On Common Ground (05 Edition)

On Common Ground is the first book in the Leading Edge series. The Leading Edge is the undefined space where leaders venture to impact changeit is the place where transformation begins. The Leading Edge series unites education authorities from around the globe and asks them to confront the important issues that affect teachers and administratorsthe issues that profoundly impact student success. The experts contributing to this anthology do not prescribe one method to transact change. They embrace the mission, trusting that teachers and administratorsthe true change leaderswill venture to the Leading Edge to embrace the challenges and opportunities that will guarantee the success of their students.

On Common Ground provides a valuable tool for educators who are doing the hard work of improving their schools. This resource offers teachers and administrators a coherent conceptual framework and specific, practical strategies for moving forward with their improvement efforts.

Any listing of North America's leading authorities on school improvement would include the authors in this book. These authors agree on many of the best strategies for raising student achievement and support the premise that students would be better served if educators:

Embrace learning rather than teaching as their school's mission

Work collaboratively to help all students learn

Use formative assessments and a focus on results to foster continuous improvement

Assume individual responsibility to take steps to create such schools

Although they stand on this common ground, clear differences emerge regarding their perspectives on the most effective strategy for making professional learning communities the norm in North America. The differences, however, focus on the means rather than the end. These educational leaders have found common ground in expressing their belief in both the d

On Common Ground brings the ideas and recommendations of many of North America's educational leaders into one resource for educators working to help their students achieve at ever-higher levels. Each chapter contributes to a sound conceptual framework and specific, practical strategies for developing professional learning communities.