Bloomsbury Sustainable School Transformation: An Inside-Out School Led Approach

Sustainable School Transformation: An Inside-Out School Led Approach explores how we can best build a truly world class education system. It presents a theoretical and practical case for an alternative approach that combines the rigour of traditional 'top-down' accountability models with the engagement and buy-in of school led 'inside-out' approaches a combination which can be applied to any school in any context internationally. David Crossley and a range of practitioners and academics draw on their extensive experience of past approaches to school improvement in the UK and US. Rather than reject 'top-down' accountability models, they explore new ways of developing them alongside 'inside-out' school led approaches that really do motivate those in our schools who in the final analysis have to deliver the aspirations of politicians and our wider societies for all our young people. The book is based on the premise that Peter Drucker s notion of addictive achievement, discussed in relation to students in Post Capitalist Society, applies to staff and schools too, and if we want to build a truly world class system it will only be achieved through the motivation and resultant efforts of all those in our schools. Review At a time when schools in England, in search of a way through a veritable whirlwind of externally imposed change, can all too easily feel disempowered, this timely publication provides a powerful way of seizing back the agenda. Drawing on evidence from leading thinkers, international evidence, a wide range of case studies and other examples of leading-edge theory and best practice the book vividly demonstrates that school leaders and their staff have a great deal more freedom than might sometimes seem to be the case. Using his vast experience and knowledge David Crossley brings together a powerful set of contributions which show how courageous leaders can inspire their staff, working together and in genuine collaboration with colleagues in other parts of the system to unleash creativity and implement a genuinely appropriate curriculum which meets the needs of all of their students. I commend it to school and college leaders and everyone who has an interest in driving forward our education service. ― Brian Lightman, General Secretary, Association of School and College Leaders, UKThis book by David Crossley isn’t the only attempt to chart the next stage of school improvement but it is one of the few that combines experience and vision in such an engaging way. David understands the philosophy of devolving power to school leaders and teachers but knows the skill with which it will have to be deployed if it is to bring about significant change. The book looks far and wide for its lessons of good practice but combines this with a grounded belief that change has to come from the school itself. Anybody who is in education at this time of huge change and challenge will find their hopes and worries addressed in this book. ― Estelle Morris, former Secretary of State for Education and Skills, UKThere is no conflict between proud, confident teachers and a restless ambition to improve. Indeed, the two are inextricably linked. This timely book draws on international evidence and experience to give a blueprint for a better way to combine high standards with renewed professional leadership. ― Russell Hobby, General Secretary, National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT), UKSustainable School Transformation is an outstanding contribution to the international research on educational improvement. The authors are seasoned professionals who have lived through many cycles of reform and who understand just how difficult and yet essential they are to create real and lasting student learning gains. This a book for those who know that there are no silver bullets, accept that trade-offs are a part of life, and nonetheless are ready and eager to roll up their sleeves to map out their own unique change strategies