Realization
The Change Imperative for Deepening District-Wide Reform
- Lyn Sharratt - University of Toronto, Canada
- Michael Fullan - Michael Fullan Enterprises Inc., Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, Canada
Foreword by Kenneth Leithwood
Associate Professor, University of Pennsylvania, Senior Researcher, Consortium for Policy Research in Education
Districtwide performance improvement requires a focus on capacity building, empowering colleagues throughout the organization to move change forward. Written by an experienced administrator who accomplished districtwide improvement on the ground and an internationally recognized expert in large-scale education reform, this compelling book outlines a step-by-step approach to implementing lasting, positive change across an entire district.
This resource examines 13 research-based parameters for improving teacher and student performance, including advice on optimizing existing resources, and then introduces a 14th parameter—Realization—that goes beyond capacity building at the school and district level to systemwide change at the state level. Readers will find:
- A wealth of school-specific strategies that support effective assessment and instructional practices to improve students' fundamental academic skills
- "Do's" and "don'ts" from real districtwide school improvement programmes
- Guidance on implementing programme assessment and establishing accountability
Help your district advance from vision to action to realization of student achievement.
"Sharratt and Fullan are an educational dream team! The combination of Sharratt’s keen observations from her battle-tested district leadership experience and Fullan’s astute perspectives on the essential challenges of systemic reform produce fresh insights into the most difficult, yet most central challenges facing local education reformers today. Together the authors generate important new knowledge of how to sustain and deepen districtwide instructional reform beyond the first generation."
"I could not put this book down. Sharratt and Fullan have very clearly articulated what a sustained literacy focus can accomplish, but they also recognize the need to take it further—hence the introduction of the 14th parameter. The book reinforced and rejuvenated me in my efforts to persist with the 13 parameters in my school."
"Large-scale reform is both seductive and elusive. The promise of systemwide improvement has resulted in many false dawns where change has not been substantial or sustained. In Realization, Lyn Sharratt and Michael Fullan provide a model of districtwide change that is grounded in reality. The model is compelling because it works. Those seeking a robust and transferable model of systemwide reform need look no further."
"There is ample talk about conducting districtwide reform in our schools and board rooms today. However, this is the first opportunity that I have had to read about a research-based and clearly defined recipe for actually making and sustaining those elusive changes in our classrooms. Bravo to the authors for breaking this down for us!"
"Realization explores the nature and dimensions of significant districtwide reform for sustained school improvement. It is a deeply grounded and perceptive account for all those involved in school leadership and in school and district policy reform. A must-read for education reformers."
"What a breath of fresh air Realization is! Those of us who work in that part of the educational vineyard known as large-scale reform will instantly recognize the authenticity, strategic clarity, and wisdom of the story that Lyn Sharratt and Michael Fullan tell in this book. As they so cogently point out, ‘The real journey begins when learning becomes the work.’"
"While reading this book, I envisioned a classroom and school with students who love learning and are able to apply what they learn to real-world situations. I see a collaborative staff focused not on the outcome of a test, but the realization of the potential in each and every student."
"A straightforward and succinct account of how to meet the needs of all students, from the educators who are 'walking the talk and talking the walk.' From school board member to classroom teacher to student to parent to legislator, the authors spell out what it takes to make sure all students achieve."
"This is an up-to-date catalogue of best practices for achieving sustained student improvement. It is hopeful and forward-thinking. This book will give you food for thought as well as some concrete steps to reach your goal of sustained student improvement. It’s all about instruction and shared practice."
“Realization is steeped in novel conceptual and practical insights into the realities of systemic improvement over time. Sharratt and Fullan offer a new and deeper understanding of system capacity building as they vividly capture the multifaceted nature of coherent professional work that results in attainable, sustainable districtwide change in teaching and learning.”
