Failure is NOT an Option by Alan M. Blankstein

This text is required reading for winter term. In a nutshell, this book is a blueprint for initiating a positive and efficacious school-wide and district-wide change. I will definitely utilize many of the principles and resources that were highlighted.

Principle 1 - Common Mission, Vision, Values, and Goals

Culture of a school is categorically important. To help shape that culture, creating a mission statement, vision, establishing values and goals, are a necessary component. The four questions that all mission statements must include are: Page 85

1. If we expect all students to learn, what is it we expect them to learn?
2. How will we know if they are learning it?
3. How will we ensure an engaging, relevant pedagogy?
4. What will we do when they don't learn?

Creating a vision is an arduous process. The most efficacious method to establish a vision is to Grow a Vision. Page 100

Principle 2 - Ensuring Achievement for All Student - Systems for Prevention and Intervention

An efficacious system for ensuring that all students learn is the Pyramid of Interventions. In this system, the following interventions are used: Page 133 has a great case study

1. Counselor Watch
2. Summer Classes
3. Good Friend Program
4. Faculty Advisory and Upper Classmen
5. Progress Reports After Three Weeks
6. Mandatory Tutoring
7. Guided Study Hall
8. Mentor Program With Parent Support Group
9. Student Support Groups

Principle 3 - Collaborative Teaming Focused on Teaching for Learning

When it pertains to collaboration, there are usually four types. Page 144

1. Individualistic
2. Balkanized
3. Contrived Collegiality
4. Collaborative

Principle 4 - Data - Based Decision Making for Continuous Improvement

Using data effectively is crucial in order to foment academic success. Alan suggests the following questions to guide this effort.

1. What data should be collected?
2. How should data be used?
3. Who should be involved?

Data should also be discussed and analyzed quarterly, monthly, weekly, and daily. Page 169 for case study

Two really good resources are the data wall and the rubric for collecting data in the school. Pages 176; 189

Principle 5 - Gaining Active Engagement From Family and Community

"The research is abundantly clear: Nothing motivates a child more than when learning is valued by schools and families/community working together in partnership...These forms of involvement do not happen by accident or even by invitation. They happen by explicit strategic intervention." - Michael Fullan

Principle 6 - Building Leadership Capacity

This final chapter discusses the importance of school success: leadership, capacity, and sustainability. Figure 10.1 on page 213 displays a chart detailing the differences in leadership.