Harness the Power of Reflection: Continuous School Improvement From the Front Office to the Classroom

"Anyone in the education field would benefit from reading this book. Ron Nash expertly weaves in case studies illustrating the topic of each chapter. He has inspired me to continue to focus on improvement in my school." —Jill Broaddus, Principal Cool Spring Elementary, Leesburg, VA Elevate your team′s attitude from "whatever" to "whatever it takes" Seasoned educator Ron Nash shares the results of his visits to schools where "we will do better" has replaced "whatever" as the official mantra. His findings will inspire school staff members to embark on their own continuous improvement journeys and model that experience for their students. This book provides a framework for individual reflection and evaluation of schools′ processes as part of a professional development program. Ideally, all staff members will be on board. But even with less than 100% support, each person can make a difference. The results speak for themselves: Inspired and empowered staff members Active classrooms with engaged students who enjoy school A customer service-oriented culture where parents feel welcome and valued A schoolwide commitment to sustaining improvement efforts Included are strategies, action items, processes, and examples from successful programs nationwide. From the classroom to the lunchroom, students learn from those around them. By modeling commitment, self-renewal, and persistence in the face of difficulties, we are teaching skills that will serve students well in adulthood.

Table of Contents:
Preface Acknowledgments About the Author Prologue 1. Going Viral With Improvement 2. Change and the Status Quo 3. School Environment as Accelerant 4. Classroom Environment as Accelerant 5. Systematizing Process Improvement in the Classroom 6. Facilitating the Long Haul 7. Not Waiting for the "Go!" 8. Asking Questions and Getting Started Epilogue Appendix A. Processes Into Systems: Building Level Appendix B. Building-Level Improvement Example Appendix C. Processes into Systems: Classroom Level Appendix D. Classroom-Level Improvement Examples References Index

About the Author :
Consulting Description See Ron's Presenter Profile Here! Ron Nash is the author of the Corwin bestseller The Active Classroom (2008), along with The Active Teacher (2009), and The Active Mentor (2010). Nash's professional career in education has included teaching social studies at the middle and high school levels. He also served as an instructional coordinator and organizational development specialist for the Virginia Beach City Public Schools for 13 years. In that capacity, Nash conducted workshops and seminars for thousands of teachers, administrators, substitute teachers, and teacher assistants. In 2007, he founded Ron Nash and Associates, Inc., a company dedicated to helping teachers shift students from passive observers to active participants. Download Ron Nash's product brochure "I was blown away at the conference and can't wait for the new school year to start so I can try all of the new ideas I received!" --Audra Bounds, Teacher Frederick County, VA "This was the best workshop I have EVER attended!" --Dawn Carter, Teacher Augusta County, VA "After teaching for 16 years, I was looking for inspiration and I found it. I'm excited to incorporate the innovative strategies Ron shared with me. The best part is the strategies are completely practical and doable." --Joanne Jimney, Teacher Chesapeake, VA "Your three-hour presentation was fabulous! When teachers give a standing ovation, this is the kind of program that will impact their daily teaching repertoire. Yours is an in-service that impacts how teachers engage students." --Patsy Slaughter, Elementary Principal Virginia Beach "This day reminded me why I became and love being a teacher." --Juli Weatherby, Teacher Chesapeake, VA "Attending Ron Nash's workshop changed my whole style of teaching. The tools I gained have rekindled my love for teaching and my students' love of learning." --Amber O'Malley, Second-Grade Teacher Austin, TX "As one of my colleagues stated about your professional development offering to us, "Now THAT'S what I'm talking about!" -- Linda Emerick, High School English Teacher Wilmington, DE

Review :
“We are knee-deep in the age of accountability and investigating ways to close the achievement gaps while still raising student achievement for all students. As teacher leaders and school administrators, we need to constantly explore and analyze procedures that will lead to continuous improvement in our learning environment. This book outlines some common pitfalls and gives practical advice as well as real life examples of how our colleagues have made dynamic changes.” "Anyone in the education field would benefit from reading this book. I found every chapter of this book beneficial to my job and school. Ron Nash expertly weaves in case studies with the point of each chapter. He has inspired me to continue to work towards improvement in my school." "Ron Nash references many excellent and highly regarded researchers and his own experience abolishing committees and instituting project teams. I was energized by this book; it was truly a reminder of what I believe as a person, educator, and professional. This book is not only great for aspiring principals or superintendents, but also for anyone who is involved in organizational development."