Rachel E. Curtis – författare

How can we systemically improve the quality of classroom instruction and the learning and achievement of students? In an era when isolated examples of excellence are not good enough, we need systems that support improvement and excellence for all. This book describes how systems can effectively engage in this complex, challenging, and crucial work. The authors explore three core competencies of high-performing school systems: (1) understanding what the work is—a deep understanding of the core business of facilitating learning, a vision of what that looks like, and an awareness of where the system is in relation to that vision; (2) knowing how to do the work—a theory of action for improving instruction, a focus on key strategies, and effective alignment of resources; and (3) building the individual and organizational “habits of mind” that foster continuous improvement. Each chapter includes examples that illustrate key concepts in action, questions to spur self-assessment in key areas of competence, and tools and resources for building capacity at different levels and stages of development.

How can we systemically improve the quality of classroom instruction and the learning and achievement of students? In an era when isolated examples of excellence are not good enough, we need systems that support improvement and excellence for all. This book describes how systems can effectively engage in this complex, challenging, and crucial work.The authors explore three core competencies of high-performing school systems: (1) understanding what the work is—a deep understanding of the core business of facilitating learning, a vision of what that looks like, and an awareness of where the system is in relation to that vision; (2) knowing how to do the work—a theory of action for improving instruction, a focus on key strategies, and effective alignment of resources; and (3) building the individual and organizational “habits of mind” that foster continuous improvement. Each chapter includes examples that illustrate key concepts in action, questions to spur self-assessment in key areas of competence, and tools and resources for building capacity at different levels and stages of development.

A practical, accessible framework to help education leaders at all levels turn goals into effective actionIn Leading Strategically, Elizabeth A. City and Rachel E. Curtis introduce an actionable leadership framework that supports education leaders in developing and executing cohesive strategy and in taking action in their daily work in ways that make them more effective. Their approach helps leaders navigate challenges and dilemmas in ways that build ownership, collaboration, and capacity within their schools, school systems, and nonprofit educational organizations.City and Curtis center their framework on five essential elements of strategic leadership: discernment, or figuring out what is important to achieve the organization’s vision; cultivation of relationships by tending to interpersonal interactions and social networks with intentionality; deep knowledge of organizational context and history; identification of where power resides, what it looks like in action, and how to marshal it in service of shared purpose; and maintaining a lean and flexible mindset by thinking big, acting small, and learning fast. Throughout the work, reflective questions and tools invite readers to interrogate how each element can apply to their work, guide decision-making, and inform their leadership. Real-world mini case studies show these principles in practice, and a final chapter synthesizes the book into a set of questions leaders can use to guide them to lead strategically.Overall, this practical, hope-filled work encourages leaders—from teachers to superintendents and CEOs—to think expansively about what they can do on behalf of all students, their families, and their communities.

A practical, accessible framework to help education leaders at all levels turn goals into effective action In Leading Strategically, Elizabeth A. City and Rachel E. Curtis introduce an actionable leadership framework that supports education leaders in developing and executing cohesive strategy and in taking action in their daily work in ways that make them more effective. Their approach helps leaders navigate challenges and dilemmas in ways that build ownership, collaboration, and capacity within their schools, school systems, and nonprofit educational organizations. City and Curtis center their framework on five essential elements of strategic leadership: discernment, or figuring out what is important to achieve the organization’s vision; cultivation of relationships by tending to interpersonal interactions and social networks with intentionality; deep knowledge of organizational context and history; identification of where power resides, what it looks like in action, and how to marshal it in service of shared purpose; and maintaining a lean and flexible mindset by thinking big, acting small, and learning fast. Throughout the work, reflective questions and tools invite readers to interrogate how each element can apply to their work, guide decision-making, and inform their leadership. Real-world mini case studies show these principles in practice, and a final chapter synthesizes the book into a set of questions leaders can use to guide them to lead strategically. Overall, this practical, hope-filled work encourages leaders—from teachers to superintendents and CEOs—to think expansively about what they can do on behalf of all students, their families, and their communities.

A practical, accessible framework to help education leaders at all levels turn goals into effective action