The Principal Lib/E: Three Keys to Maximizing Impact

Over the past two decades, Michael Fullan has written influentially about the change that school and district leaders must bring about as formalized achievement standards and new technology transform how schools are run. What he hasn't done until now is explore and discuss in detail how and why the principal's role itself must change. Principals are often called the second most crucial in-school influencers (after teachers) of student learning. But what should the principal do in order to maximize student achievement? In The Principal, Fullan explains why the answer lies neither in micro-managing instruction nor in autonomous entrepreneurialism. He also shows systematically how the principal's role must change, and demonstrates how it can be done in short order, at scale. Fullan shows how principals have been boxed into a narrow role that undercuts their ability to develop the whole school. He sheds light on how, in times of crisis, it's all too easy for principals to do the wrong thing--to take actions that are ineffective or even counter-productive, particularly when they don't feel entirely in charge. But even in the toughest of external conditions, he shows, there is always leeway for action. Fullan explains how to choose the right versus wrong drivers--loosening focus on accountability and instead concentrating on capacity-building; focusing less on technology and more on pedagogy; abandoning fragmented strategies and striving for "systemness"; and forgoing individualistic solutions in favor of collaborative effort. He shares how principals can foster the professional capital of teachers and get far more accomplished for all students. The author explains the three key roles that administrators must play in order to have the biggest impact on student achievement--the learning leader, the district and system player, and the change agent. Throughout The Principal are "action items" to help leaders implement Fullan's program effectively, as well as provocative discussion questions that enhance the book's usefulness in professional development and leadership courses.

About the Author :
Michael Fullan is the global leadership director, New Pedagogies for Deep Learning (NPDL), and a worldwide authority on educational reform with a mandate of helping to achieve the moral purpose of all children learning. A former dean of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) of the University of Toronto, Michael advises policymakers and local leaders around the world to provide leadership in education. Michael received the Order of Canada in December 2012. He holds honorary doctorates from several universities in North America and abroad. Don Hagen has been behind the microphone since fifth grade. He is a nine-time winner of the Peer Award for narration/voice-over and twice winner of an AudioFile Earphones Award. He has also been heard in radio and television commercials and documentaries. In addition to his freelance voice work, he is a member of the audiobook narration team at the Library of Congress.

Review :
"Fullan challenges the status quo and opens up a new and exciting future by systematically laying out what truly effective principals should do to have maximum impact on learning and on the system as a whole." -- "Margery Evans, chief executive officer, Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership" "Fullan's conclusion...[is that] principals are needed now more than ever, and he's smack on target. He doesn't mince words, yet instills hope and confidence. Simply great...this book should be on every leader's desk. " -- "William Parrett, director, Center for School Improvement and Policy Studies, Boise State University" "Fullan's uniquely succinct brilliance for soaring above the noise and clutter that bogs us down is incredibly energizing and inspiring." -- "Alice Thomas, president and CEO, Center for Development and Learning, Metairie, Louisiana" "Sensibly, with slight irreverence, and ahead of the curve--he challenges us to think about the principalship as not only 'realistically doable, ' but scalable: music to those of us who want to see students perform to greater heights and teachers given the support they need to be their best." -- "Vicki Phillips, director of education, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation" "This revealing and powerful book comes just in time, as we launch the biggest education reform in the past fifty years. It should be required reading not only for principals but perhaps even more importantly for those who support and lead them." -- "Laura Schwalm, California Education Partners"