Asking the Right Questions: Tools and Techniques for Teamwork (1-off Series) - Softcover

Holcomb, Edie L.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0803963580 ISBN 13: 9780803963580

Publisher: Corwin, 1996

Synopsis

"Edie Holcomb has extensive experience in the change process--what she teaches actually works." Deb Larson and Tom Mooney, Members The School District of McFarland′s K-12 Improvement Committee McFarland, Wisconsin Describes the essential aspects of school change in simple, straightforward language. Provides common starting ground for educators who have similar goals but different skills. Includes real-world examples along with an annotated bibliography for locating research-based references. Holcomb gives you the information you need to ask and answer the hard questions * What do we want from school change? * How does our school compare with what we want? * Where should we start? * How do we measure our progress? * How can we stay focused and not let our efforts become diluted? Helps you answer these questions:* Where are we now?* Where do we want to go?* How will we get there?* How will we know we are "getting there"?* How can we sustain the focus and momentum we′re building? Holcomb gives you group processes that really work and lists tips for facilitators and team leaders. A matrix helps you review available skills and determine what additional skills and training your team may need. This compact, "how-to" guide contains anecdotal examples from actual schools to help you through the tough spots and stay focused as you lead your staff toward lasting change. If you′re looking to build a team for school-based change, this book is for you. It has the tools and practical, down-to-earth advice you need to begin the complex process of change in your school or district.

About this title

About the Author

Edie L. Holcomb is executive director of curriculum and instructional services for Kenosha Unified School District No. 1 in Kenosha, Wisconsin. She has experienced the challenges of improving student achievement from many perspectives:

• From classroom teacher to university professor
• From gifted education coordinator to mainstream teacher of children with multiple disabilities
• From school- and district-level administration to national and international consulting
• From small rural districts to the challenges of urban education

She is highly regarded for her ability to link research and practice on issues related to instructional leadership and school and district change―including standards-based curriculum, instruction, assessment, supervision, and accountability. She has taught at all grade levels, served as a building principal and central office administrator, and assisted districts as an external facilitator for accreditation and implementation of school reform designs. As associate director of the National Center for Effective Schools, she developed a training program for site-based teams and provided technical support for implementation of school improvement efforts throughout the United States and in Canada, Guam, St. Lucia, and Hong Kong. She developed a comprehensive standards-based learning system for the staff and 47,000 students of the Seattle, Washington, city district and has supervised K–12 clusters of schools and evaluated principals.

Her work received the Excellence in Staff Development Award from the Iowa Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development in 1988. In 1990, her study of the needs of beginning principals was recognized by the American Association of School Administrators with the Paul F. Salmon Award for Outstanding Education Leadership Research.

She served as an elected member-at-large on the Leadership Council for ASCD International, played an active role in Washington State’s School Improvement Assistance Program, and contributed to development of the new School System Improvement Resource Guide. Holcomb is the author of four previous books and numerous articles and reviews.

Edition details

• Publisher: Corwin
• Publication date: 1996
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0803963580
• ISBN 13: 9780803963580
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 144