International Center for Leadership in Education - Culture to Support Academics Series

Culture to Support Academics Series

NEW ! - It's Not Us Against Them: Creating the Schools We Need

This book is for K-12 educators interested in creating schools that are effective for 21st century learners. Drawing from three decades of experience, Ray McNulty shares his insights on where we should be in education and how to succeed in the school improvement process. Overviews of the International Center’s three proven tools –Rigor/Relevance Framework, Learning Criteria to Support 21st Century Learners, and Components of School Excellence – show how teachers, principals, and superintendents can use them to strengthen their work. Thought-provoking questions, observations from outside the field, and case studies of successful schools make this book a must-read for any educator who is committed to school renewal. The main title is a quote from a student explaining what makes Brockton (Mass.) High School different from other schools.

This book is written by Ray McNulty and is available in the online store for $29.

NEW! Student Engagement — Teacher Handbook

Engagement in school is the key to student achievement, but increasing student engagement is not easy. Solutions are complex, and they require persistent effort and staff collaboration. This handbook:

clarifies the essential school preconditions and pedagogy to motivate students to become active, engaged learners
provides practical suggestions that will improve performance on state assessments and encourage high levels of rigorous and relevant learning
explains the complex combination of processes involved in engaging students
includes checklists, exercises, and activities to improve and measure student engagement

The handbook is a supplement to Student Engagement — Creating a Culture of Academic Achievement.

This handbook is available in the online store for $45. Handbook Excerpt

Student Engagement — Creating a Culture of Academic Achievement

The intense focus on state assessments and a lack of active learning opportunities for students are resulting in an increasing number of disengaged students. This captivating kit will help school leaders and teachers address the complex task of increasing engagement. In addition to explaining the psychology of disengagement, the kit provides a full array of practical suggestions on how to:

make engagement a data-driven process
improve the school climate
develop engagement-based teaching and learning, which includes professional development activities
learn from the best practices of exemplary schools

This kit includes a CD and DVD and is available in the online store for $295.

Personal Skill Development in Grades 6-12 — Enhancing Learning for 21st Century Success

The International Center’s Learning Criteria to Support 21st Century Learners helps a school to clarify its mission, prioritize areas of concern, and review school performance critically. Personal skill development, one of the four learning criteria and the focus of this kit:

provides an essential element for both continuous school improvement and success in the workplace, as validated by business leaders
helps students learn how to communicate effectively, respect others, accept responsibility, resolve problems, and work in teams for improved academic achievement
forms the basis for strategic integration of skill sets into the overall school curriculum

This kit includes a CD and DVD and is available in the online store for $295.

Extraordinary Teachers — Differences That Make a Difference

What are the real differences between extraordinary teachers and very good ones? Based on a qualitative research study, the International Center has identified and validated 10 characteristics of extraordinary teachers. This kit’s exemplary portrayal of these amazing teachers:

describes this research and the findings
provides DVDs of teachers who have been identified as extraordinary in their classrooms
includes helpful suggestions for ways to use this material for professional development
applies to both new and experienced teachers, mentors, inservice and preservice programs, and administrators who hope to hire and retain extraordinary teachers

This kit includes a CD and DVD and is available in the online store for $295.