tactical skills training, and the need to adapt US organizational concepts, training techniques, and tactics to local conditions. Accordingly, he also notes the great importance of the host nation's leadership buying into and actively supporting the development of a performance-based selection, training, and promotion system. To its credit, the institutional Army learned these hard lessons, form successes and failures, during and after each of the cases examined in this study. However, they were often forgotten as the Army prepared for the next major conventional conflict. These lessons are still important and relevant today. In fact, prior to its publication the conclusions of this study were delivered by the author to several of the Army's current advisory training task forces. We at CSI believe this GWOT OP can contribute significant insights to the Army as it works to prepare for and conduct its current advisory missions.

CSI Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) Occasional Paper (OP) 29, Advice for Advisors: Suggestions and Observations from Lawrence to the Present could not be timelier. While always a mission for some Army units, advising indigenous forces has become a major task for many Army units and for thousands of Soldiers, both Active and Reserve. CSI published this occasional paper as a supplement to Occasional Paper 18, Advising Indigenous Forces: American Advisors in Korea, Vietnam, and El Salvador. In that important study, Mr. Robert Ramsey distilled the insights gained by the US Army from its advisory experiences in Korea, Vietnam, and El Salvador. In this anthology, Mr. Ramsey presents 14 insightful, personal accounts from those who advised foreign armies in various times and places over the last 100 years. Unlike most of the monographs in the GWOT Occasional Paper series, this volume is an anthology. The articles are from past and present advisors, and they are presented without editing or commentary. Each one presents valuable lessons, insights, and suggestions from the authors' firsthand experiences. Readers will thus make their own judgments and analysis in support of their unique requirements. CSI believes GWOT OP 19, like OP 18, will be of great value to Soldiers and units who are preparing to embark on an advisory mission and to those training organizations who are preparing Soldiers for this difficult and vital task.

Recent operations in Iraq and Afghanistan have given the US military an appreciation of both the importance and the challenges of working with and through host nation security forces in the aftermath of major combat operations. Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates has indicated that these types of efforts will be an ongoing military requirement for the foreseeable future. The US military effort in support of Colombian security forces offers a different and a lesser known experience from which to learn: one that has been long-term, low-key, and seemingly successful. Between 1998 and 2008, Colombian security forces dramatically improved as they moved from what many considered the brink of disaster to being on the verge of victory. The Combat Studies Institute (CSI) is pleased to publish its 34th Occasional Paper, From El Billar to Operations Fenix and Jaque: The Colombian Security Force Experience, 1998-2008. Written at the request of US Southern Command, this study begins with an overview of the general security situation prior to 1998, then traces Colombian and US efforts during the Pastrana presidency and Plan Colombia, and concludes with the subsequent actions of the Uribe administration. In the final section, the author offers observations from the Colombian experience for those in the US military who will be called on to work with and through host nation security forces in the future. Although the Colombian experience offers no simple model to be replicated mindlessly elsewhere, it does offer observations and analysis that may be useful to the military professional struggling to address similar situations. Robert Ramsey's Occasional Paper not only provides a useful reminder of the inherent challenges for both host nation and US military personnel in those situations, but also shows that, given the right people, the right programs, and sufficient time, those challenges can be met successfully. Perhaps that is the best insight of all to be drawn from a reading of this work.

This valuable resource is packed with 433 checklists, guidelines, sample rules, calendars, criteria, procedures, timelines, strategies and tips to help principals and assistant principals in elementary and secondary schools quickly and effectively handle every aspect of their job.

'This book offers aspiring and veteran school leaders insightful, practical, and proven strategies to successfully acquire and thrive in meaningful professional positions' - David Freitas, Professor Indiana University South Bend Given the challenges of today's educational environment, a headteacher's career is far from predictable-but it can be a purposeful and successful journey. This essential guide helps educators take charge of their careers, advance professionally, and leave a legacy of stronger schools and improved learning opportunities for children. Based on the best-selling author's extensive school leadership experience, this book helps readers wisely navigate their careers and stay true to their values. The author addresses concerns for readers at every stage of professional life-from highly experienced administrators to those aspiring to leadership positions. Readers will find personal coaching on leading both oneself and others, including: - The seven critical choices that shape school leadership, from setting goals to choosing the right battles - Guidance on making tough calls and hard choices - Advice on finding the right position and work environment and how to flourish personally and professionally - Numerous real-life examples of how education leaders face and overcome challenges and build effective learning environments

Time-tested techniques for avoiding 20 most common communication mistakes! This user-friendly resource for school leaders provides practical strategies for improving daily interactions with students, colleagues, parents, and the community. Each chapter presents ready-to-use tips for effective verbal and written communications. The author offers do's and don'ts for difficult situationsuincluding grief and healing and straight-talk techniques for approaching sensitive topics such as sex, gangs, and substance abuse. This revised edition features: - How-to's for dealing with natural and man-made disasters - A new chapter on differentiating communication to reach a wide audience of stakeholders - A new section on communicating with school board members

Today's educators are overworked and overwhelmed. A little recognition, affirmation, and support can go a long way. That's where this book comes in. Best-selling author, Robert D. Ramsey, offers a far-reaching collection of inspirational quotes, notes, anecdotes, reflections, testimonials, and tributes for teachers. The book's uplifting messages include time-tested traditional material, coupled with fresh insights from the famous, not-so-famous, and also unknown. Each page is packed with ideas and expressions proving, once and for all, that there is no such thing as "only a teacher". All of the contents have been carefully harvested by an educator for educators. Special bonus sections also include the author's "Observations on Teaching That Only Teachers Will Understand" and "Other Inspirational Books for Teachers". This unique compilation is designed to help belaboured and beleaguered educators to jump start their careers, reclaim their professional pride, rekindle their passion for teaching and get the grit to press on against odds. All teachers (and those who want teachers to succeed) need a boost. This book delivers it!

