Paul D. Houston - Böcker

The Board-Savvy Superintendent's hard-hitting, no-nonsense, advice on school board leadership capitalizes on Houston and Eadie's hands-on experience working with hundreds of boards and superintendents over the past quarter-century. It is a practical, survive-and-thrive book that will help school district leaders—board members, superintendents, and senior administrators—learn to work together successfully in leading their districts in these extraordinarily challenging times.Filled with detailed, thoroughly tested guidance on how to acquire the skills and knowledge that make up board savvyness, it also addresses how to develop the school board's capacity to produce truly high-impact governance, and how to build a strong, enduring, productive board-superintendent working partnership. The authors take a fresh look at the process of governing, going well beyond the old-fashioned, control-focused "policy governance" approach. Rather than being preoccupied with developing a static structure of policies to distinguish the board's role from the superintendent's, the book describes how the board and superintendent can creatively work together in making decisions about such critical governing "products" as values, vision, mission, and strategic change initiatives.School district leaders will appreciate The Board-Savvy Superintendent's close look at the "gold standard" for board involvement in school affairs: leading strategic change. The authors go well beyond the conventional long-range planning approach of merely projecting everything a school district is doing for some arbitrary period of 3 or 5 years, which has generated tons of paper and little important change to provide the reader with detailed, practical guidance on engaging school boards creatively and proactively in a much more selective, vision-driven process that actually results in the implementation of strategic change: the Strategic Change Portfolio.

"In this book, Paul Houston and Steve Sokolow sow seeds of wisdom that offer hope and sound guiding principles for America's educational leaders."-Richard W. Riley, former U.S. Secretary of Education and former Governor of South Carolina"This book fills a troubling void in the leadership literature by highlighting the vital spiritual side of a leader's role."-Terrence E. Deal, Author Leading With Soul and Reframing the Path to School Leadership"Houston and Sokolow focus on how leaders can remain true to their core beliefs and still lead successful organizations. This should be required reading for all leaders and prospective leaders." -Vincent L. Ferrandino, Executive Director National Association of Elementary School Principals"I can't imagine a more timely and important book for educators." -Margaret J. Wheatley, Author, Leadership and the New Science "Houston and Sokolow have done an extraordinary job of looking beyond the traditional view of leadership to incorporate a spiritual dimension." -Dr. Gerald N. Tirozzi, Executive Director National Association of Secondary School Principals"The Spiritual Dimension of Leadership reminds us that the job of leadership is complex, but the actions we take can be very simple and yet have a big impact." -Anne L. Bryant, Executive Director National School Boards Association Infuse your leadership practice—and your life—with greater purpose and wisdom! This book illuminates many of the core values, beliefs, and principles that can guide, sustain, and inspire leaders during difficult times. These values and principles have underlying spiritual roots. The more aware of them you are, and the more you express them in leadership practice, the more effective you become. Paul D. Houston, Executive Director of the American Association of School Administrators, and Stephen L. Sokolow, a founding partner and Executive Director of the Center for Empowered Leadership, offer the following eight key leadership principles to help you become a more enlightened leader:

Intention  Attention Unique gifts and talents  Gratitude  Unique life lessons  Holistic perspective Openness  Trust

Reap the many rewards of practicing these principles and journey down a path of awareness and insight that will empower you and those you lead to create the best possible future for our children.

Develop a leadership style that inspires an entire school community to achieve high goals!In this second volume of The Soul of Educational Leadership series, editors Paul D. Houston, Alan M. Blankstein, and Robert W. Cole offer creative perspectives on the challenges of reframing leadership practice. Presenting key strategies from leadership experts such as Thomas Sergiovanni and Dennis Sparks, this compact resource combines research, reflective exercises, and day-to-day school leadership procedures for motivating students and providing meaningful cultural change in school communities.An ideal handbook for principals, assistant principals, superintendents, and district administrators, this copublication with AASA and the HOPE Foundation discusses: Developing high-quality leadershipInspiring transformative leadershipEmbracing leadership alternatives Evaluating current school reform practicesMeeting the challenges in leadership rolesOut-of-the-Box Leadership is the perfect guide to help administrators rethink, reshape, and strengthen their leadership styles and provide confident, focused direction that will help build real success for students and all members of the school community.

