The Distributed Leadership Toolbox: Essential Practices for Successful Schools

"McBeth provides useful tools to help educators diagnose the distribution of leadership in their schools and shows how these tools can help create powerful leadership for increasing learning capacity in schools." —Richard Halverson, Assistant Professor University of Wisconsin–Madison "The strengths of this book are the examples (two-minute stories, reflections, etc.) and the reproducible tools provided." —Bruce Deterding, Principal Wichita Heights High School, KS Strengthen your leadership style and capacity to inspire others toward meaningful change. Experience and research prove that effective leadership is critical for improving school performance, yet reviewing and applying contemporary data to school leadership can be a complex challenge for busy administrators. In The Distributed Leadership Toolbox, Mark E. McBeth translates current leadership research into a practical framework to help educational leaders improve their practice and positively influence schoolwide performance. Unlike shared leadership, which focuses on delegating responsibilities, distributed leadership fosters a dialogue between school leaders and teachers to uncover the effectiveness of leadership practices in enhancing instruction and student achievement. The author provides case studies and essential tools to help administrators: Increase the ability to evaluate their leadership practice Develop a regular reflective practice to motivate staff and support professional growth Improve their potential to generate and sustain school reform efforts This guidebook includes helpful notes for facilitators and a CD-ROM with resources and reproducible templates to help you make a significant difference in your school through distributed leadership practices.

Table of Contents:
Preface Purpose of This Book Adopting and Creating a Repertoire of Practices Do Not Fear About the Book Distributed Leadership Tools for School Improvement Acknowledgments About the Author 1. Traditional Thinking/New Opportunities Have You Heard the News? Hot Lights! Center Stage "How" Do You Know "Who′s" on First? Growing Up a Superhero Without a Doubt Who Leads and What They Lead 25/75: Impact of School-Related Factors 2. A Distributed Perspective on Leadership Leadership Practice From A Distributed Perspective (Spillane) The Often Overlooked "Follower" Situation and Leadership Practice Two-Minute Story Systems of Practice (Halverson) Not Shared Leadership Connecting Classroom Practice With Leadership Practice 3. The Impact of Leadership on Successful Schools More Than One Way to Lead No Noticeable Leadership Leader Superhero Aspect Leadership-Plus Aspect Leadership Practice Aspect Core Leadership Functions Application to Our Practice 4. The Framework of Success: A Model for Leadership Inquiry The Distributed Leadership Improvement Framework A Framework for Systematic Leadership Enhancement Conclusion 5. Information Cycle: Effective-Efficiency Process Section A: Dimension of Practice Section B: Identify Advice Network Section C: Diagnose Practice: Routine Section D: Diagnose Practice: People and Direction Section E: Diagnosis: Practice and Content Section F: Bridging the Gap Between Diagnosis and Design Section G: Design Leadership Practice Modifications 6. Practice Cycle: Practice Improvement Process Section A: Bridging the Gap Between Design and New Practice Section B: New Practice - Work Designed Differently Section C: Leadership Practice Data and Data Results 7. Tools for Reflective Practice Processing Purpose Forms of Processing Reproducible Blank Templates Reproducible Resources References Index

About the Author :
Mark E. McBeth is the director of learning and leading with Keystone Learning Services, a service center in Kansas. He has served as a classroom teacher in Grades 7–12; school counselor in Grades 4–6; a high school principal in Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, and Guatemala; and educational program consultant in the Learning Service Division at the Kansas State Department of Education. His experience at the postsecondary level includes serving as director for a leadership educational and development program, director for a non-profit leadership development program, and has taught numerous leadership courses. He designed and directed the Kansas Distributed Leadership Academy, a high-quality professional development program for district-level leadership. He has chaired and served on numerous statewide leadership committees, and has presented at national and statewide conferences on his cutting-edge leadership perspective. In addition, he has presented on a number of other topics, including instinctual talents, student engagement, high-quality professional development, effective synergistic teams, classroom instruction that works, school-related student resiliency, and leadership facilitation. McBeth received his master’s degree in Educational Administration and Supervision and his educational specialist degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from Western Illinois University.

Review :
"McBeth provides a series of useful tools to help educators diagnose the distribution of leadership in their schools, and shows how these tools can be used to create powerful leadership for increasing learning capacity in schools." “The strengths of this book are the examples (two-minute stories, reflections, etc.) and the reproducible tools provided.” "This is a very important topic and area in our business. Practitioners are seeking materials to help sharpen their leadership skills. The case studies support the distributed leadership model and provide examples of how the model can impact a school culture." "Especially appeals to the administrative team. This book forces us to look hard at our leadership styles." "Has a practical tone that seems to appeal to those now leading daily work in schools. The idea that results are in the hands of a thoughtful, creative person who must choose tools from his or her repertoire and make decisions is a positive contribution to the field." "Relevant, clearly written to the intended audience, and useful for individuals looking for a means to self-evaluation." "I love this book! Finally, a research-based, practice-tested book of tools to improve leadership, and in doing so, improve school programs and enrich our students! Provides a framework that a leader can use to reach the highest level of practice." “Facilitators and leader in all industries—not just education—receive clear assessments of leadership options and practices, case studies, and keys to motivating staff and furthering reform efforts.”