Publication Date: December 22, 2005
Pages: 264
Is it possible to fundamentally improve the daily workings of the urban classroom in less than seven years? According to John Simmons, it will take a revolution in the way that leaders of urban school systems think and operate, from the classroom to the boardroom. In this ambitious volume, Simmons and a stellar group of contributors, including Linda Darling-Hammond, Richard Elmore, Michael Fullan, Charlotte Danielson, Susan Moore Johnson, Adam Urbanski, Alan Odden, and Valerie Lee, bring the best current research to bear on a range of critical topics, creating a practical framework that superintendents and their teams can use to transform their big-city school systems into true learning communities. As it integrates many voices into a larger vision, this book:
John Simmons is President of Strategic Learning Initiatives, a not-for-profit focusing on organizational improvement, especially with public schools.
“Children’s lives and hopes are at stake, and what we do will shift the odds in children’s favor or against them. This book is an important contribution to taking the right steps. ”
— From the Foreword by Deborah Meier
“If all educational leaders understood and practiced what this book describes, it would make No Child Left Behind legislation irrelevant.”
Robert Ewy, Director of Planning, Palatine School District, 2003 Baldrige Award Winner
“Breaking Through offers hope for the creation of schools that truly serve all their students. “
Dennis Sparks, Executive Director, National Staff Development Council
“What a tremendous resource this book will be in helping transform urban school districts!”
Dr. Stephen R. Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness
“Anyone contemplating serious reform in education will profit from the experiences of America’s foremost entrepreneurial reformers.”
—Michael A. Strembitsky, former superintendent, Edmonton, Canada
“This thoughtful volume provides some clear thinking on the ‘how’ and ‘what’ of urban school reform….a valuable book for business, district, and community leaders.”
Frederick M. Hess, Director of Education Policy Studies, American Enterprise Institute
“This book hits all the right notes.”
Mike Schmoker, author of Results: The Key to Continuous School Improvement
“These research-based strategies, when implemented properly, can transform all school districts—large and small.”
Patricia Davenport, former Director, Curriculum and Instruction, Brazosport School District and co- author of Closing the Achievement Gap: No Excuses
“The thinking of many of the best public education reform leaders in the country is captured in this easy-to-read book.”
Anne Hallett, Founding Executive Director of the Cross City Campaign for Urban School Reform
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