When every word counts! In this time of sound bites, short attention spans, and one-sentence sermons, getting a point across can be a real challenge. Having ready access to just the right quotes to make those points with impact can be a lifesaver and an excellent source of inspiration.

Life-long educator and freelance writer Robert Ramsey offers just such a resource in Well Said, Well Spoken. This one-of-a-kind and easy-to-access collection of thought-provoking quotations can be used as attention-getters, point-makers, openers, closers, and clinchers for all occasions. Designed to meet the needs and interests of busy principals and teachers, this compilation of classic and contemporary quotes and anecdotes features topics and sources not found in other references for the general public.

This collection offers:

• More than 160 subjects principals and teachers care about most
• - Over 700 quotations - Current and timely topics are added to time-tested favorites
• - Cutting-edge and provocative quotes are included with traditional sayings In addition to the usual respected scholars, statesmen, writers, politicians, and philosophers, this collection includes right-on quotes from real teachers, administrators, and students, and non-tradition sources such as Sitting Bull, the Ayatollah Khomeini, the Grateful Dead, Mike Tyson, and rapper Ice T. This is definitely an essential resource for all educators on the firing line who need to be effective when every word counts!

The first comprehensive guide for making the most of school resources . . . and even thriving in times of dwindling funds!

This no-nonsense handbook covers every aspect of fiscal fitness for today?s schools, from cutting costs without cutting essential programs and accomplishing as much as before?or more!?with less staff to running a low-cost, no-frills activity program.

Based on years of front-line experience, this guide includes tips on:

• The role of principals in hard times
• Cost containment
• Downsizing
• Creative staffing
• How to get the biggest bang for your program buck
• How to get everyone involved in fiscal fitness
• How to find, raise, and attract money in hard times
• How to make the most of time?the resource that keeps on ticking

There isn?t a principal anywhere who doesn?t have questions about how do more with less. This is the book with the answers!

Robert D. Ramsey is a lifelong educator who has served as a "leader of leaders" in three award-winning school districts in two different states. His frontline experience includes positions as teacher, counselor, assistant principal, curriculum director, assistant superintendent, acting superintendent, and adjunct professor. Most recently, he has served as associate superintendent in the St. Louis Park, MN schools, where every school has been designated by the federal government as a National School of Excellence. Ramsey?s writings include Secondary School Principal?s Survival Guide, 501 Tips for Teachers, and Lead, Follow, or Get Out of the Way.

This no-nonsense handbook covers every aspect of fiscal fitness for today?s schools, from cutting costs without cutting essential programs (and accomplishing as much as before ? or more! ? with less staff) to running a low-cost, no-frills activity program to raising money for your school. Based on years of front-line experience, the guide spells out school-tested ways to stretch curriculum dollars, get better administration for less money, and more. There isn?t a principal anywhere who doesn?t have questions about how to make the most of what he or she has got and how to do even more with less. This book has the answers.

This book is a practical, 'how-to' handbook for creating an organizational school climate that brings out the best in students, staff, parents, and community members. Through concrete, real-world examples, insider insights, and down-to-earth explorations, this text demystifies the phenomenon of a school's culture. Without resorting to lofty jargon, the book clearly defines what school culture is, where it comes from, how it works, and why it is critically important. Best of all, the guide contains all the tools needed to 'grow' a school culture that maximizes student performance, empowers staff members, welcomes and engages parents, and energizes community support. Each chapter is packed with specific information, guidelines, skills, strategies, and techniques needed, as well as warning signs and pitfalls to avoid, to create a school culture that works for everyone. This is a total package, including foundations, structures, processes, and practices for developing an environment that is 'nutritious', challenging, supporting, rewarding, and inspiring for all those involved with the school.

What Matters Most for School Leaders: 25 Reminders of What is Really Important is a compact guide to 25 fundamental insights and base-line beliefs that never change. The book showcases commonsense cornerstone principles and life lessons for educational leaders, reinforced by practical tips and real-world examples from successful schools.

Best selling author Robert D Ramsey updates his comprehensive guide designed to help school leaders become more effective in every aspect of school leadership. Full of sound strategies for improving goal setting and decision-making to effect positive change and improved school climate, Ramsey offers an essential resource for both new and experienced school leaders. Learn more about how to: - Speak, write, and think like a leader; - Make data-driven decisions; - Prioritize and delegate effectively; - Communicate more clearly in all written and verbal situations; - Lead ethically and with vision; - Handle the politics of leadership and come out on top.