Leonard C. Burrello - Böcker

Unifying Educational Systems encourages leaders to move beyond the traditional forms and rituals of leadership for special education that are caught within traditional definitions of a continuum of services. Grounded in public policy debates, research on teaching and learning, and an emerging consensus throughout the leadership community that calls into question our current practices, chapters in this volume provide a discussion of the purpose, principles, and paradoxes extant in the implementation of current special education policy. Chapter authors discuss how students are currently served, the feasibility of re-conceptualizing special education leadership in the current policy context, and the challenges for the future. Ultimately, Unifying Educational Systems calls for a new policy framework to integrate special education within the larger instructional support system in schools, in order to support a social justice and inclusive practices agenda.

Unifying Educational Systems encourages leaders to move beyond the traditional forms and rituals of leadership for special education that are caught within traditional definitions of a continuum of services. Grounded in public policy debates, research on teaching and learning, and an emerging consensus throughout the leadership community that calls into question our current practices, chapters in this volume provide a discussion of the purpose, principles, and paradoxes extant in the implementation of current special education policy. Chapter authors discuss how students are currently served, the feasibility of re-conceptualizing special education leadership in the current policy context, and the challenges for the future. Ultimately, Unifying Educational Systems calls for a new policy framework to integrate special education within the larger instructional support system in schools, in order to support a social justice and inclusive practices agenda.

"The book allowed me to explore my own leadership practices regarding instructional capacity building. It's a must for individuals looking to examine ways to improve teaching and learning."Royce Avery, PrincipalWoodsboro High School, TX"Vision and focus are intertwined, and I think this book does an exemplary job of showing the distinctions between the two while depicting their close relationship. Very motivating . . . as a principal, I was inspired."Dana Trevethan, PrincipalTurlock High School, CATransform your school with "Structural Dynamics" strategies! Anything built to last needs a clear plan, a solid foundation, the right tools, and strong structural integrity to withstand threatening elements that arise. Unfortunately, most school reform programs do not meet these basic requirements and crumble as quickly as they appear. To offset such mishaps, this guide empowers you to be an architect of long-lasting, positive change using proven "Structural Dynamics" strategies. Through user-friendly definitions, illustrative points, and indispensable how-to's, the book enables you to easily apply the principles prescribed, safeguard your plans against failure, and lead your school to reach its maximum potential. Highlights include: Real-life examples of schools that have improved using "Structural Dynamics" principles Specific strategies for overcoming obstacles Tips for creating a results-oriented plan and meeting shared goals Straightforward discussion of the four key elements that propel your school toward achievement As the educational system increasingly focuses on accountability, this resource provides the support, insight, and guidance needed to meet rising demands and create a springboard for enduring, soaring success.

"A convincing conceptualization of schools as complex adaptive systems. The authors' recommendations that leaders must "tinker at the margins" and lead in the "zone of complexity" provide sound and practical advice for school leaders faced with creating unified educational systems that will be able to effectively support students with increasingly diverse learning needs." David W. Peterson, Superintendent Northern Suburban Special Education District Highland Park, IL

"Far too long we have failed to acknowledge the large number of students relegated to parallel educational systems. This thought-provoking book provides an important first step in helping us surface the mental models we hold of the teaching and learning of diverse student populations." Nelda Cambron-McCabe, Department of Educational Leadership Miami University Oxford, OH

"An insightful, informative, and thought-provoking book that deals with a topic that concerns every educator." Kate Kinley, Director of Administrative Training and Staff Development Clark County School District, NV

Learn to create unified, learner-centered schools where all students learn!

By focusing on student learning as the central goal of school administrators, Burrello, Lashley, and Beatty establish a plan for creating a truly integrated educational system, one that unifies the separate and parallel systems of special and general education.

The authors call for an end to the piecemeal strategy of including students one classroom, one grade level, or one school at a time. Instead, they demonstrate how administrators, school leaders, and the community must work together on decisions to implement personalized education plans, accountable curricular outcomes, and appropriate instructional adaptations.

Some of the key concepts include:

Schools embracing special services personnel The roles of the community and other stakeholders Reconceptualizing schools based on learner-centered principles Program evaluation and incentives Brain and holographic design as a framework for complex adaptive systems Collaboration between school administrators and teachers Adapting curriculum and instruction

In this groundbreaking work of practical application, Burrello, Lashley, and Beatty demonstrate effective leadership strategies that will enable administrators to better manage the cultural imperative of equity and excellence for all students. They further support the plan for unified schools through case studies and a program evaluation of self-study guide. An essential resource for general and special educators, parents, and communities.