Failure Is Not an Option TM . Six Principles That Guide Student Achievement in High Performing Schools

Editorial Review

"Failure Is Not an Option is a deeply passionate call to arms, combined with the wherewithal to take systematic, continuous, and effective action. A must read for all those interested in reform because it is simultaneously inspiring and practical."
From the Foreword by Michael Fullan, Dean
Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto
From the Foreword by Michael Fullan, DeanOntario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto
"This is a practical, well formatted book that is intellectually solid, emotionally inspiring, and practically accessible."
Andy Hargreaves, Thomas More Brennan Chair in Education
Lynch School of Education, Boston College
Andy Hargreaves, Thomas More Brennan Chair in EducationLynch School of Education, Boston College
"Both inspirational and eminently practical, Failure Is Not an Option can serve as a handbook for both strategic planning and classroom-by-classroom reworking. Any administrator who truly wishes to change his or her school can use this book as a manual from which to design every aspect of the change process."
Robert W. Cole, Educational writer and consultant
Louisville, KY
Robert W. Cole, Educational writer and consultantLouisville, KY "This book speaks to the spark of caring, generosity, and greatness in every child and provides caring adults with ideas and tools to unleash this potential. It leaves no part of the child behind, and leaves no adult on the sidelines."
Maurice J. Elias, Professor of Psychology
Rutgers University, New Jersey
Maurice J. Elias, Professor of PsychologyRutgers University, New Jersey
The powerful new guide to creating successful and sustainable professional learning communities!

Building on a foundation that identifies courageous school leadership and the professional learning community as the center of effective school reform, this powerful new book by Alan M. Blankstein offers six guiding principles for creating and sustaining high-performing schools:

1. Common mission, vision, values, and goals

2. Systems for prevention and intervention

3. Collaborative teaming for teaching and learning

4. Data driven decision making and continuous improvement

5. Active engagement from family and community

6. Building sustainable leadership capacity

Covering theory into practice, applications that include case studies and vignettes, and techniques for addressing difficult issues, the book also provides valuable dual perspectives on the critical issues: how implementation looks when it’s done right as well as when things go wrong. Failure Is Not an Option is sure to be the state-of-the-art resource that school leaders reach for when, in Michael Fullan’s words, they need "practical applications to perplexing problems."

See Facilitator's Guide to Failure Is Not an Option(TM)

(20070101)
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Customer Reviews

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2008-08-27
Yes, it is true that this book reads like all the others on the topic, and if you are a highly motivated teacher, much of this book makes perfect sense and is probably something you are more or less doing on a micro level. However, it is useful for schools to use for PD since it gives a framework by which staff can develop a common vision/purpose using data and the "mission statement" to guide their operation. Something to think about is that most teachers get into the profession to help kids and be a positive influence, but the truth is, most of the kids they teach do not "need" them. They already have a loving family and are self-motivated. But it is those other kids who are forgotten that this book seeks to save. Through proper modes of prevention, failure really can be a non-option.

This isn't the cure all, but it gives a good roadmap for how the issue of student achievement, or lack-thereof, can be talked successfully. In end, just remember why you became a teacher.

PD quote: I hope to die during pd, since the transition will be less shocking.

Success is not optional - Buy this book

2007-09-17
Speaks to you as if the author were sitting down for a chat. Excellent text for a Leadership Class. Quick Read!!!

Failure is not a option

2007-02-16
same ideals I have read time and time again,. nothing new and it cost to much.

Develops six guiding principles for creating and sustaining high-performing schools

2004-10-10
Failure Is Not An Option: Six Principles That Guide Student Achievement In High-performing Schools is an impressive introduction to enhancing student performance which directly addresses transforming theory into practice and illustrating diverse applications with case studies and vignettes. Failure Is Not An Option develops six guiding principles for creating and sustaining high-performing schools. Also available in a hardcover edition, Failure Is Not An Option is especially commended to the attention of administrators and faculty responsible for providing primary leadership in developing curriculum and policies for meeting enhanced federal and state standards for individual school and school district criteria under the "no child left behind" education standards for student academic performance levels.