Developing Successful K-8 Schools: A Principal's Guide

"The return to K–8 schools is an opportunity to step back, be purposeful and thoughtful, and plan for what we want for young persons in our schools. This book provides the vision and the tools we need to plan and build something better in Grades K–8." —Heather MacTaggart, Executive Director Classroom Connections, Ontario, Canada A how-to guide for developing or transitioning to a K–8 school! The K–8 model for school design has gained popularity with educators and parents for demonstrating higher student achievement, fewer behavioral problems, and increased cost effectiveness. This comprehensive guide provides school leaders with the tools to develop and implement a sound plan for creating an exemplary K-8 school or transitioning successfully to the K–8 approach. Developing Successful K–8 Schools offers strategies for designing curriculum aligned to state standards, promoting 21st-century skills, planning instruction, and evaluating an effective K–8 program. Readers will also find: Ten proven instructional methods for meeting the learning needs of K–8 students, plus examples that illustrate how to apply the strategies and deal with problems that might arise Student assessment techniques and record-keeping procedures Implementation tools such as checklists, activity charts, and much more! This resource is ideal for school leaders who want to articulate a clear vision for a K–8 school and stay on the cutting edge of educational excellence and student achievement.

Table of Contents:
List of Figures Preface Acknowledgments About the Author 1. Here Comes the K-8 School Origins of the New K-8 School Rationale for Changing the School Design Bedrock Beliefs About Educating Children An Initial Look at the New K-8 Program We Need Some Issues Associated With K-8 Education Questions for Study Groups Summary Notes 2. Using Standards to Define K-8 Programs Origin of Standards National Standards for K-8 Education Subject Matter Standards in K-8 Schools Extending Standards in K-8 Schools Learning Targets for Standards-Based School Managing Standards-Based Programs Nurturing Intellectual Competence Transfer of Knowledge Questions for Study Groups Summary Notes 3. Using Skills to Create the Seamless Curriculum Two Conceptions of Ends The Curriculum Design Tasks What Kind of Skills Should be Taught? Sample Tasks for Each Learner Collaborative Emphasis A Final Word About the Subjects Questions for Study Groups Summary Notes 4. New Instructional Patterns for the K-8 School General Design Organization Patterns Modifying Standards-Based Curriculum New Uses of School Buildings New Deployment of Teachers New Ways of Assessing Students New Patterns for Involving Parents Questions for Study Groups Summary Notes 5. A Return on Investment Parents Students Teachers Administrators Questions for Study Groups Summary Notes 6. Implementing the K-8 Program The Unfolding Process Prerequisite Conditions Acquiring Resources Assessment Putting It All Together Questions for Study Groups Summary Notes 7. Validating Progress Concept Development Mission Statements Curriculum Design Instructional Features Teachers Parents Facilities and Transportation Technology Resource A. Summary of K-8 Research Findings Resource B. Standards Organizations Resource C. Instructional Resource Sites on the Internet Resource D. Teaching Through the Internet Resource E. Glossary References Index