Improving Schools from Within: Teachers, Parents, and Principals Can Make the Difference

by Roland S. Barth

"A humane blueprint for school reform that--instead of startingwith a 'deficiency' model of what teachers can't do and giving them'inservice' workshops ad infinitum--would build on the educationalstaff's existing strengths." --The New York Times BookReview

Barth hows how communication, collegiality, and risk-takingamong adults can create an atmosphere of learning and leadershipfor all.

Genres: Education, Leadership, Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[Helene]

I had read this many years ago when it first came out. When the new superintendent started this summer and I had a little book money, I asked which book he'd like the Leadership Team to read and discuss, this is the one he picked. It was also a favorite of Dick Ayres who was superintendent in Hopkinton and now director of SERESC.

So we read it as a group. In rereading I found it still had good basic things to say but was dated. I wondered why Barth did not become the champion of professional learning communities since he came before the Dufours. The pitch for Principal Centers was big at the time but has definitely faded in favor. When the Leadership Team discussed the book, it was pointed out by another principal that unlike the Dufours, Barth was essentially negative. I had not considered this but on reflection found it to be true.

So a good book, but no longer great. Educators have moved on. And that's a good thing.

[Nicholas]

Very good. Nice conversational tone regarding being a human and democratic principal, and the importance of continual learning.

[Matt]

This book piqued my interest in the principalship as a future career. It was discarded from my school’s library, and I promptly claimed it while teaching fifth and sixth grade. One of the best ideas I found was “Share Sessions”, where a staff member sets up voluntary meetings for one teacher to share with colleagues what they are doing well in their classrooms. I did this in my school, and people showed up! Roland Barth stressed that you don’t need a title behind your name to make a positive change in your school.

[Rizqi]

Improving Schools from Within Teachers, Parents, and Principals Can Make the Difference

[Mele]

Roland Barth is my hero.

[Barbara Lovejoy]

I LOVE Roland Barth and his insights about education. Lots of great ideas to keep in mind for our new charter school.

[Diana Sarao]

Lee crews recommendation