Taking Flight to Literacy and Leadership provides a powerful model of "what works" in schools. It shows superintendents, principals, and teachers how to integrate best practices in literacy, adult learning, and systems thinking, using concrete examples from authentic practice. Taking Flight to Literacy and Leadership creates a razor-sharp focus on instruction and places learning at the center of the effort. It brings people together to share what they know and learn collaboratively and provides tools for staff to develop new solutions to difficult problems. This book is a guide for: · Superintendents who want to grow their districts into a healthy vibrant learning organization. · Principals who seek to engage staff in dynamic, job-embedded learning about instruction. · Teachers who hope to influence both classroom and district learning.

This authoritative text and practitioner resource has now been extensively revised and expanded with 70% new material covering new topics and standards in literacy leadership. Prominent experts present research-based methods for improving instruction, assessment, and professional learning experiences in PreK–12. The distinct roles of teachers, reading/literacy specialists, literacy coaches, special educators, and principals are explored, with an emphasis on fostering a culture of collaboration. Chapters highlight the standards that apply to each component of a schoolwide literacy program, give examples of what they look like in schools, and share implications for classroom practice and professional learning. Pedagogical features include guiding questions, case examples, vignettes, engagement activities, and annotated resources for further learning. New to This Edition *Now copublished with the International Literacy Association (ILA) and grounded in ILA's updated Standards 2017; expanded grade range includes PreK. *Chapters on new topics: writing instruction, sustaining schoolwide improvements, and collaborative leadership. *New chapters on core topics: the principal’s role, assessment, middle and high school literacy programs, special education, and culturally responsive instruction. *Vignettes from leaders in diverse roles, “Think About This” questions for discussion/reflection, and end-of-chapter annotated resources.

Literacy educators seldom view themselves as leaders beyond the classroom. In recent years, however, teacher leadership has received increased attention in schools and school districts and at the state and national levels. This book will guide you in improving your literacy leadership skills so you can ultimately enhance your professional practice. Author Donald McAndrew first reviews the major theory and research on leadership while focusing on leadership in schools and literacy education to familiarize you with the specific theory, research, and practice of leaders. He then presents six strategies used by successful leaders to do the peoplework at the heart of leadership: Create and communicate a vision. Be a model. Experiment with new ideas and take risks. Nurture competence, trust, and collaboration. Encourage the heart. Transform yourself through reflection and learning. You will learn the importance of each strategy, its connection to theory and research, and additional methods for putting each strategy to work. peoplework skills as you interact with students, parents, and colleagues to promote the importance of literacy development. Use this book to become a literacy leader and improve the vision of literacy in your classroom, school, and community.

Simple steps that principals and other school leaders can take to foster literacy in the middle and secondary grades.

Packed with vivid examples from actual schools, this book explores specific ways that literacy leaders can partner with teachers to meet all students' instructional needs. It provides a range of research-based strategies for implementing effective instruction in a response-to-intervention framework. It also describes innovative interventions—including schoolwide programs and family and community initiatives—that promote success for struggling readers. Practical ideas are presented for engaging particular populations, such as boys and middle and high school students, and for supporting teachers' professional development. Eight reproducible handouts and forms can be downloaded and printed in a convenient 8 1/2" x 11" size.

Learn the 5 steps that school leaders can take to improve student literacy in all content areas, with targeted interventions for students who are struggling the most.