Small Schools, Big Ideas : The Essential Guide to Successful School Transformation

by Mara Benitez; Jill Davidson; Laura Flaxman; Ted Sizer; Nancy Sizer

• ISBN13: 9780470615539
• ISBN10: 0470615532
• Format: eBook
• Copyright: 2009-11-01
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass

Summary

Small Schools, Big IdeasThis guide shows how the principle-based and equity-focused model from the Coalition of Essential Schools (CES) can be used to redesign existing schools and create new schools that prepare students for this century's challenges and opportunities.Filled with inspirational stories and illustrative examples from schools that have successfully implemented CES principles and practices, Small Schools, Big Ideas offers information and inspiration needed to:Transform schools in order to achieve equitable outcomes for all studentsUnderstand various school design optionsEstablish school vision, mission, and goals to raise educational expectations and resultsDevelop transformational leadershipCultivate a professional learning communityImplement student-centered teaching, learning, and curriculaBuild productive relationships with families and communitiesEstablish strategies for sustainabilityThese recommendations and proven strategies can help educators transform their schools to become truly equitable, personalized, and academically challenging.Praise for Small Schools, Big Ideas"Small Schools, Big Ideas tells the story of the next generation of Essential schools. The authors illu-strate the fundamental necessities of putting students at the center, trusting teachers and families, and instilling democratic practices. The Coalition of Essential Schools continues to light the way for schools as places of trust, imagination, and real learning; these principles and ideas that we developed and put into practice a quarter-century ago continue to evolve, and are still the best ways we know to create life-changing teaching and learning." --Deborah Meier, Senior Scholar and Adjunct Professor, New York University"For educators, policymakers, and anyone else working to improve education in America, Small Schools, Big Ideas is a tremendous resource. The authors draw on both research and direct experience to provide a detailed, practical, and inspiring analysis of what must be done to create the schools we need." --Pedro Noguera, Peter L. Agnew Professor of Education, New York University

Table of Contents

Foreword

Acknowledgments

The Coalition of Essential Schools and the CES Small Schools Project

The Authors

Introduction: An Academically Challenging Education for All

Setting the Stage for Transformation

A Commitment to Equity

Confronting the Challenges

Creating the Climate and Conditions for Change

Essential Principles for School Design

Starting with Vision, Mission, and Goals

Transformative Leadership

Cultivating Professional Learning Opportunities

Essential Principles for Learning

Student-Centered Teaching and Learning

Demonstration of Mastery

Access, Opportunity, and Preparation for Postsecondary Success

Embedding Successful Change

School Culture, Practices, and Community

Strategies for Sustainability

Coalition of Essential Schools Common Principles

Coalition of Essential Schools Benchmarks: Principles in Practice

Profiled Schools and Organizations

The Benefits of the CES Model: A Look at Recent Research

Glossary of Useful Assessment Terms

References

Index

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