Customer Reviews

Coaching Whole School Change: Lessons in Practice from a Small High School

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This book serves many useful purposes for teaching and learning. Number one, collaboration and building from people's strengths is easier said than done, but once it is in process the students will benefit 10 fold. Number two, I am reminded that as a principal I MUST seek input and listen to perspectives and communicate productively. More importantly this book provides me with examples of how to strengthen the faculty and myself which in turn bolsters the students' experiences. This is not just for high school people, this will work k-12.
The organization and different voices provided in this book are invaluable because it is so real, so truthful and cuts across what it humanly means to be the educators who are constantly seeking improvement.

Coaching Whole School Change by David Allen provides both multi-perspective windows and mirrors into the world of the work of schools: improving teaching and learning.
This book is well organized, provides a map to coaching, cites evidence along the way, and tells a wonderful story. Those of us who work in schools understand well that schools are about relationships, and nothing happens without them. This is a theme that runs throughout the book. The book provides provides skills and tools such as protocols to facilitate the learning of all.( I especially liked the BBQs.)
What struck me is that the model for coaching described is the very model that builds a great school community: intentionality, taking advantage of unplanned moments, the need for clear communication, and the belief that capacity must be developed and supported for both the students and the staff. Furthermore, this capacity is more rapidly developed through collaboration.
This book is for those who believe that teaching and learning must be at the center of the work of schools. In order for this to happen, schools must continuously be engaged in intellectual activity; they must be willing to expose their practices, and willing to be analytical, practical, committed, and reflective.
In NYC we have a majority of new high schools, new principals, and new teachers. This book provides many strategies for supporting and strengthening our schools. It also gives us a wonderful example of what is possible.
As someone who has spent over 30 years working in and with schools, I found this book insightful. As I go from school to school I now have more tools and strategies in my coaching bag.