Strategy in Action: How School Systems Can Support Powerful Learning and Teaching

by Rachel E. Curtis, Elizabeth A. City, Beverly L Hall (Foreword)

How can we systemically improve the quality of classroom instruction and the learning and achievement of students? In an era when isolated examples of excellence are not good enough, we need systems that support improvement and excellence for all. This book describes how systems can effectively engage in this complex, challenging, and crucial work.

The authors explore three core competencies of high-performing school systems: (1) understanding what the work is—a deep understanding of the core business of facilitating learning, a vision of what that looks like, and an awareness of where the system is in relation to that vision; (2) knowing how to do the work—a theory of action for improving instruction, a focus on key strategies, and effective alignment of resources; and (3) building the individual and organizational “habits of mind” that foster continuous improvement. Each chapter includes examples that illustrate key concepts in action, questions to spur self-assessment in key areas of competence, and tools and resources for building capacity at different levels and stages of development.

Genres: Education, Leadership

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Rebecca R · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book had some very good information and some very concrete ways (systems, charts, questions to ask) to effect change in school districts, schools and even just department or teams. As a teacher, I understand where the disconnect is happening from my central office to me, the “lowest” point on the funnel to students. It gave me good thoughts to take back to my principal. It also gave me ideas as a leader of a team and, hopefully, a future leader higher up in education. Overall, I always appreciate a book that focuses on the most important “why”- the kids.

Beware! This book is very very dense. You will need lots of breaks and probably some good annotations to stay active in your comprehension.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a companion book to Instructional Rounds: A Network Approach to Improving Teaching and Learning. Instructional Rounds is one of my "new, favorite books." We are using it in our district work in Tarrant and Auburn. Strategy in Action really helps districts take the next step. Now that you KNOW how well you are doing with the instructional core, what do you do about it? Well written, by two academics/practioners.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Curtis and Elizabeth City are excellent at providing guidelines but I would have liked to see more real-life examples. I guess perhaps I'm biased, as I'm writing one long real-life story with the lessons about education embedded. Proved that our book is needed if anyone other than top level educators will read about the importance of school reform done properly.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some very good ideas here but it is hard to not be distracted by the scandal that affected the district studied and the author of the forward.