Don't Teach the Canaries Not to Sing

Creating a School Culture That Boosts Achievement
Robert D. Ramsey - Consultant
Don't Teach the Canaries Not to Sing
September 2007 | 176 pages | Corwin
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ISBN: 9781452294506
Available from January 0001
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ISBN: 9781412948944
Available from January 0001

Description

"There are other books on school culture, but the tell-it-like-it-is, no-holds-barred style of writing makes this a book I would recommend to others."
—Frank Buck, Curriculum & Special Education Supervisor
Talladega City Schools, AL

"The clear, concise themes for each chapter are backed by research and provide an understanding of what needs to be done to improve school climate. This book could be used by a building or district team study to measure the cultural temperature, by teacher teams to start a grassroots movement to improve school climate, or by reflective leaders who want to continuously improve their organizations."
—Edward J. Drugo, Principal
Latrobe Elementary School, PA

Improve school culture and relationships to ensure peak performance by students and staff!

This practical how-to handbook clearly defines what school culture is, where it comes from, how it works, and why it is critically important. The author provides a total package with all the tools necessary for developing a school culture that maximizes student performance, empowers staff members, welcomes and engages parents, and energizes community support. Readers will find:

  • A profile of a healthy school culture
  • Tips for assessing how your school measures up
  • Ways to spot warning signs and avoid pitfalls
  • Frequently asked questions and common concerns about creating a positive school culture

Through concrete, real-world examples, authoritative insights, and useful explorations, this compact volume for principals and administrators demystifies the concept of school culture and points the way toward building a strong, collaborative school community.

Contents

Preface: Why This Title

Preface: Why This Title

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments

About the Author

About the Author

Introduction: Culture Shock

  • 1. School Culture Under the Microscope: What It Is, How It Works, and Why It's So Important
  • 2. The Many Phases and Faces of School Personalities
  • 3. Profile of a Healthy School Culture That Works for Everyone
  • 4. How Do You Know It's Time to Tune Your Bagpipes? Signs of a Toxic School Culture
  • 5. Assessing the DNA of Your School's Culture
  • 6. Avoiding "Fratricide" (Death by Friendly Fire)
  • 7. A Dresser of Sycamore Trees: The Leader's Role in Shaping the School's Culture
  • 8. Don't Teach the Canaries Not to Sing: Creating a School Culture That Works for All Students
  • 9. Use All the Gifts (Assets): Creating a School Culture That Works for Staff
  • 10. The Dancing Bear Metaphor: Creating a School Culture That Works for Parents and the Community
  • 11. A Results-Oriented Work Environment (ROWE): Linking Culture and Achievement
  • 12. No Deposit, No Return: Culture Building Made Simple

Resource A. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Resource A. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Resource B. FSWs: Frequently Stated Worries

Resource B. FSWs: Frequently Stated Worries

Resource C. What Others Say About Organizational Culture

Resource C. What Others Say About Organizational Culture

Resource D. Related Readings: The Short List

Resource D. Related Readings: The Short List

Index

Index

Additional materials

Description

"There are other books on school culture, but the tell-it-like-it-is, no-holds-barred style of writing makes this a book I would recommend to others."
—Frank Buck, Curriculum & Special Education Supervisor
Talladega City Schools, AL

"The clear, concise themes for each chapter are backed by research and provide an understanding of what needs to be done to improve school climate. This book could be used by a building or district team study to measure the cultural temperature, by teacher teams to start a grassroots movement to improve school climate, or by reflective leaders who want to continuously improve their organizations."
—Edward J. Drugo, Principal
Latrobe Elementary School, PA

Improve school culture and relationships to ensure peak performance by students and staff!

This practical how-to handbook clearly defines what school culture is, where it comes from, how it works, and why it is critically important. The author provides a total package with all the tools necessary for developing a school culture that maximizes student performance, empowers staff members, welcomes and engages parents, and energizes community support. Readers will find:

  • A profile of a healthy school culture
  • Tips for assessing how your school measures up
  • Ways to spot warning signs and avoid pitfalls
  • Frequently asked questions and common concerns about creating a positive school culture

Through concrete, real-world examples, authoritative insights, and useful explorations, this compact volume for principals and administrators demystifies the concept of school culture and points the way toward building a strong, collaborative school community.

