Be 1% Better: Surprisingly Simple Ways to Transform Your School

by Ron Clark

Transforming Your School Starts with 1% Changes



As his school began rebounding from the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic, visionary educator Ron Clark asked himself a crucial How can we continue to improve when we’re already giving our all? The answer was to ask his staff to brainstorm ways to be just a little bit better. If everyone committed to ten of these “one percenters,” as he called them, they would have a major impact. That’s exactly what happened, and today, the Ron Clark Academy is leading the way with simple but innovative practices that are transforming the lives of students, parents, and teachers.

In Be 1% Better, Clark opens his playbook, sharing dozens of ways he and his staff have made change doable. The strategies here work both within and beyond the classroom by breaking change down into “baby steps” that can easily be integrated into daily tasks and that don’t involve months of planning or considerable resources.

Be 1% Better equips educators, administrators, staff, and school leaders with everything they need to get just a little bit better, then watch as these “one percenters” cascade into cultural and curricular shifts that benefit everyone.



Ron Clark is the New York Times best-selling author of The Essential 55, which has sold more than one million copies in twenty-five different languages. Clark’s other works, Move Your Bus, The End of Molasses Classes, and The Excellent 11 were all met with critical acclaim. He has been named American Teacher of the Year by Disney and was Oprah Winfrey’s pick as her “Phenomenal Man.” He founded the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, Georgia, which more than 145,000 educators from around the world have visited to learn about the extraordinary ways that teachers and parents of RCA have helped children achieve great success. Clark has been featured on the Today show and CNN, and his experiences have been turned into the uplifting film The Ron Clark Story, starring Matthew Perry.

Genres: Education, Nonfiction

152 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 28, 2024

About the author

Ron Clark has been called "America's Educator." In 2000, he was named Disney's American Teacher of the Year. He is a New York Times bestselling author whose book, The Essential 55, has sold over 1 million copies and has been published in 25 different countries.

--from the author's website

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Reviews

[Sarah]

“How can I use common sense and dedication to my role to be one percent better at what I do? How can I improve in a way that isn’t stressful, overwhelming, or taxing?”

Ron Clark doesn’t just talk the talk, he walks the walk! Continuously inspired by him, his RCA teachers, and his passion for education!

[crashqueen73]

I found heaps of ideas in here that I would like to try/ implement in my classroom. Some of the suggestions were more suited to principals or administrators but still plenty for a classroom teacher to make it worth the read. There were a couple of chapters that I know I won't try but I came away with a list of 25 I would give a go and some that will become permanent features of my repertoire. I would love to see this school in action and do the PD they offer!
I really enjoy finding ways to keep my teaching fresh and I really appreciate teachers that share their creative awesomeness!
Definitely a book worth a look.

[Ronnie]

Ron Clark never lets me down. Another great one that fills my teaching cup and reinforces my soul in this profession. ❤️

[Kasi]

My visits to RCA kept me in this profession. I deeply respect Ron Clark’s vision and dedication to our field. This book was filled with simple ways to increase joy and engagement in your classroom. Perfect for new and veteran teachers alike.

[Christy]

I read this book slowly over the course of several months, and I was able to take note of some wonderful ways to go the extra mile to make a difference. The last four or five chapters were particularly touching, and I identify strongly with the way that nothing else makes me feel more joy, more on-top-of-the-world, than seeing when I've made a positive impact, through word or deed, on another person's life. I teach because, like Ron Clark, I want to be part of making life better for children, and doing so is immensely rewarding. The tough parts are so very tough, but so far, I can't imagine my life without teaching-- it is most meaningful to me.

[Alex Klager]

By far one of the best education books I have ever read!

I have already put into practice many “1%” changes in my classroom and have seen a dramatic change in behavior and engagement in my classroom.

This book will spark or reignite your passion for teaching. If you are already on fire for teaching you will be nuclear after reading this book. (Like me).

If you are thinking about leaving teaching, read this book instead and try it out for the next year. You can do it!

This is a must read, and a multiple re-read!

[James Bailey]

I’ve always loved Ron Clark’s books since I first read The Essential 55 and heard him speak. He brings a passion to education that our profession greatly needs! This book is packed with awesome ideas I can’t wait to implement this year. What I appreciate most is his push for educators to go big, think big, and dream big. While the premise focuses on making small, 1% improvements, Clark shows how those little changes add up to big results for students and staff. A fantastic read to kick off the school year!

[Bill VanBlaricom]

I picked up this book feeling skeptical towards some of the practices that were mentioned. Baking cookies for your students? Pshhhh. As I was reading, I became inspired by the overall message. It doesn’t have to be cookies. It really comes down to how you can just push a little further to make your connections between students and staff slightly more meaningful to build a stronger community and culture at your school.

[Hayley Kessel]

I have been a fan of Ron since I watched his movie during one of my education college classes. I follow him on social media & think he is an absolute hoot and such an inspiration! This book has so many great tips and ideas to make your school and classroom THE place to be! I can't wait to implement some of these ideas when we go back to school! Such an easy and fun read! It would be great for teacher book studies!

[Hannah Jurkiewicz]

“When you build a community around a culture of kindness, excellence, and making those extra 1% efforts, you learn that what seems small to you in the moment accumulates throughout the day, the week, and the year to build something important. And for those of us privileged enough to be educators, what it all builds a better future.”

[Jgramley]

Every teacher needs to read this book! It is filled with so many practical and easy to implement tips to be 1% better and to give 1% more. Thank you Ron Clark for this book and for how you show up for your students and teachers at RCA and around the world.

[Bonnie Howard]

Became interested in this book when recommended by a friend. We were working to support teachers at a grade school with many challenges.
The impact of changing any behaviors by 1% is transforming. Applies to all challenging situations and relationships. Anyone would benefit from this quick read.

[Victoria]

Great ideas to implement at any level- Personal or as a whole school!

Even if you aren’t a teacher, many of these ideas are great for any organization.

[Kristi Victor]

This was a quick read because it had so many real teaching scenarios in the book. I really like the suggestions that Ron Clark gives teachers to make changes in their classrooms and schools.

[Tracey Dean]

Great read


This was a quick read with easy tips teachers can implement quickly. There were several that can be started right away.

[Elizabeth]

A fantastic quick read! Love Ron Clark and all of his strategies. He makes everything feel possible. *Read*

[Miranda Salmon]

This really pointed out many things I could and SHOULD be putting more effort into. My goal this year is to learn how to participate in small talk.

[Haley]

Lots of great practical 1% tips you can implement immediately!

[LauraLee]

Some good ideas that could apply to schools and work places as well.

[Lindsey Cunningham]

Fun ideas on how to help shape a school.

[Heather]

Love this man! He's clearly doing something right! 

[Matty McGarvey]

Good not great. A lot of common sense especially if you are already a teacher

[Austin Cocanougher]

Enjoyed this book quite a bit. Really loved the easy to read writing style, and short chapters/ sections. Great insight and easy to apply.