"At last, we have a book that provides practical, day-to-day advice for administrators to consider when establishing a learning community. Daresh helps school leaders both understand the importance of their personal values about shared leadership and appreciate how individuals within the school, district, and community are essential to building a shared learning community. The wealth of examples and school-based scenarios illustrate how these ideas translate into practice. A wonderful resource for a book study for teachers and principals." —Bruce Barnett, Professor University of Texas at San Antonio "Daresh continues his legacy of bridging scholarship and practice within a context of strengthening school cultures by supporting positive interactions between all the people who interact within and around them. As usual, his tone is friendly and approachable, and his points to ponder are both practical and compelling. Aspiring, new, and experienced principals will benefit from the structured opportunity afforded by this book to reflect on their own values and how these values shape their leadership." —Mary Beth Cunat, Assistant Principal Burley School, Chicago, NY Raise student achievement by building a community of ALL stakeholders—both within and around your school! Written for both new and experienced principals, this resource provides a blueprint for building visionary learning communities that improve student learning not only by shaping the internal school community—faculty and staff—but also by creating a partnership with the external community—district educators, families, community organizations, and service agencies. Reflecting contemporary research and the authors' extensive work with principals, the book includes scenarios that illustrate the work of real principals in elementary, middle, and secondary schools. Administrators will find invaluable assistance from Practical Tips that offer strategies for implementation, Points for Practice that highlight critical concepts, and Points to Ponder that promote reader reflection. Each chapter encourages school leaders to consider what community building means for their own schools and provides guidance for: Building a vision based on your personal and professional values  Shaping a school culture that supports teamwork Honoring school staff members at all levels Examining and understanding the external environment  Drawing effectively on community support services  Collaborating with district staff Improve Learning by Building Community helps principals bring together all stakeholders to create the kind of schools that can ensure success for every student.

Table of Contents:
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