Reform Versus Dreams: Preventing Student Failure

(Paperback)

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Description

School change has been at center of school reform, and many schools have moved to meet the needs of students in various areas. In many instances, there has been only one addition to the school system to serve as the element of school change. Today's school communities need a deeper understanding not only of what research says about school change, but also of the specifics about how to apply the rich treasure of research available to help in their own improvement process, and Rosalinds account addresses that need. But this is no mere academic discussion. This book is a valuable tool for effective change!

Yes, this book is here just in time. It reminds readers that student-centered approaches that include clear, achievable program goals, relevant and rigorous curriculum, post-high school goal setting, research-based instruction, a respectful and productive learning environment, and parent involvement turn reform plans into decisive actions with successful results. The lessons learned from the 90s and lessons to be learned from this book will surely help our most challenged learners and their teachers.

Reviews

Reform versus Dreams provides a genuine example of how problem solving happens best in public education. Creative and committed teachers were asked to put their minds to designing a system that would provide a safe environment for learning and encourage all students regardless of their background to reach high achievement. Smartly, the teachers turned to research and used proven techniques to build a successful model. . The book takes the next natural step to show the reader how he or she can achieve similar success. This book is a marvelous addition to any educators library and any school innovators toolbox for positive change. -- Edwin C. Darden
Just in time! This intriguing book, Reform versus Dreams: Preventing Student Failure,arrived with exactly what these changing times in education need: important reminders. The book reminds educators of the urgency to meet the learning and social-emotional needs of disinterested, unmotivated, low performing, and even defiant students. The author reminds readers of the importance of looking to tested practice and research and not just to this years new thing. Reform versus Dreams reminds educators that data-driven professional collaborative inquiry and problem solving, ongoing daily professional learning, and decisive and sometimes unconventional actions are essential components to any school improvement efforts. -- Bobb Darnell, Achievement Strategies, Inc.
Rosalinds first-hand description of the research-based process for reforming a school is an excellent example for all of us. She highlights the challenges as well as the key steps and rationale for decision making. She cites the research that guided the school team's planning toward helping not only 16 at-risk students, but the other students who joined the special program that made a huge difference in all their lives. -- Deanna Woods, Education Consultant and Trainer
In an era of almost continuous school improvement schemes, LaRocque examines school reform within the context of student needs, teacher-designed plans, and definitions of success that include more than high test scores. The book examines how Integrated Learning Teams (ILTs) were used to help improve the performance of a group of at-risk, low-performing high school students. While information is provided about how the ILTs were set up, the book concentrates on how collaborative efforts can be used to assist defiant, disobedient, and disinterested students. Specifically, it presents a system used by the teachers involved in the study. This system considers knowledge about the students, the essential curriculum, instructional delivery, professional development, and conditions necessary for quality implementation. Implementation of this system is examined, including thoughts on scheduling, lesson design, incentives, partnerships, and funding. Data provided show the outcomes of the system, as well as reflections regarding the experience from those involved. A series of appendixes provide examples of documents used during the process, including letters to parents, classroom rules, schedules, and budgets. A good complement to Larry Cuban's As Good as It Gets: What School Reform Brought to Austin (CH, Oct'10, 48-1007). Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above. * Choice Reviews *

Author Bio

Dr. Rosalind LaRocque is a 25-year veteran teacher with experience gained as the chair of the Language Arts Department, one of the first five master teachers in the district, and occasionally as a member of the Middle States Accreditation committee and the Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Evaluation (NCATE). Currently, Dr. LaRocque works developing professional development modules for training educators in Washington, D.C. with the American Federation of Teachers in the Educational Issues Department.