The challenge of school improvement for failing schools is a complex and frequently debated issue. While much has been said on this topic, little has been published that can actually help those in such schools or those working with them. By addressing the issue from a range of perspectives, this edited volume will fill the gap in the existing literature. It contains policy perspectives written by a key national policy maker, an academic, and a local policy maker. In addition, it surveys the perspectives of three different schools. Chapters written by prominent school effectiveness researchers show that while there are no quick fixes for schools in difficulty, the problem of failing schools will not simply go away without informed action.

Louise Stoll is Coordinating Director of the International School Effectiveness and Improvement Centre (ISEIC) at the Institute of Education. Kate Myers is Professor of Professional Development in Education at Keele University.

Acknowledgments, Glossary, 1 No Quick Fixes: An Introduction, Part 1 Policy, Part 2 LEAs, Part 3 Schools, Part 4 External Facilitators, Part 5 Conceptual Issues, Part 6 International Perspectives, Notes on Contributors, Index