No Challenge Left Behind

Paul D. Houston has established himself as one of the leading spokespersons for American education through his extensive speaking engagements, published articles, and his regular appearances on national radio and television. Formerly executive director of the American Association of School Administrators from 1994 to 2008, Houston has served as a teacher and building administrator in North Carolina and New Jersey. He has also served as assistant superintendent in Birmingham, Alabama, and as superintendent of schools in Princeton, NJ; Tucson, AZ; and Riverside, CA. Houston has served in an adjunct capacity for the University of North Carolina, Harvard University, Brigham Young University, and Princeton University. He has served as a consultant and speaker throughout the United States and overseas, and he has published more than 100 articles in professional journals.

Foreword by Terrence E. Deal Introduction Acknowledgments About the Author 1. The Building Blocks of Leadership So?...But Not So What! Finding Our Voice Breaking Away Risking Our Significance Daily Blessings Living in a Jerry Springer World The Samurai Superintendent The Axis of Evil On Becoming a Hope Pusher A View From the Top Life's Lessons From My Dog Holly 2. New Role: Superintendent of Education Getting It Right Revenge of the Blob Nearly Famous A Critical Position in Critical Condition On the Penguin March Through Life Who You Gonna Call? Building Fields of Dreams To Lead My Trek, I Pick Scotty 3. Transforming Public Education: Challenges and Solutions Lessons From Room 411 Burning Thoughts on a Snowy Day The Seven Deadly Sins of No Child Left Behind Authentic Accountability Barking Up the Right Tree Intelligent Redesign: Reframing the Discussion on High School Reform Einstein's Brain Advancing System Leadership Making Great Time on a Lost Highway Diverse Learners Butchers or Tailors The Bigotry of Expectations Running Schools Like Business NCLB: Dreams and Nightmares 4. Lessons From the Road Bagpipes and a Spot of Grace Finding the Right Words Snow Blind Is Possible? A Pint of Good Sense The Road to Hana Water and Ice Seeing the Forest and the Trees Ode to Joy Negotiating the Past and the Future The Fantasy and Flow of Vietnam A Worthy Import From Singapore Digging My Way to China Index

"This brilliant distillation of the best thinking from one of the great minds in our field reconnects the reader to his moral purpose while providing the passion, clarity, and pithy language to act on it. This funny, uplifting page-turner inspires profound 'aha' moments needed to be a 'hope-pusher' internally while effectively advocating for children in the larger community." -- Alan M. Blankstein, President "To say that Paul Houston has a way with words is the understatement of all times. Readers will not only enjoy this engaging book, they will keep reflecting on the lessons learned from someone who translates the real issues in public education into sublime teachings for life." -- Anne L. Bryant, Executive Director "Paul Houston thinks like a man of action and acts like a man of thought. His writings are packed with the wisdom, grace, and innovation that have made him one of the true leaders in American public education today." -- Daniel H. Pink, Author of A Whole New Mind "Paul Houston is a crusader for American public education. The articles in this book demonstrate Houston's commitment to public schools and the students they serve. His fresh ideas provide answers to some of the toughest challenges our schools and school leaders face today." -- Richard Riley, Former U.S. Secretary of Education "These timeless essays invite us to see public schools and the children we serve in a new light. Houston opens our minds with his powerful thoughts and touches our hearts with his understanding and passion." -- Gail Connelly, Executive Director "Paul Houston's extensive knowledge and expertise of the issues facing today's busy school administrators is unparalleled. He has been at the forefront of the debate on transforming American education, and he always speaks from the heart and soul. This collection of writings is indeed a testament to Houston's legacy and his deep love and commitment to public education." -- Gerald N. Tirozzi, Executive Director