Leading Well

by Lucy Calkins, Mary Ehrenworth, Laurie Pessah

In Leading Well: Building Schoolwide Excellence in Reading and Writing, Lucy Calkins draws on the transformative work that she and her colleagues at the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project have done in partnership with school leaders over the last thirty years. This book, like the work of the TCRWP itself, is deeply research-based and principled, while also absolutely practical and real-world tested.

Genres: Professional Development, Education

272 pages, Paperback

Published December 26, 2018

Reviews

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that took me a while to read. I was savoring certain parts, and taking copious notes on others. There are so many great processes to put into place into a school that is embracing workshop teaching. I especially loved the ideas for "instructional rounds" and "thin slicing". Both could have great implications for enhancing students' and teachers' learning. I know I will be returning to this one again and again!

[Tracy Jaconette · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the conversation continues around school change, Lucy Caulkins, Mary Ehrenworth and Laurie Pessah (along with their army of colleagues at TCWRP) show how a student-centered language arts curriculum looks and feels. Reading and Writing workshop gives space for rigorous, yet joyful work. It feels like learning for life, not "school work." I'm in.

[Beth Honeycutt]

So much to think about! Definitely an important read for school leaders.

[Stefanie Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A required reading for any school leaders wanting to implement units of study

[Sarah Carroll · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointed that this text is so structured towards implementing a Heinemann program (Units Of Study) It really isn't as described in the synopsis and an expensive purchase. The whole text is geared towards Units Of Study and doesn't offer much to those leading without these specific resources.

[Liz Friesen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought this book was going to be more geared toward administrators, reading teachers/coordinators/interventionists, etc. in how to lead a school building well in regards to leadership skills and an understanding of best practice reading. Instead, it explained how to implement Calkins' curriculum--that can be purchased--through Heinemann. Any time a book is published by a group that markets reading curriculum, one should look at it closely before investing in the book. The title of this book is EXTREMELY misleading.

Perhaps I was disenchanted by it because I read it after reading "The Knowledge Gap" by Natalie Wexler which includes much more research interwoven in the text and the author is not selling anything. There is a curriculum in "The Knowledge Gap" that rates highly by the author. That curriculum is free. I would recommend "The Knowledge Gap" a million times over "Leading Well."

[Becky Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book almost took me a whole year to read. I would pick it up, read a bit, and then would come back in a few weeks in between my fiction books. I am a teacher in a district thar uses the Units of Study for reading, writing and phonics. It was a good read to see what my principal and district are and are NOT doing. This book is great for principals, teachers who use the Units, literacy coaches, and admin teams.

[Kaylin Zittergruen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good book to get our English department thinking about how we might like to change reading and writing practices and traditions as a school. We did a virtual book study on this book where each of us reflected and responded to each other. While this book was helpful for getting us thinking differently, I wonder if it could have contained more actionable steps and resources to help us make change within our school.

[Justin Collard · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best professional books I have ever read. As someone who is attempting to start reader and writer workshop in my class, reading how to get it started on a school leadership level was great.

[Allyson e · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical advice that ranges from launching and maintaining the Units of Study, workshop in general, and how to handle tough situations as they arise as an administrator in the realm of culture and literacy.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book! My mind is bursting with ideas to try! Great information whether you use UOS or not

[Tammy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well worth the read. This was a professional book club read. Lots of ideas for literacy but also some specific leadership pieces.

[Carlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Certain chapters definitely more beneficial than others.