Don't Teach the Canaries Not to Sing: Creating a School Culture That Boosts Achievement [Paperback]

This how-to handbook defines what school culture is, how it works, and why it is critically important, and helps you assess how your school measures up.This how-to handbook defines what school culture is, how it works, and why it is critically important, and helps you assess how your school measures up. The book provides school leaders with an ABC format for building effective school culture. It is evident that the author has a wealth of knowledge in this field and has documented his work in this area. This book will make a unique and distinct contribution to the field. A?very enjoyable read, with lots of suggestions and ideas that can be implemented immediately. Site leaders will find the book refreshing and helpful for their daily activities. Each chapter has lots of thoughtful ideas, suggestions, recommendations, assessments, and profiles that can be used in improving school culture. The clear, concise themes for each chapter are backed by research and provide an understanding of what needs to be done to improve school climate. This book could be used for a team study of a building or district to measure the cultural temperature,?by teacher teams to start a grassroots movement to improve school climate,?or by reflective leaders who want to continuously?improve their organizations. I found the material, topic, and examples extremely useful. I have already discussed several ideas with teachers and my superintendent. If school leaders would only do a few of the suggestions, those leaders would find clear evidence of improvement within their school. Just follow the steps offered and you too can become a better leader within you schools culture while improving that culture. There are other books on school culture, but the tell-it-like-it-is,?no-holds-barred style of writing makes this a book I would recommend to others. The idels