With practical insights, powerful observations, and critical analysis, this collection makes the widely discussed topic of school change accessible to all readers. Editor Michael Fullan, author of "The New Meaning of Educational Change", brings together articles and essays that explore the theories, leadership, and implementation strategies behind the never-ending journey of educational reform. Contributors address the problems that have led to the school change movement and offer solutions and proposals for reform. The articles provide not only practical implementation examples involving schools and communities, but also a look at the essential role hope and emotion play in the change process. Each essay provides fresh insights, such as the importance of establishing collaborative work cultures and the need for professional learning communities, that, when taken as a whole, introduce a new mindset for understanding change. "The Challenge of School Change: A Collection of Articles" sheds new light on educational reform and offers important ideas about how change happens and how it is sustained. Fullan's collection confronts a complex issue with clarity and thoughtfulness and reminds teachers, administrators, principals, and parents that if they are up to the challenge, successful change efforts are possible in any school environment.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments About the Authors Part I. Change Forces 1. Introduction - Michael Fullan 2. 8 Forces for Leaders of Change - Michael Fullan, Claudia Cuttress, Ann Kilcher 3. The Road to School Improvement - Richard F. Elmore, Elizabeth A. City 4. The Fourth Way of Change - Andy Hargreaves, Dennis Shirley 5. Special Topic/Transforming High Schools - Pedro A. Noguera Part II. Instructional Focus at the School Level 6. The Principal and Change - Michael Fullan 7. Breakthrough Components - Michael Fullan, Peter Hill, Carmel Crevola 8. New Insights Into Professional Learning Communities at Work - Rick DuFour, Rebecca DuFour, Bob Eaker 9. Coaches as Leaders of Change - Jim Knight 10. Developing and Sustaining School Principals - Kenneth Leithwood, Scott Bauer, Brian Reidlinger Part III. District Level Change 11. Sustaining Leadership in Complex Times - Michael Fullan, Lyn Sharratt 12. The PELP Coherence Framework - Stacey Childress, Richard Elmore, Allen Grossman, Susan Moore Johnson Part IV. Large-Scale Reform 13. Learning About System Renewal - Ben Levin, Michael Fullan 14. Economic Success, Civil Rights, and the Seven Challenges for Education Reform in the U.S. - Michael Barber Index

About the Author

An innovative thinker who is sought-after by institutions, publishers, and international think-tanks, Michael Fullan is special advisor on education to Dalton McGuinty, the premier of Ontario. He formerly served as dean and professor emeritus at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto. He holds honorary doctorates from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland and from Nipissing University in Canada. Fullan served as dean of the faculty of education at the University of Toronto from 1988 to 2003, leading two major organizational transformations, including a merger of two large schools of education. He is currently working as adviser and consultant on several major education reform initiatives around the world. He bases his work on research and practice on both the public and private sectors, finding an increasing convergence in this literature. He has written several bestsellers on leadership and change that have been translated into several languages. Four of his books have won book of the year awards, and his publications have been translated into several languages. Now, Michael Fullan is offering his experience to you in an eStudy opportunity! Visit http://www.corwin.com/learning/estudy/fullan.html for more information.

Reviews

"It is important that we have books that contain a blend of provocative ideas and practical strategies. This is an excellent example of such a resource. I would use this book in my course on organizational change and in my work with promoting equity and diversity in leading change in schools. " -- Suzanne L. Gilmour, Executive Director 20090327