Download or read book Creating the New American School written by Richard DuFour and published by Solution Tree. This book was released on 1992 with total page 153 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book details the characteristics of schools that continue to provide their students with a good education. It integrates two important bodies of research in its findings: (1) the research on effective schools and the characteristics of effective schools; and (2) studies of effective business practices and the leadership behind those practices. Drawing on this research, the book makes 10 recommendations for those interested in moving a school toward excellence: (1) people improvement is crucial to school improvement; (2) excellent schools have a clear vision of their goals; (3) the day-to-day operation of excellent schools is guided by a few shared central values; (4) excellent schools have principals who are effective leaders; (5) the shaping of organizational culture and climate is critical to the creation of an excellent school; (6) the curriculum reflects the values of the school and provides a focus that helps teachers and students "stick to the knitting"; (7) excellent schools monitor what is important; (8) teachers in excellent schools are leaders within their classrooms; (9) excellent schools celebrate progress toward their vision; and (10) excellent schools are committed to continual renewal. (Contains 122 references.) (RJM)