Creating Excellence

Creating Excellence: Becoming an A+ School is intended to be used by first year principals who have inherited a school that is failing or not achieving to a desired level, as well as by seasoned principals who are struggling to improve their school's academic performance. It can also be used effectively as a textbook for graduate students preparing for a career in educational leadership. The book is straightforward in its presentation of practices and strategies supported by research and theory. It has been written to share the knowledge base, impart the technical skills, and highlight the interpersonal skills recommended to enable educational leaders to create excellence and enable their school to become an A+ school. Within the chapters, tools, techniques, and concrete examples are offered. Educational leaders are encouraged to select, revise, and adjust proposed actions based on their own judgement and according to their local conditions, faculty, staff and other stakeholders. Regardless, improving instruction in order to increase student learning must be the focus.

Vernon G. Smith served 20 years as a practicing principal where he was successful in improving the academic achievement of students. Currently he is the Coordinator of the Educational Leadership Program at Indiana University Northwest.

Preface
Acknowledgements
Chapter 1: Change and the Demands on Education
Chapter 2: Philosophy of Education
Why Address Philosophy of Education
Need for a School Philosophy
Leaders and Self-Examination
Developing the School's Philosophy of Education
Philosophical Thought for Consideration
Chapter 3: The Vision
What is Vision
Why School Vision
Leadership Role in Visioning
The Process
Chapter 4: Climate and Culture
What is School Climate
The Importance of Climate
The Desired Climate
Role of the Principal
What is School Culture
The Principal's Role
Chapter 5:Recruitment and Development of Staff
Recruitment and Selection
Classroom Observations
Professional Development
Chapter 6: Rigor and High Expectations
Why the Need for Rigor
What is Rigor
High Expectations and Rigor
Higher Order Thinking and Rigor
Creating Rigor in the Classroom
Message for the Educational Leader
Chapter 7:Engaging Parents for School Success
The Importance of Parental Support and Involvement
Ways to Involve and Empower Parents
The Need for a School-Community Relations Plan
Conclusion
Chapter 8:Persistence and Drive - Never Give Up!
Union Negotiations
Understanding Resistance to Change
Anticipated Areas of Resistance
Dealing with Difficult Teachers
Dealing with Unruly Parents
Converting Unwilling Students
Be the Change You Want to See
About the Author