Develop a leadership style that inspires an entire school community to achieve high goals!

In this second volume of The Soul of Educational Leadership series, editors Paul D. Houston, Alan M. Blankstein, and Robert W. Cole offer creative perspectives on the challenges of reframing leadership practice. Presenting key strategies from leadership experts such as Thomas Sergiovanni and Dennis Sparks, this compact resource combines research, reflective exercises, and day-to-day school leadership procedures for motivating students and providing meaningful cultural change in school communities.An ideal handbook for principals, assistant principals, superintendents, and district administrators, this copublication with AASA and the HOPE Foundation discusses:

Developing high-quality leadershipInspiring transformative leadershipEmbracing leadership alternatives Evaluating current school reform practicesMeeting the challenges in leadership roles

Out-of-the-Box Leadership is the perfect guide to help administrators rethink, reshape, and strengthen their leadership styles and provide confident, focused direction that will help build real success for students and all members of the school community.

Join today′s most insightful thinkers as they explore the heart, mind, and soul of educational leadership!This concise volume offers educational leaders key concepts and strategies for framing discussions about closing the equity gap and ensuring high achievement for all learners. As the first volume in The Soul of Educational Leadership series, this unique collection presents: Pedro A. Noguera and Alan M. Blankstein on essential questions and themesDelores B. Lindsey and Randall B. Lindsey on culturally proficient equity auditsAntoinette Mitchell on the knowledge base for teaching diverse learners in big-city schoolsStephen G. Peters on how to capture, inspire, and teach every learnerThomas R. Guskey on rethinking the work of Benjamin S. BloomKaren J. Pittman and Merita Irby on readiness for college, work, and lifeAlan Boyle on helping failing schools to turn around Richard Farson on the paradoxes of risk, challenge, failure, and innovationPioneering educators and series editors Alan M. Blankstein, Robert W. Cole, and Paul D. Houston offer thought-provoking ideas applicable to all schools, districts, and learning communities and include a complete index for browsing and easy reference.

Join today′s most insightful thinkers as they explore the heart, mind, and soul of educational leadership!This concise volume offers educational leaders key concepts and strategies for framing discussions about closing the equity gap and ensuring high achievement for all learners. As the first volume in The Soul of Educational Leadership series, this unique collection presents: Pedro A. Noguera and Alan M. Blankstein on essential questions and themesDelores B. Lindsey and Randall B. Lindsey on culturally proficient equity auditsAntoinette Mitchell on the knowledge base for teaching diverse learners in big-city schoolsStephen G. Peters on how to capture, inspire, and teach every learnerThomas R. Guskey on rethinking the work of Benjamin S. BloomKaren J. Pittman and Merita Irby on readiness for college, work, and lifeAlan Boyle on helping failing schools to turn around Richard Farson on the paradoxes of risk, challenge, failure, and innovationPioneering educators and series editors Alan M. Blankstein, Robert W. Cole, and Paul D. Houston offer thought-provoking ideas applicable to all schools, districts, and learning communities and include a complete index for browsing and easy reference.

Use the power of data—and the insights it provides—to enhance your leadership practice!

Offering key concepts about how the informed use of data can translate into highly effective school leadership, this seventh volume in The Soul of Educational Leadership series demonstrates how educational leaders can apply data strategically to strengthen school leadership and significantly improve professional learning, students' learning experiences, and schoolwide performance.

Copublished with the HOPE Foundation and the American Association of School Administrators and featuring state-of-the-art contributions from Jesse Rodriguez, Lorna M. Earl, Steven Katz, Eileen Depka, Kay Burke, and other experts, this compact book combines research, practice, and innovative thinking to help readers determine what kind of data they need and how to use their findings to:

Create a culture of professional inquiry that drives staff development Redefine curriculum, instruction, and assessment in standards-based classroomsRaise student achievement Determine best uses for technology to benefit administrators, teachers, and studentsRegularly fine tune the decision-making process

Meet the challenges of today's changing schools through shared leadership!

