Aiming High

Leadership Actions to Increase Learning Gains

As educators look ahead to a post pandemic world, I hope that they will do so with Aiming High lighting the way. In his opening words, Evan Robb invites us to ‘start a journey’ and then continues on to illuminate a path where collective commitment paves the way. As a literacy consultant, I was mesmerized by literacy chapter 6 that highlights choice, ownership, and authenticity with often missing middle school features such as independent reading, conferring and read-aloud celebrated. The intentional intricate interweaving of literacy and professional learning across the pages gave me renewed hope. Evan’s deep belief in students and teachers shines through a spirit of unwavering commitment to collaboration and conversation in honor of learning extending from both sides. Aiming High envisions a broader purpose for what is possible when shared leadership forms a foundation for a visionary schoolwide stance.  

In Aiming High: Leadership Actions to Increase Learning Gains, K-12, Evan not only aims high, he hits the mark on leading in schools. Evan shares easy-to-use strategies and actions for all educators to use to better serve students and the school community while building a collaborative school culture. I love the leadership take-a-ways, reflection questions, actions to consider, powerful quotes, resource recommendations, and more. I am a better leader because of Aiming High and Evan Robb. I highly recommend this book! Keep reading and keep rolling!

Evan Robb provides school leaders with a practical and inspiring guide to navigating the “new normal”, offering a pathway to improve student-centered learning by empowering all teachers to provide highly effective instruction and all students to embrace a culture of learning. He emphasizes the power of collaboration and the need to build trusting relationships. Affirming, challenging and timely!

Teaching and learning in a Post-COVID world It’s time for meaningful change in education--from the top down! Leading to Aim High will equip educational leaders to empower staff through collaborative conversations and professional learning. If you are concerned about the detrimental effects of COVID-19 and want to use this moment to Shake Up Learning, this is the book for you!

I think we are all educationally “pandemic-ed out,” but Robb’s book does something much different than any other book out there. He demonstrates what stands the test of time and what will prepare all leaders during and after our NEXT crisis or calm. This book should be added to your shelf as it prepares you for nothing other than thoughtful, intentional leadership.

Leading to Aim High provides a structure to collaboratively create a learner-focused culture. Leadership focused on literacy, math, and social emotional needs are guided by ideas about a commitment to all students, optimism, and trusting relationships. Evan's experiences as a middle school principal provide implementation considerations guided by lessons learned, quotations, tips, and questions.

As someone that’s been in the business in different roles over the years, I can say that this book from Evan has so many valuable tips in it.   Both educators new to the profession as well those that are veterans will find that this book is the blueprint for creating future change and impact.  Some books are focused on pedagogy and approaches to instruction and learning. Yet still there are books that are focused on creating a school culture that promotes an environment of true collaboration and success.

Aiming High seeks to combine these elements and more together in one book. This is the book that everyone can read, should read, and can benefit from now and in the future. It’s time to lift our eyes and our minds and set our sights on Aiming High as we inspire students and our communities and cultivate a passion for learning.

I think we are all educationally “pandemic-ed out,” but Robb’s book does something much different than any other book out there. He demonstrates what stands the test of time and what will prepare all leaders during and after our NEXT crisis or calm. This book should be added to your shelf as it prepares you for nothing other than thoughtful, intentional leadership.

In Aiming High: Leadership Actions to Increase Learning Gains, Evan Robb highlights the important and necessary leadership skills focused on flexibility, teamwork, and creating conditions to maintain a culture focused on learning during challenging times. This book provides education leaders with both practical and helpful ideas and strategies to assist leaders in maximizing their skills to ensure learning gains for each and every student stays at the center of our work. Throughout the book, the reader is asked to answer reflective questions which will enhance their skills and help their school and school district continue to increase their learning gains grades K-12.

Evan Robb delivers educators a reimagined vision, with easy to follow dynamic practices for post-pandemic leadership through a synergistic commitment to academic instruction, social-emotional learning, and school-wide wellness. Aiming High is an educational gem bursting with inspired reflection and recovery through a cohesive culture of empowered leadership. It deeply resonates to those wishing to re-infuse meaningful teaching and learning back into K-12 education and has my highest recommendation for low burden, high impact professional learning!