Don′t Teach the Canaries Not to Sing: Creating a School Culture That Boosts Achievement

"There are other books on school culture, but the tell-it-like-it-is, no-holds-barred style of writing makes this a book I would recommend to others." —Frank Buck, Curriculum & Special Education Supervisor Talladega City Schools, AL "The clear, concise themes for each chapter are backed by research and provide an understanding of what needs to be done to improve school climate. This book could be used by a building or district team study to measure the cultural temperature, by teacher teams to start a grassroots movement to improve school climate, or by reflective leaders who want to continuously improve their organizations." —Edward J. Drugo, Principal Latrobe Elementary School, PA Improve school culture and relationships to ensure peak performance by students and staff! This practical how-to handbook clearly defines what school culture is, where it comes from, how it works, and why it is critically important. The author provides a total package with all the tools necessary for developing a school culture that maximizes student performance, empowers staff members, welcomes and engages parents, and energizes community support. Readers will find: A profile of a healthy school culture Tips for assessing how your school measures up Ways to spot warning signs and avoid pitfalls Frequently asked questions and common concerns about creating a positive school culture Through concrete, real-world examples, authoritative insights, and useful explorations, this compact volume for principals and administrators demystifies the concept of school culture and points the way toward building a strong, collaborative school community.

Table of Contents:
Preface: Why This Title Acknowledgments About the Author Introduction: Culture Shock 1. School Culture Under the Microscope: What It Is, How It Works, and Why It′s So Important 2. The Many Phases and Faces of School Personalities 3. Profile of a Healthy School Culture That Works for Everyone 4. How Do You Know It′s Time to Tune Your Bagpipes? Signs of a Toxic School Culture 5. Assessing the DNA of Your School′s Culture 6. Avoiding "Fratricide" (Death by Friendly Fire) 7. A Dresser of Sycamore Trees: The Leader′s Role in Shaping the School′s Culture 8. Don′t Teach the Canaries Not to Sing: Creating a School Culture That Works for All Students 9. Use All the Gifts (Assets): Creating a School Culture That Works for Staff 10. The Dancing Bear Metaphor: Creating a School Culture That Works for Parents and the Community 11. A Results-Oriented Work Environment (ROWE): Linking Culture and Achievement 12. No Deposit, No Return: Culture Building Made Simple Resource A. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions Resource B. FSWs: Frequently Stated Worries Resource C. What Others Say About Organizational Culture Resource D. Related Readings: The Short List Index

About the Author :
Robert D. Ramsey is a lifelong educator who has served as a "leader of leaders" in three award-winning school districts in two different states. His frontline experience includes positions a teacher, counselor, assistant principal, curriculum director, assistant superintendent, acting superintendent, and adjunct professor. Most recently, he has served as associate superintendent in the St. Louis Park (MN) schools, where every school has been designated by the federal government as a National School of Excellence. Ramsey is now working full-time as a freelance writer in Minneapolis.

Review :
"The book provides school leaders with an ABC format for building effective school culture. It is evident that the author has a wealth of knowledge in this field and has documented his work in this area. This book will make a unique and distinct contribution to the field." "A very enjoyable read, with lots of suggestions and ideas that can be implemented immediately. Site leaders will find the book refreshing and helpful for their daily activities. Each chapter has lots of thoughtful ideas, suggestions, recommendations, assessments, and profiles that can be used in improving school culture." "The clear, concise themes for each chapter are backed by research and provide an understanding of what needs to be done to improve school climate. This book could be used for a team study of a building or district to measure the cultural temperature, by teacher teams to start a grassroots movement to improve school climate, or by reflective leaders who want to continuously improve their organizations." "I found the material, topic, and examples extremely useful. I have already discussed several ideas with teachers and my superintendent." "If school leaders would only do a few of the suggestions, those leaders would find clear evidence of improvement within their school. Just follow the steps offered and you too can become a better leader within you school’s culture while improving that culture." "There are other books on school culture, but the tell-it-like-it-is, no-holds-barred style of writing makes this a book I would recommend to others." "The ideas are useful, thought provoking, and can be implemented within the limitations of the desire to truly make a change by those who have the wherewithal to do so." “An outstanding analysis of what school culture is, how it works, and why it’s important to develop. Student performance and staff efforts pair with parental engagement and community support in such a process, creating a culture that is dynamic, interactive, and positive: here’s how to build it, with real-world examples adding vision and insights.”