Publisher Description

Currently in education everyone is debating what is required to turn around struggling campuses. Some argue the need for additional programs, some suggest merit pay to bring in and retain the most effective teachers. What this book will argue is that is rests solely on the shoulders of the principal. As the book will discuss, it is the principals job to hire and train quality teachers to ensure students receive the high quality instruction they deserve. In order for principals to accomplish this task, there are certain aspects of instructional leadership they must understand and be able to put into practice. Principals first and foremost must truly understand instruction. Principals must understand how to evaluate students and teachers through formative assessment. Principals have to find ways to get into classrooms as opposed to finding ways that keep them out. Finally, principals must understand data well enough that they can truly hear the story the data is telling. It is through these aspects of instructional leadership that principals are able turn campuses around.

Author Biography

Josh Martin, Ed.D. has been a Texas educator for 17 years. In that time he has served as teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal, and currently works in central office at Farmersville ISD as the Chief Academics Officer. In each of these roles, he has been driven to work for the best in kids. In his current position, working for the best in kids comes from his work mentoring teachers and campus administrators to provide the best learning environments possible.

Table of Contents

DedicationPrefaceIntroductionChapter 1: Yes, the TEACHER matters, but so does the PRINCIPALChapter 2: INSTRUCTION: What's the difference between talkingthe talk and walking the walk?Chapter 3: FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT: The truest evaluator of quality when evaluating lessonsChapter 4: Are you MAKING TIME to get into classrooms, or EXCUSES that keep you out?Chapter 5: Become a DATA STORYTELLERAbout the Author

Review

For those truly interested in improving instruction, this is an important read. Principals, central office administrators, and teachers will all benefit from these critical and effective strategies. -- Jeff Adams, superintendent, Farmersville ISD
Fundamental truths are spoken by Dr. Josh Martin as he labels key practices that increase student learning. Dr. Martin nailed it for increased student success when he addressed the set expectation and practice of scheduling daily time for walk-throughs. The practices described here are not laden with edu-speak, but they are laden with truth. -- Linda Parker, EdD, deputy superintendent, Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD
Dr. Martin points out great instructional leaders not only can identify great instruction, but can ensure teachers share their understanding and expectations of classroom instruction. Identifying these concepts will help school districts better hire and train principals, resulting in improved instruction and student learning. -- Joe Harrington, EdD, assistant superintendent, Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD
This book is a great resource of information for both principals, and those training principals. It is rooted in practical application and focuses on instructional leadership that is both relevant and effective in increasing student achievement and teacher effectiveness. -- Garry Jameson, assistant superintendent, Farmersville ISD
Dr. Martin identifies several research-based, high-yield strategies that all principals should be leading if they are serious about improving student learning and achievement. Dr. Martin emphasis on principals as instructional leaders who understand and can discuss multiple components of good quality instruction is spot on. -- Damon Edwards, EdD, Deputy Superintendent, Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD

Long Description

Currently in education everyone is debating what is required to turn around struggling campuses. Some argue the need for additional programs, some suggest merit pay to bring in and retain the most effective teachers. What this book will argue is that is rests solely on the shoulders of the principal. As the book will discuss, it is the principals job to hire and train quality teachers to ensure students receive the high quality instruction they deserve. In order for principals to accomplish this task, there are certain aspects of instructional leadership they must understand and be able to put into practice. Principals first and foremost must truly understand instruction. Principals must understand how to evaluate students and teachers through formative assessment. Principals have to find ways to get into classrooms as opposed to finding ways that keep them out. Finally, principals must understand data well enough that they can truly hear the story the data is telling. It is through these aspects of instructional leadership that principals are able turn campuses around.

Review Quote

For those truly interested in improving instruction, this is an important read. Principals, central office administrators, and teachers will all benefit from these critical and effective strategies.

Details