The Principal As Early Literacy Leader

This resource presents an overview of how three-, four-, and five-year-olds learn to read and shows school leaders how to implement and support quality early literacy programs.

"Getting down from the ivory tower and stepping out of the principal′s office, these authors offer some of the most important and useful books about leadership that principals can buy." —Andy Hargreaves, Thomas More Brennan Chair in Education Boston College "Addresses some of the most important challenges facing school leaders today. The authors bring a remarkable combination of deep, practical experience and academic sophistication to these challenges." —Ken Leithwood, Professor Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto "This series of little volumes provides a valuable resource for new principals who would become accomplished instructional leaders and seasoned principals looking to strengthen their leadership capacity." —Roland S. Barth, Founding Director Harvard Principals′ Center "This series allows school principals to integrate theory and practice themselves, resulting in highly insightful and practical strategies that will make a difference in schools. Practitioners: lead thyselves!" —Michael Fullan, Professor Emeritus Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto Help students take the first steps toward long-term educational success! Highlighting the importance of building children′s early literacy skills, especially for those who might struggle in later grades, this volume in the Leading Student Achievement series presents an easy-to-understand overview of how three-, four-, and five-year-olds learn to read and shows school leaders how to: Utilize knowledge about early literacy to provide more effective support for teachers of young children Recognize the hallmarks of excellence in early literacy programs Work with teachers, school teams, and parents to create and improve early literacy programs Develop a school culture that sustains excellence and continuous improvement in early literacy Filled with real-life planning models, time-saving reproducibles, and other resources, The Principal as Early Literacy Leader gives school leaders the knowledge and vision to implement quality early literacy programs.

Based on a balanced literacy approach, this practical guide supports principals and school leaders in improving literacy instruction and increasing achievement for K–12 students.

The majority of public school principals are now required to supervise and evaluate early childhood teachers and classrooms, yet many do not have a sufficient understanding of child development and early childhood pedagogy to lead for equity. This practical and comprehensive resource addresses this critical gap by presenting current research on child development, an understanding of the elements of high-quality early childhood classrooms, essential information on trauma-responsive practices, and strategies for reducing bias and preventing the use of exclusionary discipline with young children. School leaders learn about the pivotal role they can play in improving equity for young children, their families, and the early childhood workforce. Each chapter includes key take-aways and central questions that can be used for individual reflection or to guide group discussions. Authentic examples, illustrations, and actionable strategies help readers to successfully implement the content in their school. Principals as Early Learning Leaders is essential reading for principals, vice principals, administrators, and others responsible for leading preschool and pre–K programs for equity. Book Features: Supports elementary school principals to better understand the role early education plays in their school.Addresses essential issues of equity in all aspects of early learning programs that require focus and leadership.Provides current research and practical strategies that principals can put into practice immediately to be effective instructional leaders. Uses authentic examples and vignettes throughout to help readers see the ideas in the context of real preschool classrooms. Includes reflection questions and key takeaways to help principals think about how the information presented can inform the work they do.

"The last thing a principal needs is more stress! This book helps build skills that will ensure that challenging conversations go the way they should—toward resolution and peace." —Beth Madison, Principal George Middle School, Portland, Oregon Direct difficult discussions toward successful outcomes every time! For every principal who has ever wished for a quick reference guide to keeping challenging conversations on course, the ideal tool is here! Inside are all the skills you need for navigating high-stakes interactions with staff, parents, students, and district leaders, and steering them toward win-win solutions. Case studies throughout the book identify the risk areas and provide the steps to mastering techniques for Active listening Assertive communication Providing effective feedback Staying calm Problem solving Mediation Also included are scripts, sample dialogues, style inventories, checklists, and resources for practicing skills learned from the case studies. Like having a communications coach in your back pocket, this guide gives tips for building a collaborative culture focused on what matters most—working together to achieve student success.

"Getting down from the ivory tower and stepping out of the principal′s office, these authors offer some of the most important and useful books about leadership that principals can buy." —Andy Hargreaves, Thomas More Brennan Chair in Education Boston College "Addresses some of the most important challenges facing school leaders today. The authors bring a remarkable combination of deep, practical experience and academic sophistication to these challenges." —Ken Leithwood, Professor Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto "This series of little volumes provides a valuable resource for new principals who would become accomplished instructional leaders and seasoned principals looking to strengthen their leadership capacity." —Roland S. Barth, Founding Director Harvard Principals′ Center "This series allows school principals to integrate theory and practice themselves, resulting in highly insightful and practical strategies that will make a difference in schools. Practitioners: lead thyselves!" —Michael Fullan, Professor Emeritus Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto Discover the formula for improved mathematics instruction and outcomes! Mathematics teaching and learning have changed so significantly over the past two decades that school leaders may find it difficult to keep up. Part of the Leading Student Achievement series, this book provides solid support for leading mathematics instruction schoolwide. Appropriate for school leaders who would like a stronger foundation in mathematics education as well as for experienced mathematics coaches and leaders, this guide outlines research related to mathematics education and offers: Strategies for observing and evaluating mathematics instruction in classrooms Suggestions for supporting teacher growth and development, including co-teaching, lesson study, and job-embedded professional learning Tools and templates to use in working with faculty The Principal as Mathematics Leader is an essential resource for all who are committed to achieving results through stronger mathematics programs.

"This series allows school principals to integrate theory and practice themselves, resulting in highly insightful and practical strategies that will make a difference in schools. Practitioners: lead thyselves!" —Michael Fullan, Professor Emeritus Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto "Avoiding high-flown theory on the one hand and mere bullet points on the other, these books represent the best that highly expert leaders have to offer—intellectually informed ideas about how to deal with the compelling practical issues of principalship." —Andy Hargreaves, Thomas More Brennan Chair in Education Boston College "This series of little volumes provides a valuable resource for new principals who would become accomplished instructional leaders and seasoned principals looking to strengthen their leadership capacity." —Roland S. Barth, Founding Director Harvard Principals′ Center "Addresses some of the most important challenges facing school leaders today. The authors bring a remarkable combination of deep, practical experience and academic sophistication to these challenges." —Ken Leithwood, Professor Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto A proven process for demonstrating and communicating school improvements! As the call for educational accountability increases, so does the importance of data. This practical guide, part of the Leading Student Achievement series, helps school leaders use evidence to shape, revise, and assess instructional reform. Focusing on the significance of data in the development of realistic solutions to specific educational issues, this resource defines four types of data and helps principals: Understand their role as leader, communicator, and professional developer for data-driven reform Introduce the use of data into the school improvement planning cycle Create a team to gather relevant, valid, and comprehensive data With brainstorming templates, case studies, and planning forms for embedding data use into a school′s culture, The Principal as Data-Driven Leader helps schools start on a journey to genuine accountability and demonstrable gains in student performance.

Equitable schools equal high achievement for all students! This invaluable book provides an expanding awareness of equity issues to not only principals and district leaders, but also school equity committees. From the novice to the experienced school leader, readers will discover how to create a learning community that erases achievement gaps and welcomes students of all backgrounds. This new volume in the Leading Achievement Series provides action steps for: Establishing a climate that promotes equity Empowering and supervising staff to accelerate change Garnering support and involvement from students and the community Assessing progress toward equity and sustaining growth