Achieving Results

As a result of this distressing information on the challenges facing our educators, this book was written to highlight approaches and strategies that have been found to improve student outcomes. Administrative factors, educational policy and law, implementation of evidence-based teaching practices, collaborating with teachers' unions, fostering partnerships with parents as well as community organizations, meaningful professional development, and considerations for early childhood and special populations of students have been found to play a role in achieving such improved results.

Dr. Nicholas D. Young PhD, EdD, has worked in diverse educational roles for more than 28 years, serving as a principal, special education director, graduate professor, graduate program director, graduate dean, and longtime superintendent of schools. He was named the Massachusetts Superintendent of the Year; and he completed a distinguished Fulbright program focused on the Japanese educational system through the collegiate level. Dr. Young has written several books, book chapters and articles on various topics in education and psychology.
Kristen Bonanno-Sotiropoulos has worked in education at the various levels for more than a dozen years. Her professional career within K12 public education included roles as a special education teacher and special education administrator at the elementary and middle school levels. After her tenure in K12, she transitioned to higher education to teach undergraduate and graduate courses at Springfield College before transitioning to Bay Path University as an Assistant Professor and Coordinator of Special Education Graduate Programs.
Jennifer Smolinski is an attorney who has worked in education for more than three years. Her role within higher education includes the creation and directing of the Center for Disability Services and Academic Accommodations at American International College located in Springfield, Massachusetts. She has also taught criminal justice and legal research and writing classes within the field of higher education. Prior to her work at the collegiate level, Attorney Smolinski worked as a solo-practitioner conducting education and disability advocacy.

Acknowledgement
Introduction
Chapter 1- Leveraging School Law to Promote School Improvement
Chapter 2- Effective Leadership: Orchestrating the Band
Chapter 3- Partnering with Teachers' Unions to Improve Student Outcomes
Chapter 4- Professional Development as a Cornerstone of School Improvement
Chapter 5- Promoting Academic Rigor in the Classroom Using Evidence-Based Practices
Chapter 6- Innovative Instruction and Assessment Practices to Advance Student Achievement
Chapter 7- Response to Intervention as a Pathway to Student Success
Chapter 8- Early Childhood and Special Populations: Considerations That Impact Learning
Chapter 9- The Importance of Social-Emotional Learning in Fostering Positive Outcomes
Chapter 10- Engaging Families in Educational Improvement
Chapter 11- Promoting Community Partnerships
About the Authors