"Because the authors are critically aware of even the smallest detail and its ultimate effects on policy and stakeholders, their conclusions are not only logical but very well thought out and can be applied for maximum benefit."
-Michael Fisher, Critical Thinking Specialist
Starpoint Middle School, Lockport, NY
"The authors do an excellent job of recommending practical strategies to help school leaders reason through policy dilemmas. As an academic, a former practitioner, and former member of an educational policy and advocacy organization, I give a 'hats off' to the authors for approaching educational policy and school leadership in this way."
-Carri A. Schneider, Adjunct Faculty
Urban Educational Leadership Program University of Cincinnati
A practical guide for creating, implementing, and evaluating school policy.
This companion book to Principals of Dynamic Schools and Dynamic Teachers brings to life the process of making and enacting educational policy and helps decision makers evaluate, interpret, and analyze the policies that govern their schools.
In accessible language, Leading Dynamic Schools presents educational leaders with a conceptual framework for developing effective and ethical school policies. Organized by key issues such as English Language Learners, inclusion, and bullying, the text incorporates vignettes, research, and relevant theories to illustrate how readers can:
- Create a dialogue that represents the needs of all stakeholders
- Define relevant policies that are ethically sound
- Integrate legally mandated policies with schoolwide resolutions
Providing a forum for critical reflection and community deliberation, this insightful resource offers a practical policy-making process that encourages thoughtful leadership and schoolwide collaboration.
Table of Contents:
Foreword by Gene V. Glass
Preface
1. The Many Ps of Policy
What Are Dynamic Schools?
Policy, Program, Procedure, or Practice?
What Do School Leaders Say About Policy?
Policy as Local Deliberative Process
2. The Choice to Act: Shaping the Dialogue
Reasoning
Acting
Evaluating
The Framework in Practice
3. Inclusion: From Dilemma to Imperative
Reasoning
Acting
Evaluating
Reviewing the Inquiry Process of This Dynamic School
4. Immigrants and the Schools: Opening or Closing Doors
Reasoning
Acting
Evaluating
5. Meeting the Needs of English Language Learners: More Than One Way
Reasoning
Acting
Evaluating
6. Asset Building and ‘No Pass, No Play’: Considering the Whole Child
Justice in Learning
The Scenario: Part II
Reasoning: Justice in Policy
Acting and Evaluating
The Scenario: Part III
7. School Climate: Preventing Acts of Bullying
Reasoning
Moral Reasoning
Acting
Evaluation
8. Putting the Framework Into Practice
A Dialogue Among Principals
Final Thoughts
References
Index
