Creating Excellence (eBook)

Vernon G. Smith served 20 years as a practicing principal where he was successful in improving the academic achievement of students. Currently he is the Coordinator of the Educational Leadership Program at Indiana University Northwest.

PrefaceAcknowledgements Chapter 1: Change and the Demands on EducationChapter 2: Philosophy of EducationWhy Address Philosophy of EducationNeed for a School PhilosophyLeaders and Self-ExaminationDeveloping the School’s Philosophy of EducationPhilosophical Thought for ConsiderationChapter 3: The VisionWhat is VisionWhy School VisionLeadership Role in VisioningThe ProcessChapter 4: Climate and CultureWhat is School ClimateThe Importance of ClimateThe Desired ClimateRole of the PrincipalWhat is School CultureThe Principal’s RoleChapter 5:Recruitment and Development of StaffRecruitment and SelectionClassroom ObservationsProfessional DevelopmentChapter 6: Rigor and High ExpectationsWhy the Need for RigorWhat is RigorHigh Expectations and RigorHigher Order Thinking and RigorCreating Rigor in the ClassroomMessage for the Educational LeaderChapter 7:Engaging Parents for School SuccessThe Importance of Parental Support and InvolvementWays to Involve and Empower ParentsThe Need for a School-Community Relations PlanConclusionChapter 8:Persistence and Drive – Never Give Up!Union NegotiationsUnderstanding Resistance to ChangeAnticipated Areas of ResistanceDealing with Difficult TeachersDealing with Unruly ParentsConverting Unwilling StudentsBe the Change You Want to SeeAbout the Author