Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Pages: 184
•
Trim: 6¼ x 9½
978-1-4758-4016-2 • Hardback • December 2017 • $76.00 • (£58.00)
978-1-4758-4017-9 • Paperback • December 2017 • $39.00 • (£30.00)
978-1-4758-4018-6 • eBook • December 2017 • $37.00 • (£30.00)
Dr. Vincent Cotter, as superintendent of schools, was the primary innovator of a unique school improvement program which dramatically improved student achievement and for his efforts was awarded the prestigious American Society for Quality's international Juran Medal (2011) in the field of education for sustained systemic improvement. Dr. Cotter has provided consultative services to both school districts and colleges and co-founded the Exemplary Schools Organization.
During his tenure as superintendent, Dr. Robert Hassler spearheaded the implementation of various continuous improvement efforts that resulted in over 10 consecutive years of increased student achievement, numerous academic and communication awards along with recognition for various parent/community engagement programs. Dr. Hassler has continued his work in the field as an independent consultant and as co-founder of the Exemplary Schools Organization.
Foreword
Preface
Introduction
Part I: The Essential Elements
Chapter One: Alignment
Chapter Two: An Achievement Focused Attitude
Chapter Three: Accountability
Chapter Four: Aptitude for Adept Leadership
Part II: Assessing the Foundation of Success
Chapter Five: Organizational Reflection
Part III: Reaching for Higher Performance
Chapter Six: Making Schools and Districts High Performing
Chapter Seven: Planning for Success
Chapter Eight: Strategies for Success
Chapter Nine: Case Studies
Chapter Ten: Conclusion
Part IV: Appendix/References
Appendix A: Activity Worksheets
Appendix B: School Systems Crosscheck
Appendix C: My One Page Plan
Appendix D: Master Teacher Program
Endnotes
Bibliography
About the Authors
Dr. Cotter and Dr. Hassler get it! Collectively, they have detailed a practical set of strategies that they have employed in building successful schools and school districts. This publication, if followed, will encourage practicing principals and superintendents to better focus on those troubling gray areas that we all face in administration. Further, it serves as a reasonable guide to be revisited when looking at leadership, operations and instruction in need of improvement.
— Harry J. Gaffney, former Regional Superintendent, School District of Philadelphia, Adjunct Professor, Saint Joseph’s University
The true mark of leadership is turning theory into practice. As School President for nine years, I witnessed my school district transform from an underperforming system to a top tier district by utilizing the tools outlined in this book. Performance is Key is a road map for other leaders who not only care about performance but recognizes that All Children Can Learn and Succeed.
— Marc Orlow, Esq., former school board president, Colonial school district
What is clear at the onset of and throughout this book is the vast experience of the authors. Cotter and Hassler lay out a convincing and contextual process for any leader desiring to achieve the moniker of high performance. Their framework of alignment, accountability, an achievement-based attitude and adept leadership provide a clear and convincing pathway to organizational improvement. Not only is their research base and practical application sound, what jumps off of every page are the wisdom, experience and success that the authors possess. Read this book. These are leaders who know what they are talking about because they have done it and done it well.
— Steve Constantino, nationally recognized speaker and consultant, author of “Engage Every Family: Five Simple Principles,” chief academic officer, department of education, Commonwealth of Virginia