Today's rapidly changing schools and educational trends present administrators and school leaders with unique challenges. This fifth volume in the Soul of Educational Leadership series offers inspiring articles that examine how to sustain the achievements of school communities while building shared leadership to carry on the work of school improvement, even when facing tight budgets or a change in leadership.

Bringing together a powerful group of leading educational thinkers such as Michael Fullan, Dennis Sparks, Linda Lambert, Dean Fink, Alma Harris, and many others, this volume explores a variety of timely topics for reflection, discussion, and practice, including:

The characteristics and nature of effective leadershipSustainable leadership built on shared visionImproving classroom teaching and student learningLarge-scale reforms that benefit the entire school communityRecruiting and developing new leaders, and much more!

This book is an ideal reference for busy administrators dedicated to continued educational excellence.

"This resource brings together an incredible blend of leading educational thinkers. Their diverse experiences, perspectives, and wisdom will stimulate in leaders the ′deep work′ of the heart, mind, and soul essential for creating schools that continuously improve teaching, learning, and relationships in ways that benefit all members of the school community."—Dennis Sparks, Emeritus Executive DirectorNational Staff Development CouncilA concise volume packed with research and innovative ideas from today′s key thinkers! Professional learning communities have become a significant factor in improving instructional effectiveness and student achievement. In the third volume of The Soul of Educational Leadership series, educators and leaders will discover key concepts and strategies for sustaining the critically important work of these communities. Contributions from Shirley M. Hord, Maurice J. Elias, Karen Seashore Louis, Andy Hargreaves, Stephanie A. Hirsh, and other nationally known educators highlight:Leadership teams and a collaborative culture The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Multiple approaches for supporting social-emotional learning in schools Leadership, real-world challenges, and moral choices A thought-provoking collection from educational visionaries, Sustaining Professional Learning Communities is essential reading for all school leaders committed to strengthening learning environments.

"This resource brings together an incredible blend of leading educational thinkers. Their diverse experiences, perspectives, and wisdom will stimulate in leaders the ′deep work′ of the heart, mind, and soul essential for creating schools that continuously improve teaching, learning, and relationships in ways that benefit all members of the school community."—Dennis Sparks, Emeritus Executive DirectorNational Staff Development CouncilA concise volume packed with research and innovative ideas from today′s key thinkers! Professional learning communities have become a significant factor in improving instructional effectiveness and student achievement. In the third volume of The Soul of Educational Leadership series, educators and leaders will discover key concepts and strategies for sustaining the critically important work of these communities. Contributions from Shirley M. Hord, Maurice J. Elias, Karen Seashore Louis, Andy Hargreaves, Stephanie A. Hirsh, and other nationally known educators highlight:Leadership teams and a collaborative culture The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Multiple approaches for supporting social-emotional learning in schools Leadership, real-world challenges, and moral choices A thought-provoking collection from educational visionaries, Sustaining Professional Learning Communities is essential reading for all school leaders committed to strengthening learning environments.

"A useful book for those who want to find balance in their lives and add a dimension of spirituality to their leadership." —Kenneth Killian, Assistant Professor Vanguard University of Southern California "The information is approachable, nonthreatening, and personal. The authors discuss their own past roles as educational leaders, providing instant credibility."—Jennifer Baadsgaard, Assistant Principal Roosevelt High School, San Antonio, TX Revitalize your leadership and help shape a better future for the students you serve! This fourth volume of The Soul of Educational Leadership series offers key strategies for identifying the moral and ethical dimensions of school leadership practice. With thought-provoking contributions from top leadership figures like Terrence E. Deal, Dawna Markova, and Scott Thompson, this enlightening resource combines research with innovative ideas for practice and emphasizes:

Spirituality within a life-sustaining context The role of spirituality in empowering leaders as agents for transformative change A moral obligation to create safe and supportive learning spaces for students

Spirituality in Educational Leadership helps educators align everyday practice with core values in ways that will make a significant difference in their professional and personal lives.

