Contents

 

Lists of Tables, Figures, and Appendices

Preface

Acknowledgments

About the Authors

Chapter 1: Results Without Rancor or Ranking: The Ontario Improvement Strategy

The Canadian Context

A Clear Vision and Persistent Resolve

Excellence and Equity Go Hand in Hand

Starting With Literacy

Improving Graduation Rates

Where Are We Now?

Chapter 2: Excellence and Equity

Excellence and Equity

Characteristics of Effective Teachers in Diverse Backgrounds

The Global Preoccupation With Increasing Graduation Rates

International Comparisons

The Equity Agenda

Chapter 3: District and School Improvement: A Blueprint for Success

Consistency and Focus

Keys to improvement

Lessons Learned

Summary

Chapter 4: High-Impact Strategies for Elementary Schools

Maintain a Clear Focus and Stay the Course

Target Setting: The Power of High Expectations

The Importance of Building Capacity

A Strong Commitment to Research

Make Early Learning a Top Priority

Focus on Literacy

Targeted Supports

The Ontario Focused Intervention Partnership

Communication and Collaboration

The Importance of Data

Integrating Technology Across the Curriculum

Professional Accountability

Summary

Chapter 5: High-Impact Strategies for Secondary Schools

Leadership Is the Key

The Pillars of Student Success

Literacy

Numeracy

Instructional Practice

Program Pathways

Community, Culture, and Caring

Student Choice

Chapter 6: Leadership for Improved Learning

Leadership for the 21st Century

Leadership Development in Ontario

Effective Leadership: What Does It Take?

Strategic Managers

Shared Leadership

Building Relationships

Instructional Leadership

Courageous Leadership

District Leadership

School Leadership

Teacher Leadership

Summary

Chapter 7: Improving Graduation Rates: What Does It Take?

The Essence of the Improvement Strategy

Reasons for the Success of the Strategy

Working at Getting Buy-In Was Important

Developing Partnerships and Alliances With Parents and Community

School-to-Work Partnerships

The Role of Character Development

Character Education in Schools

Building Communities of Character

Character in the Workplace

Citizenship Development

Asking Ourselves Some Tough Questions

Future Directions

Appendices

Index