Over 100 of the best field-based practices of award-winning secondary principals are examined to help school leaders produce a successful, thriving school environment.

Sandra Harris is currently associate professor in the Educational Leadership Department at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, where she teaches classes in social justice, action research, and other administrator preparation courses in the doctoral program. Formerly, Harris served as a teacher, principal, and superintendent in public and private schools. Her scholarship agenda includes administrator preparation, K-12 peer harassment, and building relationship-oriented, socially just school environments. Harris publishes and presents at regional, state, and national conferences on these topics.

Foreword by Gerald N. Tirozzi
Acknowledgments
About the Author
About the Contributors
Introduction
1. Leadership
Leadership Actions That Build Exemplary Schools
Leadership: Tim¿s Top 10 Tips
Two Essential Leadership Qualities
Good Leaders Ask Good Questions
Leadership Best Practices: In Retrospect
Snapshots
Summary
Leadership Reflection
Additional Resources
References
2. Shaping Campus Culture
Trust Is the Foundation
Team Thornton
Influencing the School Culture
Shaping a Demographically Changing High School
Theme-Based Education: The High School¿s Mantra
Developing a Professional Learning Community
Shaping Through Professional Development
It Takes a Village
Guaranteeing a Better Future for the Entire Community
Shaping a Culture of Leadership in a Rural School
Three Ways to Improve Student Achievement
School Vision and Strategic Planning Are Exciting
Golden Opportunities
Snapshots
Summary
Shaping Campus Culture Reflection
Additional Resources
References
3. Communicating for Collaboration
Communicating for Collaboration With Faculty and Other Educators
Communicating for Collaboration With Students, Parents, and the Larger Community
Summary
Communicating for Collaboration Reflection
Additional Resources
References
4. Curriculum and Instruction
Build Curricula to Fit Student Needs
Closing the Achievement Gap
Standards-Based Curriculum
Supporting Standards-Based Programs
Challenging Curricula
Freshman Induction and Looping Improve Performance
Looping Aids Accountability
Team Looping Shares Responsibility
The Role of Technical Arts
CRISS-CROSS Professional Development
Different Instructional Methods Improve Learning
Differentiated Instruction Opportunities
Academic Celebrations
It¿s Not Your Mom¿s Detention Anymore: A Study on the Effectiveness of Walking for Fitness as an Alternative to Traditional Afterschool Detention
Snapshots
Summary
Curriculum and Instructional Programs Reflection
Additional Resources
References
5. School Improvement Plans
School Improvement Improves Us All
What I Wish I Had Done Differently
Everyone Is Accountable for All
TEAMS Target Improved Student Learning
Using Breaking Ranks II for School Improvement
New Teacher Mentoring Program
How We Use Data Assessment
Using Assessment Data
The School Improvement Plan as a Living Document
Improving Academic Rigor
Five-Minute Classroom Walk-Through
Teacher Observations
Know Your Facility Better Than Anyone
Nurturing and Sustaining Best Practices for School Improvement
Snapshots
Summary
School Improvement Plans Reflection
Additional Resources
References
6. Personalizing the Learning Environment for All
What Is and What Ought to Be
A Welcoming Environment
What Every Principal Needs to Know About Students
Building-Based Intervention Team
Providing Individual Attention for At-Risk Students
Freshmen Transition Program - A Bridge to High School
Transition Class
Strategies for a Low-Performing High School
ESL Students and Reading
Find an Advocate
Improving Reading Skills
Individualized Graduation Plan
Double Promoting Students
Snapshots
Summary
Personalizing the Learning Environment for All Reflection
Additional Resources
References
7. Words of Wisdom
Words of Wisdom Reflection
Reference
8. Recommended Reading List
Recommended Reading List Reflection
9. Conclusion
We, Not Me
Sharing a Vision
Empower Others
Balancing Life as a Leader
. . . And Don¿t Forget
Leadership in Retrospect
People Are Always First
Treat Others As You Want to Be Treated
Re-Establishing Campus Culture
February Fun
Commit to Collaboration
A Commitment to the Team
Listen and Be Safe
Communicating a Collective Vision
Student Academic Achievement Plan
Sustaining School Improvement
People, Not Programs
Students, Not Schools
A Force for Good
References
Index