This book raises the most fundamental questions about the purpose of public education, the role of schools and the necessary school-based application to fulfill the promise of education in a democratic society. This is a book that aims to show teachers, principals, students, parents, central office personnel, school board and community members exactly what they need to do to create schools that are purposeful, moral and successful places. The application to practice is clear, the framework is conceptually straightforward and the issues and answers are thoughtful and respectful of education professionals. This examination of the school reform movement in America keeps the focus of renewal squarely on teaching and learning concerns. It should be a useful resource for anyone involved with school change.
Table of Contents:
Introduction - recapturing the essence of schools. Part 1 A framework for renewing schools: the covenant - establishing common goals for teaching and learning; the charter - understanding how decisions are made; the critical study process - making the most of important information. Part 2 The work of school renewal: educational tasks and organizational readiness; becoming an educative community; dealing with tough questions of practice; supporting school renewal - the district's role; common dilemmas of good schools; conclusion - staying the course.
Review :
"Glickman's approach to school renewal is morally grounded and practical. . . . Writing clearly and persuasively, Glickman gives readers a road map for a long-term school renewal process with great potential. Pointing out the bumps in the road, he nonetheless makes a challenging task seem possible and exciting." --Educational Leadership "The book shows teachers, principals, students, parents, central office personnel, school boards, and community members what they need to do to create schools that are purposeful, moral, and successful places. . . . It is quick reading but at the same time provides very thoughtful insights into a process that has many of us stymied." --Contemporary Education
"Based on his work in the League of Professional Schools, Glickman's Renewing America's Schools provides a clear and sound foundation for reforming schools. The 'covenant, ' the 'charter, ' and 'critical study' form an inspiring and powerful set of guidelines for enacting new schools suited to the development of democratic societies. Educators and community leaders alike will find this book an inspiring and valuable resource for developing schools of the future." --Michael Fullan, Dean of Education, University of Toronto
"An excellent 'how-to-do-it book' for educators in schools and school districts who are involved in or about to begin major school-based reforms." --Thomas W. Payzant, superintendent of schools, San Diego, California
"This book has much to say to teachers, school administrators, parents, and policy makers at all levels who want to consider how to move from the competitive, zero-sum, lock step paradigm constraining today's and yesterday's schools to a new paradigm for school renewal. Glickman describes how all of the members of our society can participate in redesigning schools--marshalling cooperative and democratic forces for creating just, fair and equal education that enables meaningful learning for all children." --Linda Darling-Hammond, professor, Teachers College, Columbia University and co-director, National Center for Restructuring Education, Schools, and Teaching
