Future Search in School District Change: Connection, Community, and Results (Leading Systemic School Improvement)

Here are sixteen compelling case studies that illustrate the power of future search to create lasting, whole system change. Future Search in School District Change: Connection, Community, and Results chronicles ways in which educational institutions have used broad-based stakeholder involvement to improve education. These experiences, by individual authors-many who are school superintendents, directors, and education professionals-will help those tasked with improving education by offering ideas that have proven successful. These cases document innovative initiatives in rural, suburban, and urban schools on such key issues including: District mergers, Healing racial divisions, Curriculum reform, Developing community partnerships, Creating district-wide strategic plans. This book also contains important educational themes such as: Early childhood education, Improving the performance of school boards, Improving student health, Improving achievement. For superintendents, school board members, district administrators, and anyone else with an interest in high-involvement/high-performing schools and districts.

Rita Schweitz specializes in planning and facilitating productive meetings and conferences that produce desired results. With over 20 years of national and international experience, she specializes in bringing the whole system together to establish collaborations, find common ground and move quickly to action. Kim Martens is a facilitation and training consultant with over 20 years in the fields of whole system change and community development. She has extensive experience in participatory strategic planning that includes all stakeholders and emphasizes client ownership of the process and results.