Contents

Preface: Why This Title

Preface: Why This Title

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments

About the Author

About the Author

Introduction: Culture Shock

  • 1. School Culture Under the Microscope: What It Is, How It Works, and Why It's So Important
  • 2. The Many Phases and Faces of School Personalities
  • 3. Profile of a Healthy School Culture That Works for Everyone
  • 4. How Do You Know It's Time to Tune Your Bagpipes? Signs of a Toxic School Culture
  • 5. Assessing the DNA of Your School's Culture
  • 6. Avoiding "Fratricide" (Death by Friendly Fire)
  • 7. A Dresser of Sycamore Trees: The Leader's Role in Shaping the School's Culture
  • 8. Don't Teach the Canaries Not to Sing: Creating a School Culture That Works for All Students
  • 9. Use All the Gifts (Assets): Creating a School Culture That Works for Staff
  • 10. The Dancing Bear Metaphor: Creating a School Culture That Works for Parents and the Community
  • 11. A Results-Oriented Work Environment (ROWE): Linking Culture and Achievement
  • 12. No Deposit, No Return: Culture Building Made Simple

Resource A. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Resource A. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Resource B. FSWs: Frequently Stated Worries

Resource B. FSWs: Frequently Stated Worries

Resource C. What Others Say About Organizational Culture

Resource C. What Others Say About Organizational Culture

Resource D. Related Readings: The Short List

Resource D. Related Readings: The Short List

Index

Index

Additional materials

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Don't Teach the Canaries Not to Sing

Creating a School Culture That Boosts Achievement


September 2007 | 176 pages | Corwin

Format Published Date ISBN Price
Paperback 28/04/2023 9781412948944 $39.95
Hardcover 27/02/2023 9781412948937 $79.95
Lifetime 28/04/2023 9781452294506 $36.00

"There are other books on school culture, but the tell-it-like-it-is, no-holds-barred style of writing makes this a book I would recommend to others."
—Frank Buck, Curriculum & Special Education Supervisor
Talladega City Schools, AL

"The clear, concise themes for each chapter are backed by research and provide an understanding of what needs to be done to improve school climate. This book could be used by a building or district team study to measure the cultural temperature, by teacher teams to start a grassroots movement to improve school climate, or by reflective leaders who want to continuously improve their organizations."
—Edward J. Drugo, Principal
Latrobe Elementary School, PA

Improve school culture and relationships to ensure peak performance by students and staff!

This practical how-to handbook clearly defines what school culture is, where it comes from, how it works, and why it is critically important. The author provides a total package with all the tools necessary for developing a school culture that maximizes student performance, empowers staff members, welcomes and engages parents, and energizes community support. Readers will find:

  • A profile of a healthy school culture
  • Tips for assessing how your school measures up
  • Ways to spot warning signs and avoid pitfalls
  • Frequently asked questions and common concerns about creating a positive school culture

Through concrete, real-world examples, authoritative insights, and useful explorations, this compact volume for principals and administrators demystifies the concept of school culture and points the way toward building a strong, collaborative school community.


Table Of Contents:

  • Preface: Why This Title
  • Acknowledgments
  • About the Author
  • Introduction: Culture Shock
  • 1. School Culture Under the Microscope: What It Is, How It Works, and Why It's So Important
  • 2. The Many Phases and Faces of School Personalities
  • 3. Profile of a Healthy School Culture That Works for Everyone
  • 4. How Do You Know It's Time to Tune Your Bagpipes? Signs of a Toxic School Culture
  • 5. Assessing the DNA of Your School's Culture
  • 6. Avoiding "Fratricide" (Death by Friendly Fire)
  • 7. A Dresser of Sycamore Trees: The Leader's Role in Shaping the School's Culture
  • 8. Don't Teach the Canaries Not to Sing: Creating a School Culture That Works for All Students
  • 9. Use All the Gifts (Assets): Creating a School Culture That Works for Staff
  • 10. The Dancing Bear Metaphor: Creating a School Culture That Works for Parents and the Community
  • 11. A Results-Oriented Work Environment (ROWE): Linking Culture and Achievement
  • 12. No Deposit, No Return: Culture Building Made Simple
  • Resource A. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
  • Resource B. FSWs: Frequently Stated Worries
  • Resource C. What Others Say About Organizational Culture
  • Resource D. Related Readings: The Short List
  • Index

Recent Product Reviews:

“An outstanding analysis of what school culture is, how it works, and why it’s important to develop. Student performance and staff efforts pair with parental engagement and community support in such a process, creating a culture that is dynamic, interactive, and positive: here’s how to build it, with real-world examples adding vision and insights.”
The Bookwatch, April 2008, Midwest Book Review
"There are other books on school culture, but the tell-it-like-it-is, no-holds-barred style of writing makes this a book I would recommend to others."
Frank Buck, Curriculum & Special Education Supervisor, Talladega City Schools, AL
"The ideas are useful, thought provoking, and can be implemented within the limitations of the desire to truly make a change by those who have the wherewithal to do so."
Stephen Handley, Superintendent, Hinds County School District, MS
"The book provides school leaders with an ABC format for building effective school culture. It is evident that the author has a wealth of knowledge in this field and has documented his work in this area. This book will make a unique and distinct contribution to the field."
Harriet Gould, Principal, Raymond Central Public Schools, Valparaiso, NE
"A very enjoyable read, with lots of suggestions and ideas that can be implemented immediately. Site leaders will find the book refreshing and helpful for their daily activities. Each chapter has lots of thoughtful ideas, suggestions, recommendations, assessments, and profiles that can be used in improving school culture."
Cary Dritz, Associate Superintendent, Ventura County Office of Education, Camarillo, CA

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