School Districts and Instructional Renewal

by Hightower, Amy M.; Knapp, Michael S.; Marsh, Julie A.; McLaughlin, Milbrey W.

• ISBN13: 9780807742662
• ISBN10: 080774266X
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2002-10-01
• Publisher: Teachers College Pr

Summary

Contrary to the widespread perception of school districts as rigid bureaucracies and obstacles to reform, this volume shows how school districts can and do make essential contributions to the renewal and enhancement of American education. In this unique and very timely volume, an authoritative group of contributors presents and analyzes emerging evidence on district policy and leadership.

Table of Contents

Introduction: The District Role in Instructional Renewal: Setting the Stage for Dialogue	1	(6)
PART I Enduring Perceptions, Limited Research: The District's Place and Presence in Instructional Renewal	7	(34)
Forgotten Players: How Local School Districts Shaped American Education	9	(16)
David Tyack
How Districts Relate to States, Schools, and Communities: A Review of Emerging Literature	25	(16)
Julie A. Marsh
PART II Provocative Possibilities, Emerging Questions: The District as Catalyst and Critical Support for Instructional Renewal	41	(86)
District Strategies for Building Instructional Capacity	43	(18)
Diane Massell
Margaret E. Goertz
The District as a Professional Learning Laboratory	61	(15)
Mary Kay Stein
Laura D' Amico
San Diego's Big Boom: Systemic Instructional Change in the Central Office and Schools	76	(18)
Amy M. Hightower
New Haven Unified School District: A Teaching Quality System for Excellence and Equity	94	(17)
Jon Snyder
Constraints and Opportunities in Changing Policy Environments: Intermediary Organizations' Response to Complex District Contexts	111	(16)
Patricia Ellen Burch
PART III Building Better Frameworks for Inquiry and Action	127	(66)
Focusing the Concerns of New Teachers: The District as Teacher Educator	129	(14)
Pam Grossman
Clarissa S. Thompson
Sheila W. Valencia
District Policy Making and State Standards: A Cognitive Perspective on Implementation	143	(17)
James P. Spillane
Leadership for Learning: A Theory of Action for Urban School Districts	160	(13)
Lauren B. Resnick
Thomas K. Glennan, Jr.
Reforming Districts	173	(20)
Milbrey W. Mclaughlin
Joan E. Talbert
Conclusion: The District Role in Instructional Renewal: Making Sense and Taking Action	193	(10)
References	203	(14)
About the Editors and the Contributors	217	(4)
Index	221