Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Pages: 158
Trim: 6½ x 9
978-1-4758-5213-4 • Hardback • November 2019 • $56.00 • (£43.00)
978-1-4758-5214-1 • Paperback • November 2019 • $28.00 • (£21.99)
978-1-4758-5215-8 • eBook • November 2019 • $26.50 • (£19.99)
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.
Foreword
Dr. Robert D. Hassler
Preface
Introduction
Part I- Building the Fire
Chapter 1- The Commitment to Performance
Chapter 2- Performance Focused Leadership
Chapter 3- Principles of Performance
Part II: Igniting the Fire
Chapter 4- Building Performance Chemistry
Chapter 5- The Transition to Higher Performance
Chapter 6- Guiding the Process
Part III: Fanning the Flames
Chapter 7- Implementation Strategies for Success
Chapter 8- Sustaining Performance
Chapter 9- Case Studies
Conclusion
Part IV: Appendixes
Appendix A: Performance Instruments and Tools
Appendix B: Leadership Development Exercises
Notes
Bibliography
About the Author
There are no excuses. The wealthiest, most powerful democracy in the world can fix our underperforming educational system. Dr. Cotter has documented the roadmap to improve outcomes and graduate our children with the necessary skills for both personal success and for the success of our country. These outcomes are possible despite the disparity of social and economic conditions. “Igniting School Performance” is a must read for School Board members, Educational Administrators, Teachers and Parents with school-age children.
— Thomas J. Marchozzi, former Colonial School Board Member, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Lehigh Valley Health Network
There is a great deal of talk in the field of education regarding school performance initiatives. Dr. Vincent Cotter provides educational leaders with a framework of how to expect nothing less than excellence from yourself, those that you lead, and the community within which you work when it comes to improving school performance. His second book, Igniting School Performance, is required reading for future Superintendents, principals and school leaders who are looking for a systemic improvement approach and the “will” to succeed.
— Joseph A. Carracappa, Principal, Upper Moreland High School
Continuing to improve a school or district is essential in order for students to enter a highly competitive society. Igniting School Performance provides practical strategies to engage stakeholders in the critical planning process to improve learning for all students. The “Five Guiding Principles” outlined in the book provide an excellent framework to get the systemic performance results needed in our schools.
— Darlene Davis, former Superintendent of Schools, Cheltenham Township School District
Dealing with everyday issues, complexities and problems within schools and school districts often creates paralysis for leaders. Dr. Cotter has defined a viable strategic process and synergistic strategies to employ in leading schools and school districts to sustained improvement in academic performance and student achievement. His authentic experiences highlight a realistic route for implementation and successful outcomes.
— Harry J. Gaffney, former Regional Superintendent, School District of Philadelphia, Adjunct Professor, Saint Joseph’s University
DO NOT READ THIS BOOK if you are seeking a quick fix to student performance. BUT, if you are a serious educational leader who is committed to implementing a strategic, collaborative process toward ensuring excellence, you’ll find Vince Cotter’s Igniting School Performance a must-have on your journey.
— Melissa Jamula, retired Superintendent of Schools, Upper Merion School District