Improving Schools: Simple Approaches and Understandings to Realize Growth

Schools are the bridge to the future. Their success is vital for the success of communities and the country. There are opportunities and avenues to improvement that are unfortunately overlooked and underutilized. The path to improving schools, districts and education overall is not a singular one, but there are common areas that should be explored. Improving Schools: Simple Approaches and Understandings to Realize Growth is an exploration of those common areas that if given the correct attention and focus could serve to improve schools. For example, A lack of focus on adult learning theory is limiting the impact of learning for educators and administrators alike. Other areas explored are the idea of human resource development, leveraging local resources, licensure, online learning, climate, and a renewed focus on the teacher. Through a solution oriented mindset and a commitment to improve, this text can help anyone with influence refocus to find a path to improvement in education.

Table of Contents:
Preface Acknowledgements Introduction Chapter 1 – Adult Learning Theory, A Missing Piece Chapter 2 - Adult Learning Experiences, Not So Fast Chapter 3 - Now We Are Ready for Learning Experiences Chapter 4 – Human Resource Development Chapter 5 – Local Resources Chapter 6 - Licensure and Assessment A Path Forward Chapter 7 – Technology and Online Learning – The Shrinking Educational Universe Chapter 8 – Climate a Broad and Vital Area of Focus Chapter 9 – The Educator Chapter 10 – Putting it all Together Bibliography About the Author

About the Author :
Kevin Popadines has spent over twenty years in education. He has held positions ranging from classroom teacher, school improvement chair, mentor, varsity basketball and golf coach to instructional specialist, professional learning specialist, acting administrator, as well as university continuing education course creator and instructor. Dr. Popadines has worked in education for the State of New Jersey, North Carolina, with military connected schools and currently works leading professional learning in Spain. He has a passion for learning and believes that with a greater focus on adult learning theory, professional learning and development of teachers can be greatly improved to help yield increased achievement in schools.

Review :
Dr. Kevin Popadines created an exceptional piece of literature that has and will continue to receive the highest-level feedback from national and international educators. Here he offers information that integrates school improvement, adult learning theory and leadership implementation appropriate for community members, teachers, school improvement specialists and administrators. Anyone with a sincere desire to promote the highest student achievement should read this motivating and invigorating book. It is relevant and is sure to impact education as we move forward in improving school improvement efforts and results. In his words, let this be a call to action as we challenge the status quo! No matter what field a person works in, looking for new inspiration is a common theme. Improving Schools: Simple Approaches and Understandings to Realize Growth provides exactly that, new inspiration, new vigor and a boost to educators. Having a focus on adult learners breathes new life into the field. I admire how this book is not blaming educators or the education field but rather suggesting the focus on adult learners can pave a new way to bring enthusiasm back into the classroom. The whole education system from administrators, districts and teachers can really benefit from this book in creating a refresh in the classroom. Dr. Popadines is a rising star whose insights into adult learning theory are derived from years of experience in implementing effective initiatives to address some of the challenges inherent in school improvement and student achievement. He has written an insightful book that identifies the relevant issues facing school communities while advancing several thought-provoking approaches to address these issues. His understanding of the intricacies of the relationship between continuous improvement and adult learning theory is noteworthy. Improving Schools: Simple Approaches and Understandings to Realize Growth is a viable resource for anyone involved in continuous school improvement.