Motivate, persuade, and inspire your school community! A central role of any educational leader is that of an accomplished communicator—one who can relate to diverse communities, promote cooperative interaction, and unify stakeholders around the larger cause of quality education for every student.This sixth volume in the Soul of Educational Leadership series provides innovative ideas on diplomacy and practical strategies for strengthening communications skills. With contributions from top leadership figures like Paul D. Houston, John R. Hoyle, Rich Bagin, and Daniel H. Pink, this resource emphasizes the importance of clear and purposeful communication in gaining support, avoiding misunderstandings, and establishing productive communitywide relationships. Individual chapters demonstrate how readers can:

Create dynamic, effective districtwide communication systemsRespond to district challenges and issues Use electronic communication tools effectivelySecure and increase funding for their schools and districtsIncrease avenues for informing the public about issues that affect schools and students

This insightful book offers all school leaders a rich array of creative, thoughtful communication approaches to empower their leadership and inspire everyone who has a stake in preparing today's students for tomorrow's challenges.

"A brilliant distillation of the best thinking from one of the great minds in our field. This funny, uplifting page-turner inspires profound ′aha′ moments necessary for being a ′hope-pusher′ internally while effectively advocating for children in the larger community."—Alan M. Blankstein, President HOPE Foundation"Paul Houston thinks like a man of action and acts like a man of thought. His writings are packed with the wisdom, grace, and innovation that have made him one of the true leaders in American public education today."—Daniel H. Pink, Author A Whole New Mind"This book translates the real issues in public education into sublime teachings for life."—Anne L. Bryant, Executive Director National School Boards Association"Paul Houston is a crusader for American public education. His fresh ideas provide answers to some of the toughest challenges our schools and school leaders face today."—Richard Riley, Former U.S. Secretary of Education"In these timeless essays, Houston opens our minds with his powerful thoughts, touches our hearts with his understanding and passion, and invites us to see public schools and the children we serve in a new light."—Gail Connelly, Executive Director National Association of Elementary School Principals"Paul Houston′s extensive knowledge of the issues facing today′s busy school administrators is unparalleled. This collection is indeed a testament to Houston′s legacy and his deep love for and commitment to public education."—Gerald N. Tirozzi, Executive DirectorNational Association of Secondary School PrincipalsA collection of influential, insightful, and inspiring articles from an educational leadership expert!In this resource, retiring executive director of the American Association of School Administrators, former superintendent, and best-selling author Paul D. Houston examines the growing complexity of the educational process and the challenge of transforming learning into an engaging, meaningful—and even joyful—experience. Houston offers enlightening perspectives on global competition, the widening economic gulf between social classes, the explosion of information, and a landscape of competing expectations. This provocative book views education as "soul work" touching the deepest part of the human spirit and covers:What it means to be a leader The challenges of transforming public educationHow leaders can champion learning and educationLessons from the field

"This book has the potential to recenter our national conversation on education policy by examining professional issues through powerful personal experience."—Kathleen Cushman, Author, Fires in the Mind

"As an experienced teacher and administrator, I found myself moved, inspired, and motivated to do whatever it takes to provide meaningful learning experiences for all children."—Roberto A. Pamas, Principal, O.W. Holmes Middle School, Falls Church, VA

Education reform begins when we reconnect with the common purpose behind every educational endeavor

The former executive director of the American Association of School Administrators outlines a coherent countervision of the factors educators must consider in order to turn schools back into places that nurture children. There are basic truths about what motivates people, Paul D. Houston argues, and educators must embed these truths in the educational process. In this book, educators will find inspiration and guidance through:

Eighteen beautifully written, thought-provoking essays on how we can transform our schoolsChapter-by-chapter questions to inspire reflection, discussion, and professional developmentA broad range of topics spanning from the magic of learning to global education to the perils of accountability

Houston's words will resonate with anyone committed to improving schools, and will help educators examine their own beliefs, develop a common vision, and enact reform.

