Harvard Education PR The Redesign of Urban School Systems: Case Studies in District Governance

The Redesign of Urban School Systems provides a uniquely valuable resource for anyone involved in preparing education leaders for the political and practical realities of district-based school reform. Edited by two leading experts in education reform, this absorbing volume brings together twelve teaching cases on urban school governance developed specifically for training school boards and district leaders. The cases illustrate major shifts in district-wide reform, from traditional, hierarchical, compliance-driven bureaucracies to high-performing, student-centred systems. Richly detailed, fast-paced, and incisive, they describe real-life situations in which district leaders and school boards grapple with district wide reform efforts. From the Back Cover <div>Edited by two leading experts in education reform, this absorbing volume brings together twelve teaching cases on urban school governance developed specifically for training school boards and district leaders. The cases illustrate major shifts in district-wide reform, from traditional, hierarchical, compliance-driven bureaucracies to high-performing, student-centered systems. Richly detailed, fast-paced, and incisive, they describe real-life situations in which district leaders and school boards grapple with district wide reform efforts.<br><br><i>The Redesign of Urban School Systems</i> provides a uniquely valuable resource for anyone involved in preparing education leaders for the political and practical realities of district-based school reform.<br><br> &#34;This book is a rare double play. The cases place readers in a troubled urban political context, requiring them to formulate strategic and governance decisions. The cross-case patterns and lessons also help readers understand education politics and the keys to system failure or success.&#34; &#8212; <b>Michael Kirst</b>, professor emeritus, Stanford University, and president, California State Board of Education<br><br> &#8220;The smartest teaching tool for current and aspiring superintendents I have ever seen&#8212;brilliant!&#8221; &#8212; <b>Tim Quinn</b>, president, Quinn and Associates; former urban school superintendent; and former college president<br><br> &#8220;McAdams and Katzir have crafted the essential text for anyone intending to fully understand and implement transformational improvement in public education. No class in educational leadership will be complete without it.&#8221; &#8212; <b>Caprice Young</b>, vice president for education, Laura and John Arnold Foundation<br><br> &#8220;Don McAdams and Dan Katzir have provided us with a treasure trove for teaching and learning about the huge challenges and rewards of leading urban school systems. These cases touch on the critical strategies for improving school systems in all of their complexity. The teaching notes reflect the authors&#8217; deep experience with using these very cases with top urban leaders in America and the passion and thoughtfulness which they have brought to this work.&#8221; &#8212; <b>Karen Hawley Miles</b>, executive director, Education Resource Strategies<br><br><b>Donald R. McAdams</b>&#160;is the founder and chairman of the Center for Reform of School Systems.&#160;<b>Dan Katzir</b>&#160;is a senior adviser and former managing director at The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation.</div> About the Author Donald R. McAdams is the founder and chairman of the Center for Reform of School Systems. Dan Katzir is a senior adviser and former managing director at The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation.