Foreword by Virginia Hines
Preface
Acknowledgments
About the Author
"Guardian" by Katy Farber
Introduction
1. Standardized Testing
Effects on School Climate
Effects on Curriculum
Effects on Teaching Schedules and Learning Outcomes
Effects on Students
Recommendations for Administrators and Teacher Leaders
Words of Wisdom From Veteran Teachers
The Silver Lining: Personally Fulfilling
Hope on the Horizon: Reevaluating Our Standardized-Testing Culture
Additional Resources
2. Working Conditions in Today's Schools
Big Problem #1: Violence
Big Problem #2: Unsafe Schools
Small Problems That Add Up
Recommendations for Administrators and Teacher Leaders
Words of Wisdom From Veteran Teachers
Hope on the Horizon: Cities Adopt the Precautionary Principle
Success Stories: Green Schools
Additional Resources
3. Ever-Higher Expectations
Unrealistic Expectations
The Time Crunch: Do More With Less
Professional Development That Doesn't Speak to Real Concerns
The Threat to Health and Well-Being
Recommendations for Administrators and Teacher Leaders
Words of Wisdom From Veteran Teachers
Success Stories: Professional Learning Communities and Collaboration Time
The Silver Lining: Challenging and Always Changing
Additional Resources
4. Bureaucracy
Field Trips: No Good Deed Goes Unpunished
Committees: The Death of Creative Ideas
Purchase Orders and Closed Budgets
Scheduling: Not Ideal for Students or Teachers
Policy: Lack of Input
Recommendations for Administrators and Teacher Leaders
Words of Wisdom From Veteran Teachers
Success Stories: Real Life Integrated Learning
The Silver Lining: Making a Difference
Additional Resources
5. Respect and Compensation
Struggling to Make Ends Meet
Paying for School Supplies
A Culture of Disrespect
The Martyr System: Do More for Free
Recommendations for Administrators and Teacher Leaders
Words of Wisdom From Veteran Teachers
Success Stories: A Decent Working Wage
Hope on the Horizon: Teacher Pay and Respect in New York and Other States
The Silver Lining: Helping Children Learn and Grow
Additional Resources
6. Parents
Unrealistic Demands and No Limits
My Child Is Always Right
Helicopter Parents: Micromanaging the Classroom
Recommendations for Administrators and Teacher Leaders
Words of Wisdom From Veteran Teachers
Success Stories: Partnering to Help a Child Read and Participate
The Silver Lining: Contributing to a Community Over Time
Additional Resources
7. Administrators
The Pressure Cooker of the Principalship
Pressure From Parents
Testing Pressure
Time Pressure
Mentors Help Principals, Too
Recommendations for Administrators and Teacher Leaders
Words of Wisdom From Veteran Teachers
Success Stories: Principal Mentors Make a Difference
Additional Resources
8. School Boards
Shared Leadership
Uses and Abuses of Power
Recommendations for Administrators and Teacher Leaders
Words of Wisdom From Veteran Teachers
Success Stories: School Board, Administrator, and Teacher Teams
The Silver Lining: Buoyed by a Supportive Community
Hope on the Horizon: Teaming Up With Teachers
Additional Resources
Afterword: Final Thoughts
References
Index