Shaking Up the Schoolhouse
by Phillip Schlechty ($17.50)

In this visionary book, renowned educator Phillip Schlechty argues for change-adept school systems. He not only challenges educational administrators, teachers, teacher leaders, legislators, and policymakers to recognize the need for transformation, but also shows how they can grow into skillful leaders of lasting change. Shaking Up the Schoolhouse begins with an incisive discussion of the dangers and opportunities in reworking school systems. Drawing from decades of experience and from actual cases, the author describes the essential characteristics of change-adept organizations. He then presents a practical framework for helping teachers to overcome obstacles in the learning experience, from reviewing the competition to improving student engagement through more effective standards. Schlechty also focuses on empowering principals, superintendents, and school board members as they struggle with structural and cultural change in their schools and communities.

From the inside flap:
Charter schools, education cooperatives, home schooling, and private school vouchers have become increasingly common alternatives to the American public school system. As more and more communities search for different educational options, it becomes clear that public schools must learn to innovate if they are to fulfill their role in educating the nation's children and youth. In this visionary book, renowned educator Phillip Schlechty argues for change-adept school systems. He not only challenges educational administrators, teachers, teacher leaders, legislators, and policymakers to recognize the need for transformation, but also shows how they can grow into skillful leaders of lasting change. Schlechty begins with an incisive discussion of the dangers and opportunities in reworking school systems. Drawing from decades of experience and from actual cases, he describes the essential characteristics of change-adept organizations. He then presents a practical framework for helping teachers to overcome obstacles in the learning experience, from reviewing the competition to improving student engagement through more effective standards. In another distinct section, Schlechty focuses on empowering principals, superintendents, and school board members as they struggle with structural and cultural change in their schools and communities. Shaking Up the Schoolhouse is a nuts-and-bolts resource that guides all types of educators through the complex-yet necessary-process of reform.