Improve Learning by Building Community

Written for head teachers, both new and experienced, Improve Learning by Building Community provides a blueprint for building effective learning communities committed to partnering with both the internal school community-faculty and staff-and the external school community-families, community organizations and service agencies, and school council educators. Based on research and best practices, the book helps school administrators articulate and implement a vision that utilizes community-wide support and participation to support student learning and achievement. Reflecting the author's work with head teachers, this resource provides case studies in each chapter with Practical Tips, Points for Practice, and Points to Ponder and provides specific guidance in areas such as: - Shaping a school culture that supports teamwork - Examining and understanding the external environment - Working with parents and community organizations - Honoring all school staff members, at all levels - Drawing on community support services - Collaborating with council staff

John C. Daresh is Professor of Educational Leadership at the University of Texas at El Paso. Over the years, he has held faculty or administrative appointments at the University of Cincinnati, The Ohio State University, the University of Northern Colorado, and Illinois State University. He has also worked as a consultant on high school reform and administrator professional development for universities, state departments of education, national and state professional associations, and individual schools and districts across the United States, and also in Barbados, Canada, France, Holland, Israel, Turkey, South Africa, and Taiwan. By far, the bulk of Daresh's international service has been in the United Kingdom where he served an advisor and trainer for the School Management Task Force that developed and promoted support programs for beginning headteachers, the National College for School Leadership, the Welsh Office of Education, the North West Network for Diploma Development in Cheshire, Manchester Metropolitan University, the University of Lincoln, the University of Hull, CREATE Consultancies, and literally dozens on Local Education Authorities and individual schools across England and Wales. Daresh recently completed three years of service as the lead consultant on principal mentoring programs for the Chicago Public Schools as that megadistrict was faced with the challenge of bringing in mostly inexperienced principals to serve in nearly of the school system's elementary and high schools.

Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
1. It All Begins With You
General Information About Educational Platforms
A Normative Use of a Platform
Returning to Motley Elementary School
Points for Practice
References
2. Creating a Shared Vision
Developing a Vision
Articulating the Vision
Implementing the Vision
Monitoring the Vision
Creating a Vision: Returning to Carpenter Middle School
Chapter Summary
Points for Practice
References
3. Foundations for Community Building
Definitions
Operationalizing Community Beyond Structure
Returning to the Administrative Team at Ridgmoor Middle School
Chapter Summary
Points for Practice
References
4. Focusing on Culture Is More Than Good Manners
On Climate and Culture
Development of Culture and Climate Research
Putting the Theory Into Practice
Returning to Manchester
Chapter Summary
Points for Practice
References
5. Studying Your External Environment
Analytic Framework
Historical Thumbnail for the Riverport Community and Hilley High School
Structural Dimension of Riverport
Human Resource Dimension of Riverport
Political Dimension of Riverport
Symbolic Dimension of Riverport
Back to Pete
Chapter Summary
Points for Practice
References
6. Working With Community Groups and Parents
Parent Concerns
Community Concerns
Returning to Cheshire School
Chapter Summary
Points for Practice
Reference
Additional Suggested Resources
7. Seeing Your Invisible Heroes
Security Staff
Office Workers
Custodial Staff
Food Service Workers
Chapter Summary
Points for Practice
References
8. Services in the Community
Students in Physical Danger
Drug or Substance Abuse
Student Mental or Physical Health
Family Turmoil
Returning to La Casa Blanca Schools and Bustamente Elementary
Chapter Summary
Points for Practice
9. Support From Central Administration
What Makes It Hard to Change Schools?
Key People to Keep Informed
Chapter Summary
Points for Practice
References
Index