Using recent survey results from 34 award-winning NCLB blue-ribbon secondary headteachers across the United States, author Sandra Harris examines over 100 of their best field-based practices to help school leaders everywhere succeed in making their schools the best that they can be. The chapters in this unique collection are organized around six themes to help secondary school headteachers learn from their peers successful strategies centred on leadership, shaping campus culture, communicating for collaboration, curriculum and instruction, school improvement plans, and personalizing the learning environment. Aspiring, new, and veteran secondary headteachers will benefit from: o Descriptions of best practices and ideas for implementing them o Recommended reading list for effective headteachers o Reflection and insight from successful headteachers o Additional resources to further extend best practices This invaluable resource covers the most current research, ideas, and strategies to help secondary headteachers become exemplary school leaders and create a thriving school environment.

'Provides a rare opportunity to get inside the heads of the best superintendents in the country. Harris' book captures essential craft knowledge that every superintendent needs to succeed in the job' -Robert S. McCord, Associate Professor of Educational Leadership, University of Nevada, Las Vegas 'An excellent book for experienced and new superintendents. I kept coming across little nuggets and big ideas that I couldn't wait to implement immediately' -Janie L. Nusser, Superintendent South Seneca Central School District, NY In today's challenging educational environment, superintendents need proven strategies that will help them lead their schools and districts successfully. This topical resource offers a collection of proven best practices from award-winning superintendents. Representing school districts with diverse populations, school sizes, and communities, 22 current and former superintendents from around the country detail in their own words the practices that have been central to their professional and districtwide success. Readers can learn from the wisdom and experience of these outstanding leaders on topics such as: - Transformational leadership that provides direction for the district - Community building, outreach, and effective partnerships - Responding to changing times, changing standards, and student needs - Developing strategies for overcoming barriers to effective reform Learning From the Best is a valuable resource for new and experienced superintendents seeking to steer their districts through today's most pressing educational issues.

Using recent survey results from 34 award-winning NCLB blue-ribbon secondary headteachers across the United States, author Sandra Harris examines over 100 of their best field-based practices to help school leaders everywhere succeed in making their schools the best that they can be. The chapters in this unique collection are organized around six themes to help secondary school headteachers learn from their peers successful strategies centred on leadership, shaping campus culture, communicating for collaboration, curriculum and instruction, school improvement plans, and personalizing the learning environment. Aspiring, new, and veteran secondary headteachers will benefit from: o Descriptions of best practices and ideas for implementing them o Recommended reading list for effective headteachers o Reflection and insight from successful headteachers o Additional resources to further extend best practices This invaluable resource covers the most current research, ideas, and strategies to help secondary headteachers become exemplary school leaders and create a thriving school environment.