Rowman & Littlefield Publishers Inside the Schoolhouse: What Great Principals Know and Do

The issues addressed in this easy to read book address the most common issues faced by new or veteran principals such as: attributes of successful principals, leading instructional improvement, crafting a school improvement plan, overcoming resistance from naysayers, leading effective teams, creating conditions for the success of teachers, motivating unmotivated staff, increasing the attendance of students, handling disciplinary issues to help students become self-managed, communication strategies to build respect for the school, maximizing the use of time, and handling conflict productively. It also contains a chapter entitled, "Friendly Advice" with prudent advice for school leaders in any stage of their career. The proven strategies in each chapter are based upon bedrock principles-unassailable values that will help principals ground their actions in student-centered, achievement-oriented, relationship-filled leadership. In short, Inside the Schoolhouse is a compendium of dozens of practical, proven strategies to enable principals to flourish in their highly important roles. Review Inside the Schoolhouse: What Great Principals Know and Do is an excellent resource for educators considering a school leadership role or for experienced Principals looking for practical guidance. For example, Chapter one notes the value of consistently asking "whom do you serve", when making decisions involving faculty, staff and parents. Knowing that students are the focus makes navigating different constituencies more straightforward and manageable. This book presents practical information and thoughtful questions that inform critical decisions with regard to building a quality school.--Jeff Nichols, Superintendent of Schools at Sag Harbor (NY) School District and 20-year high school principal Dr. Gratto's practical advice drawn from decades of experience makes "Inside the Schoolhouse: What Great Principals Know and Do" is an indispensable resource for new school administrators as well as a reminder for those of us who have experience. Unlike other texts that present pages of theory, each chapter poses practical, realistic suggestions for principals that are followed by essential questions, checklists and recommendations that guide decision making. If you're a looking for a resource for educators in a principal preparation program, look no further. This is the most practical, relevant, realistic, and digestible text I've seen. Dr. Gratto presents practical information in an intriguing format. One chapter titled "How would you like to have you for a Principal?," challenges all of us to "treat everyone with dignity and respect" in a way that goes beyond the cliché by offering key considerations that we often overlook followed by practical suggestions and recommendations for being mindful and reflective as a school leader. Helpful for both aspiring principals as well as seasoned administrators, this is an indispensable resource that no school leader should be without.--John Williamson, Superintendent and Dean of K-12 Programming, Model Laboratory School at Eastern Kentucky University The wealth of knowledge and experience Dr. Gratto brings to Inside the Schoolhouse: What Great Principals Know and Do will help aspiring, new and experienced principals alike hone their craft, aiding them to become even stronger school leaders than they currently are. This text would be especially useful in principal preparation programs, as we work to develop strong, competent leaders for the schools of the future. School divisions could also benefit from the information in the text when working with newly appointed administrators, guiding them through the best practices for instructional leadership based on both solid research, and practical experiences. I highly recommend this text, and Dr. Gratto without reservation.--Michael D. Kelly, EdD, principal, Frank W. Cox High School, Virginia Beach, Virginia About the Author John Gratto wo