Bridge the great divide between distanced administrative duties and daily classroom impact. This book introduces high-level leaders to a top-down power mechanism called “defined autonomy,” a concept that focuses on district-defined, nonnegotiable, common goals and a system of accountability supported by assessment tools. Defined autonomy creates an effective balance of centralized direction and individualized empowerment that allows building leaders and classroom teachers to maintain stylistic freedom to respond quickly and effectively to student failure.

District Leadership That Works offers research-based recommendations for setting and monitoring nonnegotiable goals for achievement and instruction at district and school levels.

While district-defined goals are essential, effective leadership involves a collaborative effort among schools, teacher unions, students, and community members. This book not only addresses teachers' accountability to ensure classroom effectiveness, but also addresses leaders’ responsibility to get the right resources and support to educators.

An essential book for every high-level leader, District Leadership That Works motivates school leaders to take charge of the educational process. It also addresses the challenges that come with deep change in school culture and offers strategies for tactfully and successfully dealing with resistance.

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A joint publication of Solution Tree and McREL