Igniting School Performance - by Vincent F Cotter (Hardcover)

About the Book

Igniting School Performance recognizes persuading stakeholders to commit to high levels of performance is essential. Shifting an organization's mindset requires courage. Only when the their leadership and its stakeholders fully commit to a mantra of equity and excellence for a...

Book Synopsis

"Igniting School Performance" begins with a simple question. What kind of school do you want for the children in your neighborhood, town, city or county? While the question is a good starting point, other questions such as: Are you willing to make a commitment so that all schools are high performing? How do you define high performing? and How might that goal be accomplished? are equally important.

From the outset of this text, there is a focus on involving all stakeholders in the process of improving student achievement and providing an inclusive leadership approach that breaks the internal paralysis or ineptness which contributes to the ongoing status quo of underachievement in far too many schools.

Stakeholders such as board members might declare that they are interested in schools that serve their community. Superintendents might focus on schools that create individuals with the desire to be life-long learners. Teachers might indicate that schools are a place where children learn. Parents may simply express that they want the schools to be good. Further qualifying each of these responses may also yield descriptions of schools that are very different from those previously described.

Review Quotes

"There are no excuses. The wealthiest, most powerful democracy in the world can fix our underperforming educational system. Dr. Cotter has documented the roadmap to improve outcomes and graduate our children with the necessary skills for both personal success and for the success of our country. These outcomes are possible despite the disparity of social and economic conditions. "Igniting School Performance" is a must read for School Board members, Educational Administrators, Teachers and Parents with school-age children." --Thomas J. Marchozzi, former Colonial School Board Member, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Lehigh Valley Health Network

"There is a great deal of talk in the field of education regarding school performance initiatives. Dr. Vincent Cotter provides educational leaders with a framework of how to expect nothing less than excellence from yourself, those that you lead, and the community within which you work when it comes to improving school performance. His second book, Igniting School Performance, is required reading for future Superintendents, principals and school leaders who are looking for a systemic improvement approach and the "will" to succeed." --Joseph A. Carracappa, Principal, Upper Moreland High School

"Continuing to improve a school or district is essential in order for students to enter a highly competitive society. Igniting School Performance provides practical strategies to engage stakeholders in the critical planning process to improve learning for all students. The "Five Guiding Principles" outlined in the book provide an excellent framework to get the systemic performance results needed in our schools." --Darlene Davis, former Superintendent of Schools, Cheltenham Township School District

"Dealing with everyday issues, complexities and problems within schools and school districts often creates paralysis for leaders. Dr. Cotter has defined a viable strategic process and synergistic strategies to employ in leading schools and school districts to sustained improvement in academic performance and student achievement. His authentic experiences highlight a realistic route for implementation and successful outcomes." --Harry J. Gaffney, former Regional Superintendent, School District of Philadelphia, Adjunct Professor, Saint Joseph's University

"DO NOT READ THIS BOOK if you are seeking a quick fix to student performance. BUT, if you are a serious educational leader who is committed to implementing a strategic, collaborative process toward ensuring excellence, you'll find Vince Cotter's Igniting School Performance a must-have on your journey." --Melissa Jamula, retired Superintendent of Schools, Upper Merion School District

About the Author

Dr. Vincent Cotter, as superintendent of schools, was the primary innovator of a unique school improvement program which dramatically improved student achievement and for his efforts was awarded the prestigious American Society for Quality's international Juran Medal (2011) in the field of education for sustained systemic improvement. Dr. Cotter has provided consultative services to both school districts and colleges and co-founded the Exemplary Schools Organization.