"Establishing school-family-community partnerships to promote the social, emotional, and academic learning of students is the most important challenge for 21st-century education. In this volume, leading practitioners and researchers compellingly convey the rationale and inspiration for these partnerships. They also share many practical, innovative, and effective strategies that readers can readily implement to engage partners in raising knowledgeable, responsible, caring, and contributing children."—Roger P. Weissberg, Liberal Arts and Sciences Distinguished ProfessorUniversity of Illinois at Chicago

Making schooling a community endeavor!

Because schools are the heart and soul of a community, educational leaders have a responsibility to bring the community into the school, as well as to make the school a part of the surrounding community. This volume in the Soul of Educational Leadership series goes beyond administrative skills to examine educators' pivotal role of leading family and community involvement in school success.

With articles written by leading authorities and practitioners in the field, this resource discusses how school leaders can build successful family and community partnerships that flourish even in trying circumstances and over time. Readers will find:

Contributions from Alan M. Blankstein, Pedro A. Noguera, Mavis G. Sanders, Paul D. Houston, Edward H. Moore, and othersInspiring and unique perspectives on the interplay of family and community in school success Ideas for engaging families as partners

"This indispensable volume provides a wealth of answers from the country′s foremost educators and researchers."—Dennis Shirley, ProfessorBoston College Lynch School of Education, MAKeys to building socially just schools where achievement soarsResearch shows that students′ sense of belonging in their school communities is critically linked to academic achievement. This ninth and final book in The Soul of Educational Leadership series offers practical strategies for promoting socially responsible school cultures that foster greater student engagement and democratic values.A joint publication with the American Association of School Administrators and the HOPE Foundation, with contributions from renowned educators Bonnie Davis, Linda Skrla, Randall Lindsey, and others, this book explores the key concepts of respect, equity, and character, and examines tough issues such as: Reflecting on our backgrounds and assumptionsModeling socially responsible behaviorTeaching students to discern injusticeEnacting a zero-tolerance policy toward bullyingStudents will shape tomorrow based on what they learn today. This compact guide equips educators to implement democratic practices, act in socially just ways, and impart democratic values to the citizens of the future.

These are challenging times, especially for leaders. Leaders need to supercharge their leadership skills to empower others to meet the demands of technological advances, globalization and rapid change. How do you become a more empowering leader? How do you supercharge your leadership skills to navigate these turbulent times?The answers can be found by tapping into 12 universal Core Values illuminated in this book. These Core Values are seeds of empowerment:Expanding Your Unique Gifts and Talents Manifesting Your Intention Augmenting Affirmation Cultivating A Sense of Mission and Purpose Balancing Head and Heart Manifesting Your Vision Mastering Visualization Maximizing Expectation Boosting Intuition Honing Awareness Amplifying Your Higher Self Magnifying Openness As an Empowering Leader, you will also be able to take advantage of the gifts of: Synchronicity (Bonus Chapter 1) and Syntropy (Bonus Chapter 2).As you nurture these seeds of empowerment you will make better choices and increasingly become a more empowering leader-- a leader with supercharged leadership skills. Supercharged empowering leadership is the path to a better and brighter future for all of us.

These are challenging times, especially for leaders. Leaders need to supercharge their leadership skills to empower others to meet the demands of technological advances, globalization and rapid change. How do you become a more empowering leader? How do you supercharge your leadership skills to navigate these turbulent times?The answers can be found by tapping into 12 universal Core Values illuminated in this book. These Core Values are seeds of empowerment:Expanding Your Unique Gifts and Talents Manifesting Your Intention Augmenting Affirmation Cultivating A Sense of Mission and Purpose Balancing Head and Heart Manifesting Your Vision Mastering Visualization Maximizing Expectation Boosting Intuition Honing Awareness Amplifying Your Higher Self Magnifying Openness As an Empowering Leader, you will also be able to take advantage of the gifts of: Synchronicity (Bonus Chapter 1) and Syntropy (Bonus Chapter 2).As you nurture these seeds of empowerment you will make better choices and increasingly become a more empowering leader-- a leader with supercharged leadership skills. Supercharged empowering leadership is the path to a better and brighter future for all of us.