Joanie Eppinga Livres

The pressure is on. Throughout the country, educators and administrators are working hard to make sure students pass standardized tests and graduate. At the same time, teachers are overwhelmed by ever-increasing demands. Efforts at reforming schools often replicate the same approaches and net the same discouraging results. Staff at many schools feel defensive and powerless as a result of being unable to meet standards they didn’t set and don’t know how to achieve.This book describes a humanistic approach to implementing programs and systems that bring academic press, social support, and relational trust together in unique ways. Based on the understanding that old beliefs are changed by supporting new behaviors, the approach includes acquiring and using data in innovative and intentional ways. Properly conducted, the approach results in high morale, a sense of inclusiveness and success, increased efficacy, and improved metrics in all areas of education. The book includes the research and theory behind the approach, action steps for leaders, and lessons learned in the process—useful elements of success for any school.

Focusing on holistic and humanistic approaches, this book provides a roadmap for transforming struggling schools to enhance student achievement. It outlines a conceptual framework that integrates academic rigor, social support, and relational trust. The authors detail strategies for creating and implementing effective systems at various levels, including district, school-wide, department, and classroom, ensuring that every individual in the school community is supported in their growth and development.