Realization: The Change Imperative for Deepening District-Wide Reform

by Lyn Sharratt (Editor), Michael Fullan (Editor)

Written by an experienced district administrator who accomplished reform and an internationally recognized expert in large-scale educational change, this book offers 14 key parameters for realizing districtwide improvement.

Genres: Education

136 pages, Paperback

First published August 11, 2009

Reviews

[Helene]

In preparation for a full day workshop with Michael Fullan and Lyn Sharratt, I started reading "Putting FACES on the Data." I read two chapters and it was evident that I really needed to read the book that had come before, "Realization." I'm glad I did. Though FACES could have stood alone, I'm glad I was able to read this one first. It really speaks to the work that was done in York Region School District, the parameters that make for systemic reform, and how, much like Senge's FIfth Discipline, interdependence makes everything work together and realization, the fourteenth parameter, is about whole-system accountability.

So much of this book rang true for me. The importance of focus, of getting started, of valuing every child's achievement.I loved the examples from the field, the authentic voices, and chapter 5: "The Devil is in the Details: Beware of the Pitfalls!" Yes, "I'm not in control and I'm the leader!" Leadership is about empowering others and gradually releasing responsibility so that the work continues once the leader has moved on. Yes, it's about letting go of pet units and teaching what is important. Yes, it's about looking at the data and knowing why things happen. Yes, it's about changing the culture and having everyone responsible and accountable. Yes, it's using the time that you have wisely and with focus on what is important. Here's a bit from that section: "We have no time. Every educational book ever written cites time as a deterrent to increasing student achievement."

This book was well worth the 3.5 hours I spent reading it and the additional time to reflect and plan. What a great reinforcement to greater school reform.

[Karen James]

Very good!