The call of the nation for public school education in the 21st century is accountability for results! The format of this book addresses the most salient questions administrators, school board members, and community stakeholders need to ask to ensure academic and fiscal accountability. This book will provide definitions, background information and the current research on all of the questions. Readers will be provided with sufficient knowledge to effectively question the financial expenditures and educational practices within their districts and school buildings. For example, the research on professional development indicates that there is little correlation between dollars spent and student achievement (Guskey, 2000). Many times, teachers are provided training with little or no monitoring for actual implementation. This lack of follow-up and follow-through minimizes the positive impact on student achievement. Examples of the different types of data are provided that can be utilized for the analysis and evaluation of progress in district and school level improvements. To elicit collaborative discussions and support the development of district action-planning, reflective questions are also included.
Chapter 1 Introduction - Creating a Sense of Urgency
Chapter 2 Professional Development - Training that Works
Chapter 3 Library-Media Specialists - Is Reading Improvement Really One of Your Goals?
Chapter 4 Gifted and Talented - Our Lost Generation
Chapter 5 Early Childhood Education - Tomorrow's Future Today
Chapter 6 English Language Learners /English Second Language - Are We Speaking a Language of Success?
Chapter 7 The Arts: Music, Art & Drama - The Other Half of Ready, Ingredients for a Whole Person
Chapter 8 Physical Education and Student Wellness - As Strong as Our Weakest Link
Chapter 9 Student Support Service - Personnel and Programs - One Part Intellectual, Two Parts Social and Emotional
Chapter 10 School Safety - NOT an Optional Activity
Chapter 11 Extended Learning Programs - Before School, After School, Saturday & Summer - Can More Be Better?
Chapter 12 Leadership: School Boards, Administrators, Teacher Leaders - Changing Roles for a Changing World
Chapter 13 Teacher, Principals, and Superintendent Shortages - Will ANY Body Do?
Chapter 14 Paraprofessionals - Members of the Team: Not Substitutes
Chapter 15 Career & Technical - Preparation for the Real World
Chapter 16 Technology - "The Future is Now"
Chapter 17 Caution - Changes Ahead (Where To From Here?)
Chapter 1 Introduction - Creating a Sense of Urgency Chapter 2 Professional Development - Training that Works Chapter 3 Library-Media Specialists - Is Reading Improvement Really One of Your Goals? Chapter 4 Gifted and Talented - Our Lost Generation Chapter 5 Early Childhood Education - Tomorrow's Future Today Chapter 6 English Language Learners /English Second Language - Are We Speaking a Language of Success? Chapter 7 The Arts: Music, Art & Drama - The Other Half of Ready, Ingredients for a Whole Person Chapter 8 Physical Education and Student Wellness - As Strong as Our Weakest Link Chapter 9 Student Support Service - Personnel and Programs - One Part Intellectual, Two Parts Social and Emotional Chapter 10 School Safety - NOT an Optional Activity Chapter 11 Extended Learning Programs - Before School, After School, Saturday & Summer - Can More Be Better? Chapter 12 Leadership: School Boards, Administrators, Teacher Leaders - Changing Roles for a Changing World Chapter 13 Teacher, Principals, and Superintendent Shortages - Will ANY Body Do? Chapter 14 Paraprofessionals - Members of the Team: Not Substitutes Chapter 15 Career & Technical - Preparation for the Real World Chapter 16 Technology - "The Future is Now" Chapter 17 Caution - Changes Ahead (Where To From Here?)
